Dr. William L. “Bill” Green

August 4, 1944 - January 14, 2023

Dr. William Louis “Bill” Green, beloved San Francisco orthopaedic surgeon, father, husband, brother, and friend, passed away on January 14th, 2023, at the age of 78, in the place he loved most: Hamilton, Montana. Bill lived with enthusiasm, and carpe diem was his motto. He was intelligent, hopeful, ambitious, hardworking, joyful, and wholly engaged in all aspects of his life. Bill loved life – and wow, what a life he lived.

Bill was born in the Corn Belt of Rushville, Indiana, in 1944 to Jean Green, a former journalist for the Washington Star (a Green before she married a Green), and Dr. Frank Green, a General Practitioner. He and his eldest brother (David) became the fifth generation of Dr. Greens. He spent his childhood fishing, hunting, golfing, tending to the pigs, and shoveling manure around the family farm. His dad believed that the latter would garner humility. Because he was the youngest of three boys, nothing was handed to him. His fighting spirit, combined with considerable talent and charm, served him well in all areas of life.

Dr. Green attended Rushville High School and Indiana University undergrad, where he was a Beta Theta Pi fraternity member. He also earned his medical degree from Indiana University with distinction from the AOA national medical honor society. He completed his internship at San Francisco General, orthopaedic residency at UC San Francisco, and hand fellowship at the Campbell Clinic in Memphis, TN. He served as a Major and hand surgeon for the Air Force at Travis AFB before joining his mentors, John Callander and Rick Bost, in private practice in San Francisco, where he worked from 1977 until his retirement in 2016.

Dr. Green built a reputation as an esteemed orthopaedic surgeon and was sought out for his technical prowess and warm and gentle bedside manner. He was the hand specialist for the Oakland A’s, San Francisco Ballet, and the Golden State Warriors, and an adjunct professor at U.C. San Francisco. He also volunteered as a medical missionary with Operation Rainbow, where he traveled to Chile, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Ecuador.

While in medical school, Bill was set up on a blind date with a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. His original date couldn’t make it, but Holly Romans stepped in as the substitute, and the rest is history. Bill and Holly were married in December of 1967 and raised their three children in Kentfield, California. Bill was a devoted husband and unconditionally loving father. He beamed with pride for his family. One of the great joys of his life was when his son William “Scott” Green joined his medical practice, California Pacific Orthopaedics, as a hand specialist and carried on the family legacy.

Bill set an example of how to live a full life professionally and personally. He was rich with friendships that he took care to cultivate. Some of his favorite memories were on the river, the golf course, the tennis court, or the dance floor letting loose with his friends. Bill never missed a party, and he spread joy to all those in his orbit with that twinkle in his eyes, warm smile, and disarming wit.

Dr. Green was a member of the San Francisco Golf Club, Bohemian Club, Stockfarm Club, and Lagunitas Country Club and volunteered for The Guardsmen as a young man.

Bill was an athlete. At his height, he could boast a four handicap in golf. He parred Pebble Beach Golf Club and was so tenacious at the Stockfarm Club that the club created an award in his name called “The Grinder.” He was sought after for his golf abilities and was a U.S. Seniors Golf Association member. In his mid-50s, he took up running, competed in Marin County’s Dipsea race for several years, and won a coveted black shirt. He was an avid fly fisherman, and one year his team placed second in the Jackson Hole One Fly competition.

In 1999, Bill and Holly bought property in Hamilton, Montana, and built a beautiful home on the river they named “Grizzly Green.” They adored hosting family and friends from all over the country and introducing them to their slice of heaven. In retirement, they moved to Montana full-time, but Bill did not stay idle. Within two years, he published a book, “The History of Stockfarm and More,” and personally built a nine-hole golf course on his property.

Bill’s character shined in his battle with Parkinson’s. He would say, “Don’t let the old man in,” and his valiant effort and optimism every day were an inspiration. We are grateful to his caretakers, Alex Chavez and Betty Belshe, who supported Bill in his final years.

Bill is survived by his wife of 55 years, Holly Green; his brother, John C. Green (Tracey); his children Aimee Logan (Eric Leaf), Mimi O’Connell (Robin), and Scott Green (Emily) and his six grandchildren, Brooke, Briar, and Cole O’Connell and Lily, Annabelle, and Will Green.

A celebration of life will be held in San Francisco. Please contact the family directly for details. A second celebration of life will be held in Montana in the summer of 2023. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in his name to The Guardsman Campership Programs or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.