William Sevald

March 31, 1946 - November 13, 2022

William M. “Bill” Sevald (1946 – 2022)

Bill Sevald was admitted to San Francisco’s California Pacific Medical Center Intensive Care Unit in respiratory distress on 22 October and as only a former elite athlete could, fought through the initial and multiple subsequent episodes of pulmonary crisis before passing away on 13 November at age 76.

Born in Detroit, Bill grew up in suburban Royal Oak, Michigan. He graduated from George A. Dondero High School in 1964 and Kalamazoo College in 1969.

After graduation Bill traveled west to San Francisco. There he gained employment as a computer programmer, organizational change project leader, financial consultant, and bank auditor. When he wasn’t auditing banks, he relentlessly pursued his goal of competing in an Olympic marathon, just missing the U.S. trial qualifying time at the age of 35.

Bill published three novels and numerous essays on a wide variety of subjects. Additionally, he stage-directed locally produced operas to critical acclaim.

Throughout, Bill had the rare ability to focus deeply on a subject once it gained his interest and as it turned out he was interested in a great many things. His novel, The Stuttering Jock’s Opera appears to one who knew him as somewhat autobiographical - the title character “H*” is described as shy, introspective, and self-depreciating and yet and always as a surprise to himself, capable of amazing feats – in all respects H* is an accurate depiction of Bill, the book’s author.

A celebration of Bill’s life is planned for the weekend of June 24 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.