William "Bill" Reimal

Gilroyan since 1967

Born Merton William Reimal Jr. on August 10, 1935, in Paola, Kansas. The family traveled west and eventually settled in Arroyo Grande, CA. Bill was an outstanding athlete growing up. He had the opportunity to play football throughout high school and college, and he excelled in the sport. Bill graduated from Arroyo Grande High School in 1950. From there he went on to graduate from Antelope Valley Junior College in 1956. Bill made the decision to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1957. He gave two years of service working as a Water Supply Specialist. Bill continued his educational journey graduating from Fresno State in 1960. He obtained employment as a P.E. Teacher with Standard Junior High School in Bakersfield, Ca. that same year.

It was at Standard Junior High School where Bill met Benita. His childhood friend Bill Bettencourt set up the ‘blind date’ after Bill spotted Benita making coffee at a school district meeting. She was teaching 5th grade. Bill was teaching history and coaching baseball, basketball, and football. On April 14,1962 Bill married his beloved Benita Carmen Leon.

Benita provided constant support and encouragement as Bill desired to continue his pursuit of an advanced education along with prospering in his career.

It was also in 1962, when Bill was hired as a teacher and coach at Mt. Whitney High School in Visalia, CA. He subsequently transferred to Redwood High School in 1964, continuing to work as a teacher and coach. In 1967, Bill obtained his Master of Arts in Education Degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. It was that same year when he retained employment as a Student Counselor and wrestling coach with Gavilan Junior College in Gilroy. Moving his family from Visalia to Gilroy and purchasing their first home on Princevalle Street was the beginning of setting down roots in Santa Clara Valley.

In 1968, Bill was appointed ‘acting’ Dean of Students of Gavilan College. The following year he was appointed Dean of Students. Bill enjoyed working with so many of the staff and students at Gavilan. It was in 1975, when he was named Dean of Instruction. Bill was a lifelong learner. He believed wholeheartedly in the gift of education. In August of 1976, Bill obtained his Doctorate (Doctor of Education) from the University of Northern Colorado, given at Greeley, Colorado. He continued to work at Gavilan until his retirement in 1985.

In that same year, after retiring from Gavilan, he was hired as Vice President of Pacific Valley Bank in Gilroy. He was employed for just a few short years with the bank before obtaining his California Real Estate License and launching into the next chapter of his life, as a successful businessman and real estate investor.

In 1994, Bill and Gene Wells established Wells & Reimal Real Estate. Their business was very successful and helped to create many opportunities for growth benefiting the people of Gilroy.

Bill was known to be a great man, a man of his word. He contributed positively to the lives of many and for many causes.

He participated on the Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee; the Garlic Festival Board of Directors; the Gavilan Water District Board; he participated on the Board of Directors for the Gilroy Economic Development Corp; he was a Task Force Chair to recommend definition of Neighborhood District (to City Council); Bill was Rotary Club President 1989-1990, and an active member; Founding Member of the Gilroy Tennis Club and a Board Member of the St. Louise Regional Hospital Board, Daughters of Charity Health System.

His greatest success was his contribution and service as a loving husband to Benita, whom he cared for intently as she struggled with Parkinson’s disease in the later years of her life. After her passing it was his grandson Larry Jr. who had the idea of ‘gifting’ him the family dog. Bill found Red to be a great companion and often said ‘he has been a wonderful mate’. It was not unusual to see Bill driving his 1956 T-Bird around town with Red sitting proudly by his side. Bill’s role as a strong family man is undeniable, he was always just a phone call away. His wise counsel and listening ear proved to be some of his greatest attributes. Lastly, he truly loved being a grandfather, as this role seemed to bring him an extra dash of joy.

Bill passed peacefully at home just seven days after celebrating his 91st birthday.

He is preceded in death by his beautiful wife Benita.

Bill is survived by daughter Teresa Reimal, son Larry Reimal, daughter-in-law Camille Reimal, granddaughters Caitlyn and Carissa; Rebeca and Rachel; grandson Larry Jr.; grandsons Joshua and Jonathan; great-grandchildren Audrey and Graham.

In addition, he is survived by sister Linda and brother-in-law Mike Hurley, brother Dwight Corella and sister-in-law Connie, brother-in-law Loren Dahl, sister-in-law Linda Reimal as well as many nieces and nephews. He is now reunited in Heaven with his beautiful wife Benita, his parents Evelyn and Joe Corella and Merton Reimal; older brother Robert, sister Druanna, sister Luada, brother Patrick, brother Donald and sister Ramona.

Bill enjoyed serving the community and always made himself available for the causes he believed in. The Rotary Club was a special place for him, and he made many friends within the group.

Please consider donating to The Gilroy Rotary Club in honor of Bill and/or a monetary gift to the St. Joseph’s Food Pantry in honor of both Bill and Benita Reimal.

Private Family Service and Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.