William Niles Wishard, III (Bill)

William Niles Wishard, III, born in Indianapolis,Indiana, on June 26, 1941, and a 20 year residentof Malibu, Califomia, died peacefully on January 1?, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was a devoted son, father and grandfather, loving brother, uncle, cousin, and a dedicated alumnus. He had a krnack for being in the right place at the right time, and the instinct and perseverance to turn chance encounters into golden opportunities. He was an enthusiast for adventure, world history, and all things automobile-related. He attended 25+ Indianapolis 500 races with his cousin Jerry.

Known affectionately as 'Bill,' 'Will,' or 'Mr. Rotary,' he was the middle child born to Dr. William Niles Wishard, Jr. and Carolyn Davis Wishard. Bill was from a long line of pioneers in medicine and spiritual leaders dedicated to humanitarianism. Each organization, institution, or club that Bill participated in over his lifetime became a thread in the fabric of his identity. After graduating from Park School (Class of 1959), Bill entered Williams College (Class of 1964) as a premed student and pledged Psi Upsilon Fraternity to continue his service to society. After his sophomore year at Williams, Bill took a year's leave to participate in an organization working to promote conflict resolution and nation-building throughout Southeast Asia. After returning to Williams, he had a private conversation with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. after a speech at Williams College. Dr. King encouraged him to keep believing in his own dream of "changing the world through changing people's hearts." This inspired Bill to dro phis pre-medical path way and locus on intemational community-engaged humanitarian work with youth to build understanding and unity in a changing world.

Across 27 countries and six continents, Bill fulfilled this charge through his work with Up With People, 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, Elan Vital, Williams College Alumni Association, Psi Upsilon Fratemity, Rotary International, Daniel Freeman Memorial Hospital Brain Injury Alumni Association, Wings Over Wendy's, the U.S. Census, and as a federal election poll worker. He produced the first Super Bowl Half-lime Show featuring Up With People, which became the only musical group to perform at the Super Bowl Half-time four times. Bill Wishard lived an inspiring life as a father, community leader, and ambassador of hope and peace. He worked to lift others through his world, his friendships, his devotion to family history, and his everyday actions. Bill never met a stranger, and his lasting impact on so many individuals made him many life-long friends.

Bill is survived by his daughters and sons-in laws; his best friend and former wife, Mary Wishard, and her partner Randy Lamont; his sister and brother-in-law; his brother and sister-in-law; his cousins; his nieces, nephews and their beloved children whom he adored along with his own grandchildren. The family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to the organizations that were so important to Bill: Psi Upsilon Fraternity, Park Tudor School, Wiliiarns College Alumni Fund: in memory of Viirlliam Wishard Ill, class of 1964