William A. Lynch, 83, of Hypoluxo, Fla., and Sun Valley, Idaho, formally of Boise, Idaho, and New York, passed away Tuesday afternoon, May 4, 2010.
Bill was born on Dec. 1, 1926, to Myra Arnold and Walter Lynch in Boise. He spent his high school days in Boise and was offered a scholarship to Julliard School of Music. He enlisted in the Navy in 1943 before attending the University of Washington rather than being drafted into the Army. At Washington, he was in the J-2 program, which put him into the Marines. He served our country in the Korean War.
His career of some 35 years took him to IBM where he worked across the country in Seattle, Portland, Spokane, Kansas City, New York City and Armonk, N.Y. He also spent four years in Paris.
His retirement came in 1983 when he and his new bride, Wanda Ricker, settled in Delray Beach, Fla. Bill's love and knowledge of wine led him to open and run a family business (with Wanda, his son, Bob, and stepdaughter Tracy), The Gourmet Shoppe at Atlantic Plaza in Delray Beach, from 1986 to 1992.
He had a strong interest in music, manifested by his playing the violin in high school and a passion for the bass fiddle, which he enjoyed playing in numerous Dixieland bands. He was also an avid golfer, spent hours committed to community service and was a dedicated and adoring family man. He worked on the Foundation Board at Bethesda Hospital for 15 years, volunteered for the Bethesda/Delray Dunes Pro-Am golf tournament for 15 years, and served on the Gulfstream Planning and Zoning and Town Commission for 18 years.
Bill is survived by his wife, Wanda; two daughters, Susan Lynch from Venice Beach, Calif., and Sandy Lynch McQueen from Portland Ore; and one son, Bob Lynch from Charlotte, N.C. He was a loving stepfather to Tracy Rose Ricker of Delray Beach and Walter Ricker of Spokane Wash. He also leaves behind grandchildren Jonathan McQueen, Jimmy Rose, Charlie and Van Ricker, and Nora and Benjamin Nelson.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 7, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Delray Beach.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the following organizations: Alzheimer's Association Southeast Florida Chapter at 3333 Forest Hill Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33406-56812; Hospice of Palm Beach County, 5300 East Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33407; St. Paul's Episcopal Church; or St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Box 1240, Ketchum ID 83340.
Lorne & Sons Funeral Home in Delray Beach is in charge of arrangements.
