William Westendorff Obituary

Bill Westendorff was born to Clarence and Marion (Ott) Westendorff in 1940, a pure Low Country boy, fishing, crabbing and gigging flounder in the marshes around Sullivan's Island, SC. After graduating from North Charleston HS, he served at Tindel Air Force Base. Bill married Mary Ann Greiner and they had two daughters, Kim and Kris. The Westendorff family moved back to Charleston where Bill and his brother John owned and operated White Horse Inn restaurants in North Charleston, Downtown, and Summerville. They also opened Charlie's (one of Charleston's first discos). After an inspirational trip to Durango, Bill and his family moved to the Animas Valley. Bill sold real estate and opened BW Shay's restaurant downtown Durango with Paula and Bruce Berg. Bill owned and operated the Pinewind Mobile Home Park in Hesperus for more than 20 years. He was active in the community, serving as the president of the local Realtors association, on the County Planning Commission, and running for County Commissioner. After Bill's first marriage ended in the 1990s, he discovered the wonders of Baja California. Bill traveled several months each year, camping and fishing there, especially at San Lucas Cove. Bill married Julie Holligan in Durango and they lived a loving, fulfilling life for 23 years, enjoying horses in the San Juans, fishing in Baja, camping and traveling. Recently Bill and Julie moved to Charleston so Bill could live out his days "back home." Bill passed at home, with Julie and his dog with him, and with optimism for the future. Bill said he lived a good life, fondly remembering his days on beaches and in the marshes, fishing the 110, eating fresh fish and crabs and being with his friends and family. Bill is survived by his wife Julie; siblings John (Melva) Westendorff of North Charleston and Patty (Don) Damewood of Wando, SC; daughters Kim Stewart and Kris (Matt) Coleman; grandchildren Cristin and Ryan Pivonka, Trevon Stewart, Dillon and Conner (Lauren) Coleman; four great grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Clarence, Jr., David, Edward, and sister Eleanor Westendorff. A service will occur on April 18 on Sullivan's Island. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to La Plata Open Space Conservancy, P.O. Box 1651, Durango, CO 81302.