Meet Our Donors
People Helping People: Bill Warrick
"My appreciation of Retirement Housing Foundation's mission and mode of operation began in the early 1990's and matured rather quickly to the high level where it continues today. The process was hastened by the opportunity to attend occasional RHF meetings and to visit their communities in California and several other states," says William (Bill) Warrick.
When asked what he thinks makes RHF so special, Bill replies, "From my earliest observations it was easy to sense the quiet dedication and spirit of the national Board of Directors and local Boards. These talented and experienced people from various walks of life are carefully evaluated before being invited to join as non-paid volunteers. Management and other key employees at the Long Beach headquarters and in the field display strong talent and enthusiasm for the mission of the organization."
Bill Warrick was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania. His father (also Bill) was a Civil Engineer with the Pennsylvania Department of Highways. "Dad Bill" was transferred to various cities in the state while "young Bill" was proceeding through his early school years.
After graduating from high school in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania and a military tour in Europe during WWII, "young Bill" returned to earn college degrees from Penn State and the University of Pittsburgh. After graduation he began work for Atlantic Refining Company, a major oil company which later became ARCO. Over a period of 35 years at ARCO, during which the company acquired two other major oil companies, Richfield Oil Corporation and Sinclair Oil Company. Bill held several management positions in Sales & Operations, Corporate Planning, and finally as Manager, Distribution Engineering.
In the summer of 1985, business associates at ARCO Chemical Company advised Bill that a company in Spain, with which they had two major projects, was interested in his background and would like to contact Bill regarding a consulting position which could help their entry into what was then called the European Common Market. Bill met with the President and Board Chair of what is today's Repsol, accepted the position, and 10 weeks later moved to Madrid for 2 years, followed by 12 more years of consulting work in the United States and visits to Spain.
Bill and Jean Moore were acquainted at ARCO, but he knew nothing about RHF until 1991 when they were preparing to be married. He learned quickly, however, about Jean's long-time dedication to RHF's work as the first woman member of the Board of Directors. She served on the Board until her death in 2004, and was Board Chair from 1994 to 1999.
We are saddened by Jean's untimely death, but pleased that Bill remains dedicated, not only by his monetary support to the RHF Mission, but also by his continuing service on the RHF Advisory Commission and as Vice President of the RHF Foundation Board of Directors. His management experience is valuable to RHF.
During their 13-year marriage, Bill and Jean traveled together to many places in the world. One of their highlights was in 1994 when they attended the emotional and historic 50th Anniversary of D-Day on the beaches of Normandy. In 1994 Bill and Jean visited the WWI battlefields where his father saw heavy combat as an artillery forward observer.
Bill has many interests including travel, reading, golf, growing roses and of course RHF. He lives in San Diego with a large orange Tabby cat, "Mr. Miles."
He is proud to have included RHF in his estate plans. He states, "RHF is a people-friendly organization which merits broad support from those able to help! I am proud to be a Circle of Friends donor and provide help for generations to come. It's all about people – those helping and those helped."
