William Robert Cathcart

William Robert Cathcart, 74, of Temecula, CA, passed away on January 12, 2021 after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. Bill was born on May 29, 1946 in Alhambra, CA to James Cunningham and Juanita Mae Cathcart. The family moved to Spokane, Washington in 1958. After graduating from West Valley High School in 1965, Bill went on to have a series of jobs before landing in the real estate industry. Starting as a real estate agent, Bill was highly regarded in the mortgage business, eventually graduating to title officer and then loan officer. In Spokane, there was a long running mortgage company TV ad featuring Bill as Andy Rooney complete with grey hair and demeanor. Bill met the love of his life, Debbie Louden, in 1989 and they married in 1993. Deciding that they wanted more sun in their life, they moved to Southern California in 1999, and made a wonderful life there full of friends and adventures. Karaoke was Bill’s way to display his personality and follow in the footsteps of his big band singer dad. With his gravelly voice and his stage presence, he often imitated Louie Armstrong, drawing loud applause from the regulars. Some even said he performed Georgia better than Ray Charles. Bill seemed to draw a crowd no matter where he was. There did not need to be a microphone, spotlight, or venue for him to be the center of attention with wisecracks, teasing, and some sort of performance. Bill’s superpower was his complete lack of concern that he would appear silly or immature. He would tell outrageous jokes and stories, and was so good-natured that even those who were the target of his jokes and stories couldn’t help but join in the laughter. Bill was an avid golfer and racquetball player, slaying the competition on both fronts. He was extremely competitive in both arenas, but also loved the camaraderie that these sports offered. Dogs, dogs, and more dogs: they have always been a part of Bill’s life. From the mutts to the purebreds, he loved them all, and he was rarely without one by his side. From his first dog, Snipper, to his last pup, Riley, here’s hoping he is met by all of them when he gets to where he is going. Bill is preceded in death by his parents Jimmy and Mae Cathcart. He is survived by his wife, Debbie, his daughters, Stephanie Crinklaw (Matt), Kellie Barton (Jeff), and Kristen Leake, his brothers, James Cathcart (Barbara) and Thomas Cathcart (Janet), and six beautiful grandchildren. A celebration of life will take place at a later date when it is appropriate to gather again. And as Bill would say, in his best Bill Murray imitation, “So, you know, I got that going for me.”