William C. “Bill” McHenry died on Thursday, April 6, 2017, at the age of 79, after a long courageous battle with cancer.
“The Los Robles hospital staff provided him with comfort and compassionate care,” a loved one said. “Bill felt blessed to live and work in Malibu since his family moved here in 1949.”
He was owner of Malibu Landscape Company and a real estate entrepreneur who enjoyed sharing and mentoring others.
Bill, an Air Force veteran, graduated Santa Monica High School in 1955 and Cal Poly, Pomona in 1960.
Bill developed an early interest in automobiles that continued throughout his life. He owned many classic cars and enjoyed showing them at the Chili Cook-Off and Point Dume Parades.
He looked forward to daily bike rides along Zuma Beach, enjoying his encounters with squirrels, birds, whales and dolphins.
“He relished his often lengthy conversations with other beach goers and made many friends along the way,” a loved one said. “No one was a stranger!”
Through his life his dogs and cats brought him great joy and companionship. He was most happy working in his nursery at his home along Zuma Creek. He was a devoted care giver to his mother, Eleanore, in her last years at her home on Bonsall Dr.
Bill made many motorhome trips to Yosemite, Lake Tahoe and Baja California. Biking, kayaking and motorcycling in nature made him happy, allowing him to spend time with family and friends. He made several camping trips with his bike and motorcycle to Hawaii.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents Roy W. and Eleanore McHenry of Malibu and former wife Polly Meyers. He is survived by brother James McHenry and wife Sandra of Fresno and Malibu; brother Michael McHenry and wife Ellen of Sunnyvale, Calif.; niece Mary McHenry of Tracy, Calif.; nephew Robert McHenry and wife Tanya of Saratoga, Calif.; and their children, Bridget, Laila and Madalyn.
A family graveside service will be held at the McHenry plot in Lompoc, Calif. A celebration of Bill’s life will take place at a later date.