William A. Calderwood

William A. Calderwood MD, 1941-2017.Bill embarked on his next journey Wednesday, June 14, 2017 when his loving heart could no longer overcome his illness.He is survived by his soulmate and wife of 38 years Nancy, daughter Lisa (Scott) Hereder, son William II (Andrea), son Chris (Maureen), son Adam, six grandchildren, one great grandchild, and many more loved ones. He was born February 3, 1941 in Wichita, KS. At 12, he was sent to the Montana/Idaho/Washington area to live with his grandparents. When Bill was 17, his grandfather was transferred to Tres Marias, Brazil and Bill lived there one summer. He loved his time in Brazil, but returned to the U.S. to live with his Aunt Bernie to finish high school. He graduated from Topeka High School in 1959 as valedictorian of his class. He was awarded a scholarship to attend the University of Kansas, earning a BA in 1963 with majors in biology and English. He studied abroad in Barcelona. He then completed Kansas University Medical School in 1968 where he specialized in family medicine. During the Vietnam War, he served in the Navy as a lieutenant. He was assigned as ship's physician to the USS Observation Island during missions for research and development of the Polaris and Poseidon missiles. After serving honorably, he moved to Washington, KS (population 1800) to start his first practice. Office visits were $3 and sometimes he was paid in beef, chickens, or produce. He next moved to Salina, KS, where he practiced until 1980. He served as Chief of Staff at St. John's Hospital for part of that time and also as coroner for the 20th Judicial District. He met Nancy in 1976 at Asbury Hospital, where she worked as a nurse in the intensive care unit. He was a member of the Freemasons, Shriners, and York Rite. He cherished his many adventures while traveling, skiing, scuba diving and fishing, especially those shared with his children. He was also a pilot and a lifelong learner, always challenging his intellectual capacities. He was awarded a US Patent in 1989. In 1980, he and Nancy moved to Arizona, where he joined a practice in Sun City. He eventually established a solo practice in Sun City West, specializing in geriatrics. He was also a professor of medicine for 16 years for Midwestern University in Glendale. He was a preceptor for many medical students during this time, which he greatly enjoyed. He was enthusiastic about guiding students in the profession he loved so much. His heart was broken when his illness forced him to leave his patients and the practice of medicine. His passion for caring for his patients was only matched by his tremendous love of his family. We will most miss his humor, compassion, and love. The family wishes to thank the many people who touched his life with caring compassion during his illness.A celebration of Bill's life will be held Saturday, June 24th at 2:00 P.M. at Heritage Funeral Chapel, 6830 W. Thunderbird Rd., Peoria, AZ. Please bring your stories to share!In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to Families of SMA (curesma.org) or Make-A-Wish (wish.org).