William A. "Bill" Beattie, age 63, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 10, 2017 after a 4-year struggle from a stroke he suffered in January 2013.

Bill, a life-long resident of Lompoc, was born November 21, 1953. A gregarious and fun-loving child, he was affectionately dubbed "Pistol Bill" as a toddler.

He attended La Purisima Catholic School and graduated from Lompoc High School in 1971. He treasured his time on the Lompoc Braves football and wrestling teams and the many friendships developed there. Bill attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he studied Agricultural Engineering.

Bill enjoyed farming and worked with his father on the family farm for several years. He excelled in welding, and creating and repairing everything from farm equipment to furniture. Bill had a talent for cooking, and he was happiest when he was cooking and entertaining family and friends. He had a great sense of humor and a keen wit. There were many delicious barbecues and sumptuous gourmet meals shared with us on birthdays and holidays.

Bill may best be remembered by his involvement with the Lompoc Elks Lodge, where he was a devoted volunteer. He was "Elk of the Year" in 1996. He was also a past chairman of the Trustees, and spent several years as chairman of the Flower Festival Food Booth with his co-chair and good friend, Dean Kays. Bill also chaired the "Aide to Local Handicapped" committee, the AYSO Spaghetti Dinners, and one Friday each month worked with "The Vets Push." He was Drug Awareness Chairman, Membership Chairman, and his pet project was the "Happy Happening," the Spring fishing outing. You would often see Bill on the Traveling BBQ Team, in the Lodge, cooking, bartending, washing glasses, carrying ice, or anything else he could do to help. The camaraderie of work and play, spirit and friendship at the Elks was a major part of his life. Bill was also a dedicated donor for decades to the Tri-Counties Blood Bank.

Bill is predeceased by his father, John A. Beattie in 1983; his maternal grandparents, Antonio and Stella Guerra; his paternal grandparents, Herb and Hattie Beattie. He is survived by his mother, Mary T. Beattie, of Lompoc; his sister, Pattie Beattie O'Doherty, his brother-in-law, Martin O'Doherty, his niece, Annelise O'Doherty, all of Camarillo; Aunts, Della Rider, Angie Guerra, Jerry Beattie; and Uncle, Louie Guerra, all of Lompoc; and cousins and cherished friends.

Viewing will be held at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary in Lompoc on Tuesday, March 21, 2017, from 4-6 PM, with the recitation of the Rosary at 6:30 PM. The mass of Christian burial will be held at La Purisima Catholic Church on Thursday, March 23, 2017, at 10:00 AM, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Lompoc Elks Lodge at 11:30 AM.

Please consider a donation to the Lompoc Elks Lodge #2274, "Aide to Local Handicapped" in remembrance of Bill.