William “Bill” Dawson Stiles passed away peacefully on August 3, 2026, just two days after celebrating his 92nd birthday. He is survived by his beloved wife, Patrica; his five children; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought him tremendous joy throughout his life.

Bill was fortunate to spend the final months of his life surrounded by family at the home of his daughter Nancy and her husband, Dennis. Nancy and Dennis, their children and grandchildren, along with Bill’s youngest son, Mike, and his family, provided him with loving care and companionship. During those final months, Bill was still able to do many of the things he loved most—catch fish, sit around a campfire, watch a sunset, and enjoy the company of family and friends. Many other members of his family were also able to visit, creating special memories that will be cherished.

Bill was born on August 1, 1934, in Altona, New York, the youngest of eight children—six boys and two girls. He grew up in the Altona area and graduated from high school in 1950. During his school years, Bill was a talented athlete, excelling in baseball and basketball while also taking an active part in other school activities.

Bill served in the United States Army, where he was stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey and left service with a honorary discharge. After his military service, he moved to Albany, New York, where he worked in the General Electric Apprentice Program.

Bill met his first wife, Ellen Gail Waldron, in Albany. They welcomed their first child before returning to the Altona area. Bill later attended Plattsburgh State University, where he earned degrees in mathematics and education.

As their family grew to five children, William, Gail, Michael, Mary and Nancy, Bill and Ellen eventually moved to Saranac Lake, New York. There, Bill began a long and rewarding career as a teacher and coach. He coached basketball and soccer and took great pride in his students and athletes. His 1976 junior varsity basketball team won the NAC championship, a memorable achievement in a career filled with many special moments.

Saranac Lake proved to be a wonderful place for Bill and Ellen to raise their family. It also provided Bill with the opportunity to pursue one of his lifelong passions—fly fishing. He spent countless days fishing with family and friends, creating memories that lasted a lifetime.

Bill also loved traveling and camping, and his family was fortunate to visit many of the country’s national parks together. In 1977, Bill and Ellen divorced. A few years later, Bill met Patrica Cotter, who would become his second wife and partner for the rest of his life. They married in 1980 which expanded the family with the addition of Patrica children, Jill and Jeff and eventually their children and grand-children. Shortly after, Bill and Patrica moved to New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Bill and Patrica had just celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary on Bill’s 92nd birthday.

In Florida, Bill opened a business selling and servicing televisions before returning to teaching. He continued his career as an educator until his retirement in 1996.

Throughout the years, Bill continued to enjoy the things that had always brought him happiness. He and Pat spent time improving and enjoying their camp in the Adirondacks, traveling, fishing, and restoring Bill’s beloved old Ford automobiles. He especially treasured the many trips to Alaska he shared with family and friends. Those adventures became the source of stories and memories that were told and retold around campfires for years to come.

The Adirondack camp held a particularly special place in Bill’s heart. It was a gathering place where generations of family made memories together. There were days spent splashing in the creek, sitting around the campfire, exploring the woods, making woodsy crafts, eating blueberry pancakes and fried brook trout, and simply enjoying one another’s company. For Bill, these simple moments with family were among life’s greatest treasures.

Bill will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, coach, outdoorsman, traveler, fisherman, and friend. More than anything, he will be remembered for his love of family, his appreciation for the outdoors, and his ability to find joy in the simple pleasures of life.

The family extends special thanks to the Vero Beach Hospice organization and to the compassionate caregivers from Visiting Nurses Association of Florida who came to sit with Bill and provide support and companionship during his final months.

Bill leaves behind a lifetime of stories, adventures, lessons, and memories. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the many people he taught and coached, and in every campfire, fishing trip, sunset, and Adirondack memory shared by those who knew and loved him.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.