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Memorial Keepers(2)
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Bill Kolb
January 10th, 1961 - May 4th, 2020
January 10th, 1961 - May 4th, 2020
William John (Bill) Kolb, age 59, died unexpectedly on May 4, 2020. He is survived by his wife Irene and two daughters, Rachel and Leigh. Bill moved to Albuquerque from Buffalo, New York in 1982, after which he had a nearly 35-year career at Sandia National Laboratories, where he retired as a Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff in 2017. He will be remembered by his family and friends for his curious and passionate nature, quick wit, deep love for mountain biking and camping, skill with tinkering and craftsmanship, and dedication to his wife and daughters. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Albuquerque Christian Children’s Home.
On this Keeper page, we invite you to share your memories, photos, and mementos of Bill. Consider the following prompts as you share:
- How did you and Bill meet and get to know each other? What qualities will you remember most about him?
- What is your favorite memory of Bill? When and where did it happen, and how?
- Do you have any photos or specific stories to share that encapsulate something special about Bill, or about the bond you shared together?
We look forward to celebrating Bill's life in this virtual space and compiling memories together.
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Tributes
Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Bill’s life with a heartfelt message.
Taylor Avina
Growing up friends with Rachel, I always loved talking to Bill at the barn and at the Kolbs’ home. He was always kind, welcoming, and goofy in a way that set the mood at ease. He set an example for parenting, partnership, ingenuity, and generosity of spirit that I treasure. My favorite memories of him are of his good-natured nurturing of Rachel’s and my antics at sleepovers, and of our epic group backpacking trip at Latir Lake, NM. I cherish those memories, and despite growing up and moving away I’m glad I got to see him again in December 2018. I feel lucky to have known him.
Denise Mccabe
Bill and Irene invited us to their house to pick Apples from their trees. We had a great time and it is a great memory we have of Bill.
Reagan
This is a photo when I was the fifth wheel on a Kolb family vacation to France and the UK. The Kolbs were generous to let me tag along and they all, but Bill ("Mr. Kolb") especially, made me feel welcome and one of the gang. We had a fun picnic by the Eiffel Tower, tried on crazy hats at Harrod's, and went to many museums. I saw Bill again when I visited Rachel in New Mexico, and then whenever he and Irene would visit Stanford. I was always impressed with his optimism and good cheer. He was friendly and happy with everyone he met and he wasn't afraid to poke fun of Rachel when she needed it :) Praying for the Kolb family and sending hugs.
Denise Mccabe
Picture day at the Solar Tower. Randy, a photographer at the tower, took many pictures of Bill, Josh and I. Good times. I miss you Bill!
Denise Mccabe
Bill was just full of energy at the Solar Tower. This is a photo of when we were looking for a piece of equipment and he just randomly put this head piece on to be silly. He always made me laugh. He made our normal work days fun. He had encouraging words, guidance and listened. If there was a problem, he wanted to fix it. If someone was having a bad day, he was there making sure their day was better. If it was quiet around the lunch table, he would be the first to make a joke or tease someone. Bill talked about Irene and his daughters all the time. He loved them! Bill was a successful employee at the Solar Tower. He was fun, caring, professional and very smart. What you see is what you get kind of guy. I miss this guy! Denise
Rich Diver
I met Bill at the Solar Tower where he was of immense help to my projects in general, but the Remote Dish project in particular. Up until then getting faculties support was typically an uphill battle. Not with Bill! He jumped in and became a major asset right from the start. I recall one humorous incident where he ordered something like 80 bathmats which we used as mirror covers on our Remote Dish project. Apparently, it was flagged by our purchasing department, which Bill had to explain. He took it in stride and in great humor. Working with him was a joy.
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