Obituary

Our father, William M. Challinor, passed into the loving arms of the Lord during his sleep on Sunday, July 17, 2016.  He was born on August 20, 1933 in Chicago, Ill to Samuel and Rose Challinor.  Dad grew up in Chicago and attended Stienmetz High School where he was an award winning swimmer on the swim team. He was also a hunky lifeguard at Lake Michigan and local pools in the area. Dad took his responsibility of Lifeguarding seriously and received many honors for his heroism in saving the lives of drowning victims.

He met and married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Marie Azzato, in 1954. Together they had three daughters, and settled in Phoenix, AZ where they lived happily together for 62 years.

The United States Air Force was fortunate enough to have Dad serving for 8 years as a Staff Sergeant during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed all over the world repairing fighter jets and making conditions safe for U.S. pilots. From Dad’s life experiences, Dad taught us the meaning of diligence, commitment, and the sweet rewards of working hard.

Later, he and Mom owned their own custom printing company where their dedication and strong work ethic provided for their family.  They were a team to be reckoned with.

Dad was the happiest when he was with his family. He had a great sense of humor and lived life to the fullest.  He always lit up when his children and grandchildren entered the room.  His adventurousness and zest for life kept him young at heart.  Meshing his passion for teaching his children and grandchildren to swim, boating, traveling with Mom, snow skiing, his love for tennis, and taking care of his family; dad lived a rich and varied life.  His adventurous spirit and fatherly love drove him to do anything for his children. We knew we were loved.

If you knew Dad, you learned a lot from him, but the one thing we will always remember was that Dad loved to sing and almost always had a twinkle in his eye.

There are very few people who come into our lives who make such a positive impact.  His spirit was generous, his heart was kind and he was truly an exceptional person.  We who had Dad in our lives are grateful and blessed. He was taken from us too soon and his gentle spirit will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers of Hospice of the Valley in Surprise.  They made Dad’s last days comfortable and safe.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years; Marie Challinor, three daughters; Deborah Surabian, Denice Marston, and Kelli Maxson; three son-in-laws, Albert Surabian, Paul Marston, and John Maxson, four grandchildren; Garrett, Ryan, Michael, Samantha; two step grandchildren Michael, and Matthew;  one great-grandchild, Trysten, and two step-great-grandchildren, Sarah, and Caroline.

A memorial Service will be held at St. John Vianney Roman Catholic Church in Goodyear, AZ on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at 10:00am followed by a reception at The Club House at CantaMia in Goodyear, AZ.

Remembrances may be made to the St. John Vianney School fund, 539 La Posada Blvd. Goodyear, AZ.