William F. Battey
January 21, 1941 ~ December 27, 2012
Resided in:
Hamlin, NY
Hamlin: Thursday, December 27, 2012 at age 71. Survived by his wife Hiroko Battey; children, Kimi (Ken) Burgess, William (Christine) Battey Jr.; grandchildren, Brandon and Alyssa Burgess, Rachael Battey; brother, Frank Battey; dear relatives and friends. Bill was a proud Marine Veteran and enjoyed volunteering for Honor Flight of Rochester and Operation Welcome Home as their photographer.
Friends may call Monday (Jan 7th) 4-6 PM at the Vay-Schleich & Meeson Funeral Home 1075 Long Pond Road. His Funeral Service will follow calling Monday 6:00 PM in the chapel of the funeral home. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Honor Flight of Rochester or the Veterans Outreach Center-Operation Welcome Home Program in his memory.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Bill, we will surely miss you! As Honor Flight Welcome Home coordinator, I never did meet my goal of getting to the airport on those homecoming Sundays before Bill did, no matter HOW early I arrived. He was always there, camera in hand (sometimes searching for his camera memory card!) and asking what he could do to help me get ready for the event. I have a few pictures of Bill, and I swear he hated every one of them!! He always said, ‘Is that ME? It can’t be. I can’t really look that bad!’ What a shock to hear of his passing. He was so dedicated to our veterans. His photos will live on in thousands of veterans and their families.
To All Bill’s Family – Please know how Bill’s spirit will live on in all he gave to so many. His generously shared talent and love of photography has meant so much to the more than a twelve hundred who have returned in their Honor Flight orange to find Bill poised on their Rochester jetway – and to their families – as the spirit of the Honor Flight experience outlives us all. His dedication to EVERY service man and woman who found their way home to family on any given day, at any hour, stands as testament to the respect HE earned in HIS service. God Bless… ‘I have a photograph…’
Bill, all our Lions Club Members will miss you it just won’t be the same without you there to greet us before the meeting begins. Rest in Peace friend.
For all Bill’s friends and family:
It was my pleasure to serve with Bill on the Marine Corps Coordinating Council. His wry smile (we all know it) and his ever-ready willingness to volunteer are his everlasting ‘trademarks’ for all of us who were priviledged to know him. Al Decker, Maj.USMC (Ret.)
I knew Bill from the Hamlin Seniors group, plus I stopped by his house several times to help himwith his computer. He was a very nice guy. We’ll miss him.
R.I.P. Uncle Bill.
We will miss you and your wonderful photo’s ”Sarge” You were a true and faithful servant to your family and community. Blessings.
ONE THE HARDEST things to accomplish is to master new technologies in the digital age. Bill served in the Marine Corps as a photographer back in the days of Speed Graphics, flash bulbs and 4 x 5 film holders. While a young Marine Bill had the opportunity to photograph that timeless icon of the Corps: General Lewis B. (Chesty) Puller. When a half a century later the need presented itself, Bill set out to master the new world of digital photography. He succeeded in spades. With his new digital skills combined with his own good eye for a good photo, Bill served the Military community in Rochester as their official, if volunteer, photographer. The Marine Corps Coordinating Council, the support organization for out local Marine Reservists, enjoyed the benefits of his excellent work. They recently honored him with their highest honor.
But Bill’s greatest contribution was being photographer for the Rochester Honor Flight organization. Every Second World War veteran received a personal photo documenting their trip to Washington, D.C. All at Bill’s personal expense. What Bill Battey was really giving those old warriors was individual memories. Today Bill’s photos can be seen in numerous rooms in retirement homes through out our community. Photography has always been important to the Marine Corps. Joe Rosenthal did not find himself on top of Mt. Suribachi by accident. Bill constantly reminded us of why we value photography so much. He reached through time and space to freeze those best moments forever. That Marine who preserved our memories so well deserves a permanent place in our memories. Semper Fi, Bill. And a big well done Marine!
For Bill’s Family and Friends:
It was My Honor to know Bill through Honor Flight, Operation Welcome Home, and other Military Events. Bill was a True Patriot and will be missed by All.
Well Done Brother! Semper Fi, Bill.
Mike General
Chapter 20 Vietnam Veterans