Friday, Nov. 21, 2008

William Kyle, 1928-2008

Longtime Southlake Volunteer Will Be Missed by Many

By Nicholas Sakelaris

Staff Writer

For his 80th birthday, Bill Kyle jumped out of an airplane. Earlier this month, he went on a trip to Hawaii with his wife Margie to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary.

The day he suffered a stroke he had attended a Special Olympics gala. On Monday Nov. 10, he died at the age of 80.

His funeral was Nov. 14 at White’s Chapel United Methodist Church, where he was an active member.

Those who knew him, like Amanda Troum, Senior Activity Center coordinator, say he stayed active and gave freely of his time. Troum joked that the Kyles always had a full calender of events lined up.

"He was giving until the very last minutes of his life," Troum said.

When he wasn’t delivering for Meals on Wheels, he was volunteering as vice-chairman of the Senior Activity Center or driving other seniors to medical appointments.

He was master of ceremonies for the Senior Activity Center’s regular luncheons and the regulars all looked forward to his speeches.

"He would tell jokes and set the mood," Troum said. "He really meant a lot to everyone here. He greeted everyone."

His wife, Margie, was his high school sweetheart, and they married in 1948.

He’s also survived by one brother, a sister, two daughters, two sons, 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren and numerous other extended family members.

He worked for American Airlines for 47 years.

The loss will also be felt at Southlake’s Home for the Holidays event Nov. 29 at Southlake Town Square where Bill and Margie have portrayed Santa and Ms. Claus in recent years.

"Bill Kyle has been here every Christmas for my children since they were born," said Leigh Wambsganss, the mayor’s wife.

"We have had the privilege of riding in the sleigh with him and [Margie] and having our children with him each lighting celebration since they were babies.

"One of his loves was helping spread the spirit of Christmas," Wambsganss said.

"The time of year will make losing Bill that much more difficult on Margie. She is a gracious lady, and her sweetness was mirrored by her wonderful husband.," she said.

Wambsganss said that Kyle was much more than "Santa’s helper."

"This is just one of the many capacities that the Kyle’s served in this community. He was a sweet and precious presence in this town, and we were blessed to have him," she said.

The city has now made arrangements so the Southlake holiday tradition will continue as planned, said Meredith Dowdy, recreation coordinator.