Bill attended schools in Fayston and at the age of 18, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving during WWII. For many years, Bill was employed in highway construction working as a grade foreman as well as a supervisor. For over 40 years, he worked winters as a lift attendant, a member of the ski patrol and as a ski instructor for Sugarbush ski area and Mad River Glen ski area where he was affectionately known as "Choo-Choo." He retired in 1994. His memberships included the Warren United Church, a 50-year member of Mad River Lodge #77 F&AM, the Canadian Club in Barre, Mad River American Legion Post #75, and the Warren PTA. An avid golfer, Bill held memberships at Blush Hill Country Club in Waterbury, the Northfield Country Club, and the White River Country Club. In his leisure time he enjoyed playing cards and horseshoes.
Bill is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Rebecca Peatman of Warren; their children, Bonnie Banks and her husband Jim of Summerville, SC, Kym Staples and her husband Dave of Warren, William R. Peatman Jr. and his wife Rose Marie of Warren, and Bernard Peatman and his friend Lynn Hier of Rutland; eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren as well as step grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family. Bill was predeceased by two daughters, Kathy Lee Peatman and Elizabeth Ann Peatman, as well as eight siblings.
A service to celebrate Bill's life will be held from the Warren United Church on Saturday, April 19, at 2 p.m. with interment to follow in the Warren Village Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. A reception will follow the burial at the Warren Town Hall. The family requests that flowers be omitted; rather memorial gifts would be appreciated to Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641, or to the Vermont Campaign To End Childhood Hunger, 180 Flynn Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401, an organization near and dear to Bill's heart. To send online condolences please visit www.perkinsparker.com. Assisting the family is the Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waterbury.
