William Rhoads Obituary

William Denham Rhoads, PhD



Bill Rhoads was born during a blizzard at the South Ranger Station in Yellowstone National Park on December 8, 1934. He was the son of Judson Melvin Rhoads and Grace Elizabeth Lund Rhoads. After the death of his father in 1938, Bill, his mother, and his older sister, Elizabeth (Lib Gomas) settled in Manteca CA. He is a 1953 graduate of Manteca High School. He attended Modesto Junior College and the University of California Berkeley before graduating from the College of the Pacific in 1959. He married Linda Blevins June 9, 1959 in Indio CA and continued his education at Northwestern University and the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque culminating in receiving his doctorate in Organic Chemistry from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California in 1968.

It was no surprise Bill became a chemist. At a young age he blew out the back wall of the family garage when he was attempting to convert the lawnmower to run on hydrogen and is credited with setting part of the San Joaquin River on fire when he was asked to dispose of some chemicals.

After early employment as a research chemist with Allergan and Abbott Labs, Bill relocated his family and settled in Colorado Springs CO where he began his own independent laboratory. Bill's expertise was in analytical research and development with an emphasis on pharmaceuticals and pesticide residue. His doctoral study and work on targeted cancer treatment at a cellular level has continued and is commonly used today to treat those afflicted with certain cancers. Bill hung up his lab coat in 2000.

In retirement, Bill found more time to work on his stamp collection. A philatelist since he was 8 years old, Bill's collection of stamps from around the world occupied much of his time and a lot of shelf space in his office. Travel with Linda after retirement took them many places with New York City, Alaska and London among his favorites. A fan of the theater, they were season ticket holders to the Denver Center for Performing Arts for many years.

In addition to his wife of 57 years, those carrying on his memories include daughter Amy Rhoads-Kalmus (Mark) of Colorado Springs, son Judson (Lisa) of Fort Collins CO, and son Christopher "Gus" (Heather) of Castle Rock CO as well as seven grandchildren, Samantha, Cameron, Simon, Benjamin, Eli, Grace, and Ella.

Bill Rhoads died on June 8, 2016, at home, surrounded by his wife and children. The Rhoads family would like to thank Pikes Peak Hospice for their incredible compassion and care for both Bill and his family and asks that in lieu of flowers or gifts, a donation be made to this fine organization in Bill's name. There will be no formal service.