William Ahlborn Obituary

William "Bill" Ahlborn March 6, 1925 – July 3, 2025 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of William "Bill" Ahlborn, who died peacefully on July 3, 2025, at the remarkable age of 100. A proud Californian, Bill was born in Anaheim on March 6, 1925, and spent nearly his entire life in the Golden State, living in Riverside, Redlands, and Yucaipa. Bill's life was defined by service, intellect, adventure, and a boundless curiosity about the world. Drafted into the U.S. Army at age 18, he served with courage in World War II, fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. In January 1945, he was severely wounded and spent nearly a year recovering. For his valor, he was awarded the Purple Heart. After the war, Bill resumed his education. He graduated from Riverside Community College, where he edited the student newspaper, then went on to the University of Southern California, earning a journalism degree and editing yet another campus paper. He began his career as a journalist before joining the U.S. Civil Service in 1951, where he spent three decades in civilian personnel with the U.S. Air Force, including posts in Japan and Thailand, and ultimately serving as chief of civilian personnel for the Air Force Audit Agency. In 1948, Bill married Grace Jackson. The two shared 47 years of marriage and a spirit of adventure, even taking a two-month bicycle tour of Europe. After Grace's passing in 1995, Bill met Paula Finegan and remarried in 1998, gaining not only a wife but a fellow travel enthusiast and lifelong partner. Retirement did not slow Bill down. Inspired by courses he took at Crafton Hills College, he earned a master's degree in Geography from Cal State Fullerton in 1983. He went on to teach geography and geology at CSUF, Crafton Hills, and Orange Coast College. Known for his engaging lectures and immersive field trips, he brought the physical world alive for countless students. He also pioneered off-campus education programs, bringing college-level instruction into retirement homes, hospitals, and community centers. For a decade, Bill served as a guest lecturer aboard Princess and Royal Caribbean cruise ships. His lectures, often paired with slide presentations and hand-drawn maps, covered topics ranging from tectonic plates to typhoons, deserts to glaciers. He delivered up to 18 lectures per voyage and inspired thousands of travelers to see the world through a geographer's lens. Bill traveled to over 150 countries, all seven continents, all 50 U.S. states, and more than 400 national park units. He explored North Korea, crossed the Sahara in a 4WD, trekked in Antarctica, rode the Trans-Siberian Railway solo across Russia, and climbed Mt. Kenya. He
had an insatiable desire to explore and share his insights, often leading group expeditions well into his 90s. In 2020, Crafton Hills College honored Bill as Outstanding Alumnus, recognizing his lifelong commitment to learning and teaching. Even in his later years, Bill remained an active contributor to education, environmental causes, and community institutions, including CHC's President's Circle and the STEM Center. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Myrtle and John, his brother John, and his beloved first wife Grace. He is survived by his wife Paula; his children Dori McCall, Debbie Burrows and her husband Bill, Dave Ahlborn and his partner Ronnie, and Dan Ahlborn; step-children Marta Sullivan and her husband Richard Shepherd, Sam Finegan and his partner Virginia, and Caleb Finegan and his wife Beth; grandchildren Chase Townsley, Kathryn Ahlborn, Justin McCall and his wife Gaby, Dorian McCall, and Allyson Hall and her husband Andy; step-grandchildren Samantha Boggs and her husband Nick, Ali Finegan, Sean Finegan, Noah Finegan, Erin Sullivan, Jack Finegan, Jenna Finegan and Caleb Finegan; and a growing number of great-grandchildren. Bill Ahlborn lived with integrity, purpose, and deep curiosity. His legacy is not only in the miles he traveled, the students he taught, or the battles he fought, but in the lives he touched-with kindness, generosity, and a relentless enthusiasm for discovering the world. To send flowers to the family of William, please visit our floral store.