William Bill Dufresne

Born in upstate New York, William "Bill" Dufresne, the navigator, found his way to the Air Force for training in California, New Mexico and ending in Maine, where he navigated B-52s during the Cold War. The service provided him with a college education and he continued to earn a Doctorate of Law from the University of Florida. He met Donna, his wife of the last 40 years, an artist in Coconut Grove, Florida, at a breakfast group; within 4½ months, they were married. At age 57, Bill retired and the next day, they drove the largest U-Haul available with his beloved blue truck pulled on a trailer to Taos. On retirement, he was given a woodworking bench as a going-away present because he intended to do the finish work on the new house. Bill was competent and could do anything he set his mind to. He became a carpenter and even built a casita by himself. He also volunteered at Dream Tree and Friends of the Library. An avid outdoorsman, he backpacked with his buddies and even hunted. When the time came to say goodbye, several young friends made known to him how he had affected their lives. He was quite Zen, logical and could be very generous with gifts and wisdom. He left behind a community of friendships and a loving family who appreciated his dry sense of humor. If you saw the rainbow on Tuesday, April 7, that was just after his last breath passing to the other side. Being a navigator, he knew the way.

The family of William Bill Dufresne has entrusted the care of their loved one to the caring staff of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. www.devargastaos.com 1-866-657-4019