I am sad to report that William (Bill) Kieser, 85 died peacefully February 18, 2012. Bill was born in Lynnbrook, NY, attended Manlius Academy and served in the US Navy during WWII. In the early 1950’s he, along with his father, sister Pinky and brother Buck founded Feed Products of Colorado. He and his wife, Lynn who precede Bill in death in 2006, were instrumental in establishing the Denver Sailing Association, Carter Lake Sailing Club, the Dillon Yacht Club, and the Over the Hill Gang at Copper Mountain Ski Area. After encouraging additional fleets in Colorado and Wyoming, Bill founded the 21st District of the International Star Class of sailboats which were an official Olympic class boat Bill started sailing Stars as a teenager in District 12 on Skaneateles Lake, NY. A lifelong Star sailor and skier, Bill led, nurtured, and promoted Star sailing in the Rocky Mountains and around the country. In the late 1960’s he was the lead promoter of a very exhilarating ski/yachting championship combining skiing Arapahoe Basin ski area and sailing on Lake Dillon (altitude 9017 ft) on successive
days. He, along with Lynn, daughter Kristie and son Thor, sailed in numerous World and Continental Championships and was 21st District Champion several times. He won many local and regional regattas and championships. He was the consummate fleet/district builder, always bringing to Colorado more boats to sell to those interested in joining the Class. Bill and Lynn were the fleet’s social hub and hosts for many post-race parties and good times year-around.A lifelong adventurer, Star sailor and skier, “Wild Bill” climbed Kilimanjaro at age 70 with his son and daughter.Bill received a degree in Animal Nutrition from Colorado State University on the GI Bill at the end of WWII. It was this degree which formed the basis for Bill’s 50 year leadership of Feed Products, Inc. of Denver where Bill was president for more then 30 years. The company employees, several with 30 years or more of service, ask that Bill Kieser be remembered as a wonderful, kind and good leader. His company continues to maintain his style of business and customer support today.
Bill was a softie, yet with a very competitive streak. He was the consummate gentleman with a great sense of humor, a great smile, and an everlasting twinkle in his eye. His signature yodel when greeting anyone and everyone brought out a smile in everyone that he touched. He led by example and carried nick names of “Wild Bill”, “Squeezer”, and the “Old Fox.” Bill was a father figure and mentor to many; he taught us how to love and race the Star boat, and love life in general. With boat names like Spindrift, Willy Waw and his last, but so aptly named, Treachery, he always reminded us that old age and cunning will often win over youth and exuberance. His list of achievements and our memories of him will last for many years to come.Bill is survived by his brother Buck, sister Pinky, daughter Kristie and her husband Phil, son Thor, as well as several nieces and nephews along with many many avid Star sailors and skiers in the District and elsewhere.
