Mr. William Cruickshank DeFries Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

William Cruickshank DeFries, 78, of Salem South Carolina, passed away at his home on November 4, 2021. Bill was born on June 13, 1943 in San Francisco, California. After graduating high school from Staunton Military Academy in 1961, he went on to study at the United States Naval Academy where he earned his B.S. in Engineering in 1965. Bill then joined the United States Marine Corps as an Officer, rising to the rank of Captain, and serving in the Vietnam War. Bill went on to receive his MBA at the University of California Berkeley, Haas School of Business in 1972. He began his career in the private sector as a CPA at Price Waterhouse before moving to corporate banking with Citibank and later Crocker National Bank as a Senior Credit Officer managing high technology leading groups in San Francisco. Bill joined Westpac Bank’s corporate banking division in 1983. In 1989 he became Chief Manager and Head of Risk Assessment for Westpac’s Asia Division out of Hong Kong, and later Sydney, Australia. In 1992, he became Chief Manager of Risk Assessment for Westpac’s European Division out of London. Bill later took the position as Chief Manager Risk Assessment for Standard Chartered Bank’s Asian Division, operating out of Singapore, before returning home to Belvedere, CA in 1998. In 2000 Bill moved to Lake Keowee in South Carolina. While he continued to occasionally consult for the World Bank, he spent the majority of his time on the water sailing, enjoying being a dad and a grandfather, grilling, catching up with friends, cutting down trees to improve his view, cheering on his favorite sports teams, traveling, and visiting those he loved. Bill was loved by all who met him, known for his sense of humor, sharp wit, pranks, and storytelling. He lit up a room and knew how to make everyone feel important. He challenged those around him to be their best, and then defended and supported them to the end. Bill was an extremely loving and fiercely loyal friend, companion, son, brother, father, and grandfather. He will be so missed. Bill is survived by his children, Carrie Marquez (Michael), Melissa Seal (Michael), William B. DeFries (Daniela); his five grandchildren, Jackson Marquez, Kate Marquez, Bennett Marquez, Blair Seal, and Elin Seal; his siblings Celia DeFries (Eric) and Richard DeFries (Kristi). He is preceded in death by his parents Dr. William A. DeFries and Cecilia Cruickshank DeFries and his brother David “Fritz” DeFries. Services will be held on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at Arlington National Cemetery at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Bill’s memory to St Jude's Children's Hospital.

Mr. William Cruickshank DeFries

June 13, 1943 - November 4, 2021