Obituary of William Cavert

William Clark Cavert was born on June 1, 1921 to Curtis and Marian (Clark) Cavert in Independence, KS. He passed away on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family. Bill graduated from Independence High School and attended the University of Kansas where he enlisted in Reserve Officer Training. He became a brother of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and earned a degree in Finance. In May of 1943, Bill was inducted into active duty in the U. S. Army's 89th Division, specifically, the 2Platoon, Company D, 1st Battalion, 354th Infantry Regiment. Bill remained with the 89th throughout its combat tour assignment to cadre the staging areas (Lucky Strike, etc.) on the coast of France. In 1945, following the war, the 89th was disbanded. Bill continued in the military to serve in the Army of Occupation as an Economics Officer for North Austria. In 1946, Bill was honorably discharged from active duty as a Captain in the U.S. Army and recipient of the Bronze Star for valor in combat. Bill remained active in the Army Reserve until 1954. He was successful in many undertakings as circumstances dictated. He sold real estate in Tucson, AZ, bought oil leases out of Laramie, WY for Union Oil of California and taught school in a Chicago ghetto. In 1947 Bill returned to KU to earn a Juris Doctorate degree. Bill enjoyed a successful law practice and was a life member of the Oklahoma Bar Association and Phi Delta Phi International. In 1966 Bill became President of Triangle Company until his retirement in 1996. Bill served as President and Chairman of the International Reprographics Association from 1981-1982. In 2004 he was co-recipient (with his son Michael) of the 2004 George K. Bukosky Award for leadership in the advancement of the reprographics industry. Bill (Willy) was an avid golfer and Member of Southern Hills Country Club. He was an active member of St. John's Episcopal Church and served on its vestry and as Jr. Warden during its formative years. He was preceded in death by his father, Curtis; mother, Marian; sister, Eleanor; daughter, Kathleen and his beloved wife of 50 years, Catherine. He is survived by his daughter, Lexey; sons, Michael and James; grandchildren, Matthew, John and Caitlin. He was a wonderful Dad, and an inspiring man. He taught us love and acceptance by example. He taught us peace in surrendering at the end of live well lived.