Bill Quantick

Bill Quantick died after succumbing to cancer on June 28, 2011, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center.

William (known as Bill) was born in London, England in 1924 to Annie (Davey) and William Quantick. His schooling was cut short due to the outbreak of the war in England.

Being a tall and strong boy, he was quickly given a hard hat and went to work for a bomb factory. He built carts for bombs. When he was finally old enough, he proudly joined the Queens Royal Regiment, 168th Brigade, C Company, 56 London-Division, 8th Army. He battled through North Africa and also was a survivor in the invasion of Italy, Battle of Anzio.

While in Austria, Bill met a displaced mother and daughter from what was known as Gottchee. He and Freida Trocha were married, then he brought his new family back home to England. Like many during those times, the young family longed to come to America. The couple, along with their 2-year-old daughter, made their voyage on the Queen Mary. This was the ship’s last voyage, which is now docked in Long Beach, Calif.

As most newcomers in the day, working multiple jobs was a way to get ahead. Bill ended up working in the plastics and molding industry before retiring to Chatham, Mass. Bill lost his beloved wife and mother-in-law to cancer. After his wife’s death in 1986, he eventually relocated to Florida to be close to his son.

“After his wife’s death, Bill became a man of many words and wrote endlessly, poetry being his choice of expression,” the family wrote. “Everyone who knew Bill knew of his writings because he shared them with people all over the world. Bill’s other love and passion was his love for his Lord. He said there was nothing mightier.”

Bill is survived by his daughter, Rosemary Quantick of Chatham, Mass., and Bill and Toni Quantick of Palmer; and many friends and family throughout the world.

Arrangements by the Cremation Society of Alaska.