George William 'Bill' Mairs
1949 - 2003

Graveside services will be held Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. at the Independence Cemetery for 54-year Independence resident 
George William "Bill" Mairs.  Bill died Nov. 13, 2003 at his home in Independence after a long battle with cancer.  

He was born in Lone Pine on Jan. 9, 1949.  Even in his early childhood days, you could find Bill stocking shelves 
at Mairs Market.  If you did not find him at the store, you would surely find him on the baseball diamond.  He 
loved being able to go to the Dodger games with his family.

Bill graduated from Owens Valley High School, and went to Orange Coast College, where he received his degree in 
Business Management, and then began some post-graduate studies at Cal State Fullerton.  His pursuit of higher 
learning was only interrupted by the birth of his first son.  Bill and family remained in Independence and he 
managed Mairs Market.  Two more sons were welcomed into the family over the next eight years.

Bill was loved and highly thought of by everyone in the valley, his family said.  He was very giving, selfless, 
humble and only thought of others.  This attitude was best seen in how he contributed to his community.  He was 
always involved with the kids as a coach for the farm, little leagues and high school.  Bill's family is sure 
these kids will never forget Bill taking them to Dodger Stadium.

Bill was a member of the Lions Club and the Independence Volunteer Fire Department.  He was also the fire 
commissioner of Independence for many years.  It was not uncommon for Bill to donate his time, money and even 
sacks of groceries to those in need.

Aside from always being seen at Mairs Market, Bill will be remembered for his untiring devotion as a reserve 
deputy for the Inyo County Sheriff's Department.  He was trusted implicitly by the sheriff to patrol, dispatch 
and even man the old jail by himself.  After many years of service, the presiding sheriff presented him with a 
service award for his dedication to the department and community.

Bill's favorite time was being with his family, listening to his "oldies but goodies" and watching baseball.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Margaret; son and daughter-in-law, Chuck and Adrienne of Bishop; son and 
daughter-in-law, Mike and Kristin of Lone Pine; son and daughter-in-law, Dan and Gwen of Bakersfield; sister, 
Mary of Independence; grandchild, Legend; and numerous other relatives.  

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any donations going to the Pioneer Health Center or the 
Independence Volunteer Fire Department.

"We love you Billy," his family said.

The Inyo Register, Bishop, Inyo County, California
Saturday, November 15, 2003 - Page A-2
Transcribed by Pat Houser for the Inyo County GenWeb, March 26, 2005