Former Mount Hermon Executive Director William D. (“Bill”) Gwinn died Friday afternoon, April 17, in Palm Springs , CA . He had a minor heart attack on Tuesday in Banning, and doctors thought he was getting better, but then he worsened and was moved to a larger hospital in Palm Springs , and was in ICU when he died. He was 79. His wife, Colette, was with him when he died.
Bill was here from 1957 to 1978, starting first as program director under a dual-management model, then a triple-management model, and was finally named executive director in 1963. He was responsible for the development of a family camp program, and greatly expanded Mount Hermon ’s programs and influence in the 21 years he served here.
He is survived by his sons Casey and Doug and his daughters Melissa and Jenny, and several grandchildren.
A memorial service is planned at Mount Hermon , and details of the date and time will be announced soon. In the mean time, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, friends remember the Mount Hermon Book of Remembrance.
Thank you for putting this in…I am the last of the “Gwinn Family”….eight kids…there were 6 boys and 2 girls…Bill was the youngest and we were the best of friends…I will miss him greatly…as will his kids and lovely wife Colette. Bunny (Bill’s little sister!!)
Missing Dad very much, even nine years after his journey to the presence of Christ. He was followed in 2016 by Colette (our Mom) so they have been reunited. (We miss her too!)
We have a “Bill Gwinn Memorial Blog” web site where over 100 people have already left remembrances of Mom & Dad, specific memories of experiences involving our parents. Please feel welcome to participate.
They have been buried at Forest Lawn Covina Hills, California. At Mount Hermon, Dad’s first building project, formerly “Azalea Lodge” has been renamed “Gwinn Lodge”, a fitting tribute to him, right in the heart of the conference center, a beautiful location. Mount Hermon refurbished the lodge over the past few years and it’s a great place to stay while visiting Mount Hermon.
Thank you for coming here as you think of Bill & Colette Gwinn, our beloved parents. The web site for expressing your remembrance of the Gwinns or just to read what has been written there (some pictures too), is located at: http://www.ccel.us/billgwinn.html
Update on the online Memorial page for Bill & Colette Gwinn where you can leave your tributes:
https://www.forevermissed.com/bill-gwinn/