Bill Selway
December 8, 1946 - April 14, 2021
Resident of Pleasanton, CA
Heaven didn't know what they were getting Wednesday, April 14, 2021 when Bill Selway walked through the Pearly gates. We imagine he got teary-eyed when he found his mother Margaret, father Roy Selway and brother-in law Eric and his friends. He probably had them laughing in seconds and organized a party. But Kathryn Steinberg, his mother-in-law, would be wary of Bill's tricks.
Bill was a prankster. He hooked mannequin hands on the back belt of wife Kate's coat during mall shopping, set all the alarm clocks in Macy's electronics to go off at different times and his scary Thor mask popped up at kitchen windows or in the dark on the way to the Mohr Mansion.
The mischief started at a young age. Billy was born in Dillon, Montana on December 8, 1946. When he was four, the family moved to Richmond, California and Billy welcomed six brothers Pat, Jimmy, Chuck, Danny, Dell, Joe and sister Helen. He caught on quickly to the big brother role and could change a diaper quicker than his mother. The Selway boys and their "Spanky and the Little Rascals gang" from St. Paul's Elementary wreaked havoc in the neighborhood; they left poop bags on doorsteps, launched Billy out of a soap box car resulting in his iconic chipped tooth and started guerilla warfare with Old Lady Arnold. Her cactuses could not compete with the underground tunnel system dug to retrieve the balls that went into her yard. Billy also looked out for his siblings creating experiences for the family at Stinson Beach, Russian River and Lake Tahoe.
While Bill vomited on his first girlfriend on the Ferris wheel, Bill's high school sweetheart, Kathryn "Kate" Steinberg was luckier. Kate's brother Eric introduced her to the BMOC (Big Man on Campus). It was later related in their son's 5th grade story "How my Parents Met: there was a macho guy and a wimp. My Dad (Bill) was the wimp." Macho didn't matter. As Mimi (Kate's sister) said, Bill brought laughter and light into the Steinberg household. He sent a beautiful Thanksgiving turkey flying across the room (slight carving accident) and instructed 5-year-old Helen to interrupt Mrs. Steinberg and the door-to-door salesman asking, "Mister did you fart?" Mrs. S laughed so hard she "had a little accident." Despite this, Helen thought Bill and Kate were the iconic couple, Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon.
Not sure Frankie could spit sunflower seeds and play basketball like Bill. The year was 1961. Number 4, point guard Bill Selway, Salesian's Team Captain at 5 feet 7 inches, had the ball. In one fell swoop, Bill made his trademark fade-a-way jump shot from half court. The ball sailed over the rafters of the Alameda County Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall and swished into the net sending the opposing team, Amador Valley, out of their seats cheering for Bill. He continued to play basketball at Cal State Hayward and in adult leagues in Richmond, San Ramon, and Pleasanton well into his 60s, coached his brothers, son and granddaughters and taught many throughout the years the key to the swish shot: "drop your wrist!"
Due to his father's untimely death at age 51, along with their Mom, Bill and his brother Pat took over their father's Machine Tool Business. At age 21, Bill's quick wit and hard work ethic could only get him so far. So, he grew a mustache. For more on Bill, his mustache and his life at Selway Machine Tool Company, see the honorarium: https://selwaytool-5182944.hs-sites.com/blog/williamselway.
Bill and Kate welcomed four daughters into their world: Kasey, Jamie, Marni & Meghan. But after a life with six brothers, Bill kept trying for a boy and Zack finished off their family. Having Bill as a father was never dull. He turned his children's tears to smiles and laughter with stinky, smelly socks to ward off the boogie man. He taught them the important things in life: the hand-off the football and to take-it-down-the-field-under-your-shirt play and how to correctly toilet paper neighbor's yards. He instilled in them a sense of adventure body surfing in Santa Cruz, using the tractor to waterski in the swimming pool and rock jumping at Lake Tahoe. He cried tears of joy at their accomplishments. He was our very own "Sappy Pappy."
Bill loved taking his family on trips. He may have left the plane tickets for Hawaii at home, lost half his kids in Grand Central Station, dumped the sewage from the RV on the family campsite and ended up with two of his kids in front of a closed Disneyland entrance gate (aka Clark Griswold), but any vacations with Bill were legendary. To the last, Bill collected stories as the Summer 2020 coastal trip with four R.V.s and a camper van resulted in an emergency call to the mobile RV septic repair (note: flushing often is good).
Bill watched his children become adults and marry. While he made his son-in-law, Pat Hayes, meet him at Dean's Café at 5 a.m. to have the "talk," daughter-in-law, Andrea Selway, got off a little easier. He was overjoyed with his six grandchildren – Cassidy and Harrison Kepp, Mykel Patrick Hayes, and Jade, Dori, and Blake Selway. He taught them to laugh and be kind, cheered them on in theater performances, soccer games, swim meets, and created traditions with Papa making root beer floats, playing Hide-and -Go-Seek and watching movies together curled up on the couch. As his t-shirt read, he was, "Papa. The Man, The Myth and the Legend."
While Bill was larger-than-life, he never wanted much. When asked for gift ideas for his birthday or Christmas, he said, "to be to church on time." Sorry, Dad. We think he made up for it with God. He went to church several times a week, ran the Pleasanton Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) sports program, was instrumental in the fundraising for St. Elizabeth Seton and worked tirelessly to establish a Catholic high school in the Tri-Valley area. He joined neighbors in San Ramon to work for the Twin Creeks Homeowners Association, built the snack bar and restrooms at Amador Valley High (Bill's "Crap and Snack"), headed Amador Boosters for years, and donated to the Bay Area Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), Salesian High School, his alma mater, and many more.
Bill was a man of few words unless he was telling a joke or relaying the humor of real-life experiences. He answered texts and emails with one word: yes, no, o.k. or thanks. He wrote "Roses are red poems" for Kate on every occasion and dominated family pun battles. What he offered in those few words was irreplaceable. Bill was a mentor for many – his kids and grandchildren, their friends, his friends, nephews and nieces and business associates. One friend said, "He was the dad of my heart." Many said he was the parent they wanted to be for their children. Maybe that's because he pulled one of his daughter's friends' vans out of a ditch at 1 am with a tractor so she wouldn't get in trouble and provided emotional and financial guidance when a family friend lost her husband. Bill's generosity showed no bounds.
When he wasn't working, Bill was working: pulling weeds, washing the cars and MacGyvering everything with the toothpick tucked behind his ear. He created experiences for friends and families to gather and celebrate life. He chartered a bus to the Rolling Stones concert, lit up fireworks and maybe some burgers at the annual Selway 4th of July celebrations and brought friends together by hosting New Year's Eve parties for over twenty years. That's why the celebration of life for Bill Selway will have to wait. He would want a party and a party he will have when Covid-19 restrictions allow. Expect the traditional Bill and Kathy rhyming invite at a later date.
We see Bill in Heaven with loved ones, burning rubber in his original '56 Chevy, "Oh What a Night" blaring, laughing, and doing SOB turns (Slide Over Baby) while dropping down little pranks and raindrops of wisdom. To honor his memory, give your family and friends a Bill Selway hug, blast some music, and tell a joke.
If you feel inclined, instead of flowers or food, please consider donating to Bill's beloved alma mater Salesian High School to give scholarships to students so they can share the experience he cherished: https://www.salesian.com/support-salesian/donate or to the Salesian Boys & Girls Club: https://www.salesianclubs-la.org/donate.
Published by East Bay Times
May 1, 2021
_________________________________________________
https://selwaytool-5182944.hs-sites.com/blog/williamselway
The Story of Bill Selway
Posted by Zack Selway
April 19, 2021
In 1968, at the age of 22, Bill Selway took the helm of Selway Machine Tool Company after the untimely death of its founder, his father Roy. Throughout the early 1970s, Bill, along with his brother Pat, would drive door to door in Northern California towing a state-of-the-art ironworker and high speed to perform live demonstrations for potential customers. After many doors were shut on these youthful salesmen, Bill grew out his 'trademark mustache' that was with him until the end. Over the years, Jim, Chuck, Danny, Dell, and Joe (or Bill's 5 younger brothers) joined as the business grew, setting the foundation for the family environment that still exists today at Selway Machine Tool Company.
American-made machine tool products in the late '70s were no longer competitive with the industry demand. To better support the manufacturing community, Bill, secured distributorships with renowned builders Matsuura, Mori Seiki, and Nakamura Tome becoming one of the first dealerships on the West Coast to represent Japanese products.
The company expanded to Washington, Oregon, and Nevada in the mid-1980s as Bill continued his quest for the newest technology to support Selway Machine Tool Company's growing customer base and emerging industry needs. These demands were instrumental in Bill signing an agreement with Gene Haas to become an exclusive dealer for Haas Automation.
Bill loved to have fun while doing business. The well-appointed tradeshow booths and themed open house events the company hosted became legendary, but the unique business suits Bill adorned were always the talking point of each show. Always the life of the party, Bill was never short on having a story or joke to share with his audience. This, in addition to his genuine interest in helping others, built many strong relationships within the industry and in every facet of his life. When asked about Selway Machine Tool Company, Bill stated, "This is who we are, the 'relationship' company. We understand our responsibility to deliver the services that can help make our customers successful."
Selway Machine Tool Company continued to expand under Bill's leadership with his consistent search for new technologies leading to the addition of Automation, Software, Additive Manufacturing, Work-Holding, and Tooling divisions. To position the company for the future without his direction, Bill, coached, mentored, and empowered the next generation to provide a seamless transition in the business. The company's family atmosphere continues to thrive with second and third-generation members and retention of over 20 years for a majority of the workforce. Bill's love of the company, employees, and customers set the standard for building strong relationships at Selway Machine Tool. www.selwaytool.com.
Bill Selway passed on April 14, 2021.
He will be loved and missed by all.
Due to covid restrictions, there are no immediate plans for a Celebration of Life gathering. We hope to have one in the near future and will be sure to send you the plans in case you would like to join. In lieu of sending flowers to the family or company, please make a donation to Salesian High School. A place Bill attended and loved dearly.
____________________________________________________
Montana, U.S., Birth Records, 1897-1988
Name William Roy Selway
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 8 Dec 1946
Birth Place: Dillon, Beaverhead, Montana, USA
Father: Roy Marvin Selway
Mother : Margaret Mary Selway
December 8, 1946 - April 14, 2021
Resident of Pleasanton, CA
Heaven didn't know what they were getting Wednesday, April 14, 2021 when Bill Selway walked through the Pearly gates. We imagine he got teary-eyed when he found his mother Margaret, father Roy Selway and brother-in law Eric and his friends. He probably had them laughing in seconds and organized a party. But Kathryn Steinberg, his mother-in-law, would be wary of Bill's tricks.
Bill was a prankster. He hooked mannequin hands on the back belt of wife Kate's coat during mall shopping, set all the alarm clocks in Macy's electronics to go off at different times and his scary Thor mask popped up at kitchen windows or in the dark on the way to the Mohr Mansion.
The mischief started at a young age. Billy was born in Dillon, Montana on December 8, 1946. When he was four, the family moved to Richmond, California and Billy welcomed six brothers Pat, Jimmy, Chuck, Danny, Dell, Joe and sister Helen. He caught on quickly to the big brother role and could change a diaper quicker than his mother. The Selway boys and their "Spanky and the Little Rascals gang" from St. Paul's Elementary wreaked havoc in the neighborhood; they left poop bags on doorsteps, launched Billy out of a soap box car resulting in his iconic chipped tooth and started guerilla warfare with Old Lady Arnold. Her cactuses could not compete with the underground tunnel system dug to retrieve the balls that went into her yard. Billy also looked out for his siblings creating experiences for the family at Stinson Beach, Russian River and Lake Tahoe.
While Bill vomited on his first girlfriend on the Ferris wheel, Bill's high school sweetheart, Kathryn "Kate" Steinberg was luckier. Kate's brother Eric introduced her to the BMOC (Big Man on Campus). It was later related in their son's 5th grade story "How my Parents Met: there was a macho guy and a wimp. My Dad (Bill) was the wimp." Macho didn't matter. As Mimi (Kate's sister) said, Bill brought laughter and light into the Steinberg household. He sent a beautiful Thanksgiving turkey flying across the room (slight carving accident) and instructed 5-year-old Helen to interrupt Mrs. Steinberg and the door-to-door salesman asking, "Mister did you fart?" Mrs. S laughed so hard she "had a little accident." Despite this, Helen thought Bill and Kate were the iconic couple, Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon.
Not sure Frankie could spit sunflower seeds and play basketball like Bill. The year was 1961. Number 4, point guard Bill Selway, Salesian's Team Captain at 5 feet 7 inches, had the ball. In one fell swoop, Bill made his trademark fade-a-way jump shot from half court. The ball sailed over the rafters of the Alameda County Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall and swished into the net sending the opposing team, Amador Valley, out of their seats cheering for Bill. He continued to play basketball at Cal State Hayward and in adult leagues in Richmond, San Ramon, and Pleasanton well into his 60s, coached his brothers, son and granddaughters and taught many throughout the years the key to the swish shot: "drop your wrist!"
Due to his father's untimely death at age 51, along with their Mom, Bill and his brother Pat took over their father's Machine Tool Business. At age 21, Bill's quick wit and hard work ethic could only get him so far. So, he grew a mustache. For more on Bill, his mustache and his life at Selway Machine Tool Company, see the honorarium: https://selwaytool-5182944.hs-sites.com/blog/williamselway.
Bill and Kate welcomed four daughters into their world: Kasey, Jamie, Marni & Meghan. But after a life with six brothers, Bill kept trying for a boy and Zack finished off their family. Having Bill as a father was never dull. He turned his children's tears to smiles and laughter with stinky, smelly socks to ward off the boogie man. He taught them the important things in life: the hand-off the football and to take-it-down-the-field-under-your-shirt play and how to correctly toilet paper neighbor's yards. He instilled in them a sense of adventure body surfing in Santa Cruz, using the tractor to waterski in the swimming pool and rock jumping at Lake Tahoe. He cried tears of joy at their accomplishments. He was our very own "Sappy Pappy."
Bill loved taking his family on trips. He may have left the plane tickets for Hawaii at home, lost half his kids in Grand Central Station, dumped the sewage from the RV on the family campsite and ended up with two of his kids in front of a closed Disneyland entrance gate (aka Clark Griswold), but any vacations with Bill were legendary. To the last, Bill collected stories as the Summer 2020 coastal trip with four R.V.s and a camper van resulted in an emergency call to the mobile RV septic repair (note: flushing often is good).
Bill watched his children become adults and marry. While he made his son-in-law, Pat Hayes, meet him at Dean's Café at 5 a.m. to have the "talk," daughter-in-law, Andrea Selway, got off a little easier. He was overjoyed with his six grandchildren – Cassidy and Harrison Kepp, Mykel Patrick Hayes, and Jade, Dori, and Blake Selway. He taught them to laugh and be kind, cheered them on in theater performances, soccer games, swim meets, and created traditions with Papa making root beer floats, playing Hide-and -Go-Seek and watching movies together curled up on the couch. As his t-shirt read, he was, "Papa. The Man, The Myth and the Legend."
While Bill was larger-than-life, he never wanted much. When asked for gift ideas for his birthday or Christmas, he said, "to be to church on time." Sorry, Dad. We think he made up for it with God. He went to church several times a week, ran the Pleasanton Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) sports program, was instrumental in the fundraising for St. Elizabeth Seton and worked tirelessly to establish a Catholic high school in the Tri-Valley area. He joined neighbors in San Ramon to work for the Twin Creeks Homeowners Association, built the snack bar and restrooms at Amador Valley High (Bill's "Crap and Snack"), headed Amador Boosters for years, and donated to the Bay Area Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), Salesian High School, his alma mater, and many more.
Bill was a man of few words unless he was telling a joke or relaying the humor of real-life experiences. He answered texts and emails with one word: yes, no, o.k. or thanks. He wrote "Roses are red poems" for Kate on every occasion and dominated family pun battles. What he offered in those few words was irreplaceable. Bill was a mentor for many – his kids and grandchildren, their friends, his friends, nephews and nieces and business associates. One friend said, "He was the dad of my heart." Many said he was the parent they wanted to be for their children. Maybe that's because he pulled one of his daughter's friends' vans out of a ditch at 1 am with a tractor so she wouldn't get in trouble and provided emotional and financial guidance when a family friend lost her husband. Bill's generosity showed no bounds.
When he wasn't working, Bill was working: pulling weeds, washing the cars and MacGyvering everything with the toothpick tucked behind his ear. He created experiences for friends and families to gather and celebrate life. He chartered a bus to the Rolling Stones concert, lit up fireworks and maybe some burgers at the annual Selway 4th of July celebrations and brought friends together by hosting New Year's Eve parties for over twenty years. That's why the celebration of life for Bill Selway will have to wait. He would want a party and a party he will have when Covid-19 restrictions allow. Expect the traditional Bill and Kathy rhyming invite at a later date.
We see Bill in Heaven with loved ones, burning rubber in his original '56 Chevy, "Oh What a Night" blaring, laughing, and doing SOB turns (Slide Over Baby) while dropping down little pranks and raindrops of wisdom. To honor his memory, give your family and friends a Bill Selway hug, blast some music, and tell a joke.
If you feel inclined, instead of flowers or food, please consider donating to Bill's beloved alma mater Salesian High School to give scholarships to students so they can share the experience he cherished: https://www.salesian.com/support-salesian/donate or to the Salesian Boys & Girls Club: https://www.salesianclubs-la.org/donate.
Published by East Bay Times
May 1, 2021
_________________________________________________
https://selwaytool-5182944.hs-sites.com/blog/williamselway
The Story of Bill Selway
Posted by Zack Selway
April 19, 2021
In 1968, at the age of 22, Bill Selway took the helm of Selway Machine Tool Company after the untimely death of its founder, his father Roy. Throughout the early 1970s, Bill, along with his brother Pat, would drive door to door in Northern California towing a state-of-the-art ironworker and high speed to perform live demonstrations for potential customers. After many doors were shut on these youthful salesmen, Bill grew out his 'trademark mustache' that was with him until the end. Over the years, Jim, Chuck, Danny, Dell, and Joe (or Bill's 5 younger brothers) joined as the business grew, setting the foundation for the family environment that still exists today at Selway Machine Tool Company.
American-made machine tool products in the late '70s were no longer competitive with the industry demand. To better support the manufacturing community, Bill, secured distributorships with renowned builders Matsuura, Mori Seiki, and Nakamura Tome becoming one of the first dealerships on the West Coast to represent Japanese products.
The company expanded to Washington, Oregon, and Nevada in the mid-1980s as Bill continued his quest for the newest technology to support Selway Machine Tool Company's growing customer base and emerging industry needs. These demands were instrumental in Bill signing an agreement with Gene Haas to become an exclusive dealer for Haas Automation.
Bill loved to have fun while doing business. The well-appointed tradeshow booths and themed open house events the company hosted became legendary, but the unique business suits Bill adorned were always the talking point of each show. Always the life of the party, Bill was never short on having a story or joke to share with his audience. This, in addition to his genuine interest in helping others, built many strong relationships within the industry and in every facet of his life. When asked about Selway Machine Tool Company, Bill stated, "This is who we are, the 'relationship' company. We understand our responsibility to deliver the services that can help make our customers successful."
Selway Machine Tool Company continued to expand under Bill's leadership with his consistent search for new technologies leading to the addition of Automation, Software, Additive Manufacturing, Work-Holding, and Tooling divisions. To position the company for the future without his direction, Bill, coached, mentored, and empowered the next generation to provide a seamless transition in the business. The company's family atmosphere continues to thrive with second and third-generation members and retention of over 20 years for a majority of the workforce. Bill's love of the company, employees, and customers set the standard for building strong relationships at Selway Machine Tool. www.selwaytool.com.
Bill Selway passed on April 14, 2021.
He will be loved and missed by all.
Due to covid restrictions, there are no immediate plans for a Celebration of Life gathering. We hope to have one in the near future and will be sure to send you the plans in case you would like to join. In lieu of sending flowers to the family or company, please make a donation to Salesian High School. A place Bill attended and loved dearly.
____________________________________________________
Montana, U.S., Birth Records, 1897-1988
Name William Roy Selway
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 8 Dec 1946
Birth Place: Dillon, Beaverhead, Montana, USA
Father: Roy Marvin Selway
Mother : Margaret Mary Selway
Bill Selway
December 8, 1946 - April 14, 2021
Resident of Pleasanton, CA
Heaven didn't know what they were getting Wednesday, April 14, 2021 when Bill Selway walked through the Pearly gates. We imagine he got teary-eyed when he found his mother Margaret, father Roy Selway and brother-in law Eric and his friends. He probably had them laughing in seconds and organized a party. But Kathryn Steinberg, his mother-in-law, would be wary of Bill's tricks.
Bill was a prankster. He hooked mannequin hands on the back belt of wife Kate's coat during mall shopping, set all the alarm clocks in Macy's electronics to go off at different times and his scary Thor mask popped up at kitchen windows or in the dark on the way to the Mohr Mansion.
The mischief started at a young age. Billy was born in Dillon, Montana on December 8, 1946. When he was four, the family moved to Richmond, California and Billy welcomed six brothers Pat, Jimmy, Chuck, Danny, Dell, Joe and sister Helen. He caught on quickly to the big brother role and could change a diaper quicker than his mother. The Selway boys and their "Spanky and the Little Rascals gang" from St. Paul's Elementary wreaked havoc in the neighborhood; they left poop bags on doorsteps, launched Billy out of a soap box car resulting in his iconic chipped tooth and started guerilla warfare with Old Lady Arnold. Her cactuses could not compete with the underground tunnel system dug to retrieve the balls that went into her yard. Billy also looked out for his siblings creating experiences for the family at Stinson Beach, Russian River and Lake Tahoe.
While Bill vomited on his first girlfriend on the Ferris wheel, Bill's high school sweetheart, Kathryn "Kate" Steinberg was luckier. Kate's brother Eric introduced her to the BMOC (Big Man on Campus). It was later related in their son's 5th grade story "How my Parents Met: there was a macho guy and a wimp. My Dad (Bill) was the wimp." Macho didn't matter. As Mimi (Kate's sister) said, Bill brought laughter and light into the Steinberg household. He sent a beautiful Thanksgiving turkey flying across the room (slight carving accident) and instructed 5-year-old Helen to interrupt Mrs. Steinberg and the door-to-door salesman asking, "Mister did you fart?" Mrs. S laughed so hard she "had a little accident." Despite this, Helen thought Bill and Kate were the iconic couple, Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon.
Not sure Frankie could spit sunflower seeds and play basketball like Bill. The year was 1961. Number 4, point guard Bill Selway, Salesian's Team Captain at 5 feet 7 inches, had the ball. In one fell swoop, Bill made his trademark fade-a-way jump shot from half court. The ball sailed over the rafters of the Alameda County Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall and swished into the net sending the opposing team, Amador Valley, out of their seats cheering for Bill. He continued to play basketball at Cal State Hayward and in adult leagues in Richmond, San Ramon, and Pleasanton well into his 60s, coached his brothers, son and granddaughters and taught many throughout the years the key to the swish shot: "drop your wrist!"
Due to his father's untimely death at age 51, along with their Mom, Bill and his brother Pat took over their father's Machine Tool Business. At age 21, Bill's quick wit and hard work ethic could only get him so far. So, he grew a mustache. For more on Bill, his mustache and his life at Selway Machine Tool Company, see the honorarium: https://selwaytool-5182944.hs-sites.com/blog/williamselway.
Bill and Kate welcomed four daughters into their world: Kasey, Jamie, Marni & Meghan. But after a life with six brothers, Bill kept trying for a boy and Zack finished off their family. Having Bill as a father was never dull. He turned his children's tears to smiles and laughter with stinky, smelly socks to ward off the boogie man. He taught them the important things in life: the hand-off the football and to take-it-down-the-field-under-your-shirt play and how to correctly toilet paper neighbor's yards. He instilled in them a sense of adventure body surfing in Santa Cruz, using the tractor to waterski in the swimming pool and rock jumping at Lake Tahoe. He cried tears of joy at their accomplishments. He was our very own "Sappy Pappy."
Bill loved taking his family on trips. He may have left the plane tickets for Hawaii at home, lost half his kids in Grand Central Station, dumped the sewage from the RV on the family campsite and ended up with two of his kids in front of a closed Disneyland entrance gate (aka Clark Griswold), but any vacations with Bill were legendary. To the last, Bill collected stories as the Summer 2020 coastal trip with four R.V.s and a camper van resulted in an emergency call to the mobile RV septic repair (note: flushing often is good).
Bill watched his children become adults and marry. While he made his son-in-law, Pat Hayes, meet him at Dean's Café at 5 a.m. to have the "talk," daughter-in-law, Andrea Selway, got off a little easier. He was overjoyed with his six grandchildren – Cassidy and Harrison Kepp, Mykel Patrick Hayes, and Jade, Dori, and Blake Selway. He taught them to laugh and be kind, cheered them on in theater performances, soccer games, swim meets, and created traditions with Papa making root beer floats, playing Hide-and -Go-Seek and watching movies together curled up on the couch. As his t-shirt read, he was, "Papa. The Man, The Myth and the Legend."
While Bill was larger-than-life, he never wanted much. When asked for gift ideas for his birthday or Christmas, he said, "to be to church on time." Sorry, Dad. We think he made up for it with God. He went to church several times a week, ran the Pleasanton Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) sports program, was instrumental in the fundraising for St. Elizabeth Seton and worked tirelessly to establish a Catholic high school in the Tri-Valley area. He joined neighbors in San Ramon to work for the Twin Creeks Homeowners Association, built the snack bar and restrooms at Amador Valley High (Bill's "Crap and Snack"), headed Amador Boosters for years, and donated to the Bay Area Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), Salesian High School, his alma mater, and many more.
Bill was a man of few words unless he was telling a joke or relaying the humor of real-life experiences. He answered texts and emails with one word: yes, no, o.k. or thanks. He wrote "Roses are red poems" for Kate on every occasion and dominated family pun battles. What he offered in those few words was irreplaceable. Bill was a mentor for many – his kids and grandchildren, their friends, his friends, nephews and nieces and business associates. One friend said, "He was the dad of my heart." Many said he was the parent they wanted to be for their children. Maybe that's because he pulled one of his daughter's friends' vans out of a ditch at 1 am with a tractor so she wouldn't get in trouble and provided emotional and financial guidance when a family friend lost her husband. Bill's generosity showed no bounds.
When he wasn't working, Bill was working: pulling weeds, washing the cars and MacGyvering everything with the toothpick tucked behind his ear. He created experiences for friends and families to gather and celebrate life. He chartered a bus to the Rolling Stones concert, lit up fireworks and maybe some burgers at the annual Selway 4th of July celebrations and brought friends together by hosting New Year's Eve parties for over twenty years. That's why the celebration of life for Bill Selway will have to wait. He would want a party and a party he will have when Covid-19 restrictions allow. Expect the traditional Bill and Kathy rhyming invite at a later date.
We see Bill in Heaven with loved ones, burning rubber in his original '56 Chevy, "Oh What a Night" blaring, laughing, and doing SOB turns (Slide Over Baby) while dropping down little pranks and raindrops of wisdom. To honor his memory, give your family and friends a Bill Selway hug, blast some music, and tell a joke.
If you feel inclined, instead of flowers or food, please consider donating to Bill's beloved alma mater Salesian High School to give scholarships to students so they can share the experience he cherished: https://www.salesian.com/support-salesian/donate or to the Salesian Boys & Girls Club: https://www.salesianclubs-la.org/donate.
Published by East Bay Times
May 1, 2021
_________________________________________________
https://selwaytool-5182944.hs-sites.com/blog/williamselway
The Story of Bill Selway
Posted by Zack Selway
April 19, 2021
In 1968, at the age of 22, Bill Selway took the helm of Selway Machine Tool Company after the untimely death of its founder, his father Roy. Throughout the early 1970s, Bill, along with his brother Pat, would drive door to door in Northern California towing a state-of-the-art ironworker and high speed to perform live demonstrations for potential customers. After many doors were shut on these youthful salesmen, Bill grew out his 'trademark mustache' that was with him until the end. Over the years, Jim, Chuck, Danny, Dell, and Joe (or Bill's 5 younger brothers) joined as the business grew, setting the foundation for the family environment that still exists today at Selway Machine Tool Company.
American-made machine tool products in the late '70s were no longer competitive with the industry demand. To better support the manufacturing community, Bill, secured distributorships with renowned builders Matsuura, Mori Seiki, and Nakamura Tome becoming one of the first dealerships on the West Coast to represent Japanese products.
The company expanded to Washington, Oregon, and Nevada in the mid-1980s as Bill continued his quest for the newest technology to support Selway Machine Tool Company's growing customer base and emerging industry needs. These demands were instrumental in Bill signing an agreement with Gene Haas to become an exclusive dealer for Haas Automation.
Bill loved to have fun while doing business. The well-appointed tradeshow booths and themed open house events the company hosted became legendary, but the unique business suits Bill adorned were always the talking point of each show. Always the life of the party, Bill was never short on having a story or joke to share with his audience. This, in addition to his genuine interest in helping others, built many strong relationships within the industry and in every facet of his life. When asked about Selway Machine Tool Company, Bill stated, "This is who we are, the 'relationship' company. We understand our responsibility to deliver the services that can help make our customers successful."
Selway Machine Tool Company continued to expand under Bill's leadership with his consistent search for new technologies leading to the addition of Automation, Software, Additive Manufacturing, Work-Holding, and Tooling divisions. To position the company for the future without his direction, Bill, coached, mentored, and empowered the next generation to provide a seamless transition in the business. The company's family atmosphere continues to thrive with second and third-generation members and retention of over 20 years for a majority of the workforce. Bill's love of the company, employees, and customers set the standard for building strong relationships at Selway Machine Tool. www.selwaytool.com.
Bill Selway passed on April 14, 2021.
He will be loved and missed by all.
Due to covid restrictions, there are no immediate plans for a Celebration of Life gathering. We hope to have one in the near future and will be sure to send you the plans in case you would like to join. In lieu of sending flowers to the family or company, please make a donation to Salesian High School. A place Bill attended and loved dearly.
____________________________________________________
Montana, U.S., Birth Records, 1897-1988
Name William Roy Selway
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 8 Dec 1946
Birth Place: Dillon, Beaverhead, Montana, USA
Father: Roy Marvin Selway
Mother : Margaret Mary Selway
December 8, 1946 - April 14, 2021
Resident of Pleasanton, CA
Heaven didn't know what they were getting Wednesday, April 14, 2021 when Bill Selway walked through the Pearly gates. We imagine he got teary-eyed when he found his mother Margaret, father Roy Selway and brother-in law Eric and his friends. He probably had them laughing in seconds and organized a party. But Kathryn Steinberg, his mother-in-law, would be wary of Bill's tricks.
Bill was a prankster. He hooked mannequin hands on the back belt of wife Kate's coat during mall shopping, set all the alarm clocks in Macy's electronics to go off at different times and his scary Thor mask popped up at kitchen windows or in the dark on the way to the Mohr Mansion.
The mischief started at a young age. Billy was born in Dillon, Montana on December 8, 1946. When he was four, the family moved to Richmond, California and Billy welcomed six brothers Pat, Jimmy, Chuck, Danny, Dell, Joe and sister Helen. He caught on quickly to the big brother role and could change a diaper quicker than his mother. The Selway boys and their "Spanky and the Little Rascals gang" from St. Paul's Elementary wreaked havoc in the neighborhood; they left poop bags on doorsteps, launched Billy out of a soap box car resulting in his iconic chipped tooth and started guerilla warfare with Old Lady Arnold. Her cactuses could not compete with the underground tunnel system dug to retrieve the balls that went into her yard. Billy also looked out for his siblings creating experiences for the family at Stinson Beach, Russian River and Lake Tahoe.
While Bill vomited on his first girlfriend on the Ferris wheel, Bill's high school sweetheart, Kathryn "Kate" Steinberg was luckier. Kate's brother Eric introduced her to the BMOC (Big Man on Campus). It was later related in their son's 5th grade story "How my Parents Met: there was a macho guy and a wimp. My Dad (Bill) was the wimp." Macho didn't matter. As Mimi (Kate's sister) said, Bill brought laughter and light into the Steinberg household. He sent a beautiful Thanksgiving turkey flying across the room (slight carving accident) and instructed 5-year-old Helen to interrupt Mrs. Steinberg and the door-to-door salesman asking, "Mister did you fart?" Mrs. S laughed so hard she "had a little accident." Despite this, Helen thought Bill and Kate were the iconic couple, Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon.
Not sure Frankie could spit sunflower seeds and play basketball like Bill. The year was 1961. Number 4, point guard Bill Selway, Salesian's Team Captain at 5 feet 7 inches, had the ball. In one fell swoop, Bill made his trademark fade-a-way jump shot from half court. The ball sailed over the rafters of the Alameda County Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall and swished into the net sending the opposing team, Amador Valley, out of their seats cheering for Bill. He continued to play basketball at Cal State Hayward and in adult leagues in Richmond, San Ramon, and Pleasanton well into his 60s, coached his brothers, son and granddaughters and taught many throughout the years the key to the swish shot: "drop your wrist!"
Due to his father's untimely death at age 51, along with their Mom, Bill and his brother Pat took over their father's Machine Tool Business. At age 21, Bill's quick wit and hard work ethic could only get him so far. So, he grew a mustache. For more on Bill, his mustache and his life at Selway Machine Tool Company, see the honorarium: https://selwaytool-5182944.hs-sites.com/blog/williamselway.
Bill and Kate welcomed four daughters into their world: Kasey, Jamie, Marni & Meghan. But after a life with six brothers, Bill kept trying for a boy and Zack finished off their family. Having Bill as a father was never dull. He turned his children's tears to smiles and laughter with stinky, smelly socks to ward off the boogie man. He taught them the important things in life: the hand-off the football and to take-it-down-the-field-under-your-shirt play and how to correctly toilet paper neighbor's yards. He instilled in them a sense of adventure body surfing in Santa Cruz, using the tractor to waterski in the swimming pool and rock jumping at Lake Tahoe. He cried tears of joy at their accomplishments. He was our very own "Sappy Pappy."
Bill loved taking his family on trips. He may have left the plane tickets for Hawaii at home, lost half his kids in Grand Central Station, dumped the sewage from the RV on the family campsite and ended up with two of his kids in front of a closed Disneyland entrance gate (aka Clark Griswold), but any vacations with Bill were legendary. To the last, Bill collected stories as the Summer 2020 coastal trip with four R.V.s and a camper van resulted in an emergency call to the mobile RV septic repair (note: flushing often is good).
Bill watched his children become adults and marry. While he made his son-in-law, Pat Hayes, meet him at Dean's Café at 5 a.m. to have the "talk," daughter-in-law, Andrea Selway, got off a little easier. He was overjoyed with his six grandchildren – Cassidy and Harrison Kepp, Mykel Patrick Hayes, and Jade, Dori, and Blake Selway. He taught them to laugh and be kind, cheered them on in theater performances, soccer games, swim meets, and created traditions with Papa making root beer floats, playing Hide-and -Go-Seek and watching movies together curled up on the couch. As his t-shirt read, he was, "Papa. The Man, The Myth and the Legend."
While Bill was larger-than-life, he never wanted much. When asked for gift ideas for his birthday or Christmas, he said, "to be to church on time." Sorry, Dad. We think he made up for it with God. He went to church several times a week, ran the Pleasanton Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) sports program, was instrumental in the fundraising for St. Elizabeth Seton and worked tirelessly to establish a Catholic high school in the Tri-Valley area. He joined neighbors in San Ramon to work for the Twin Creeks Homeowners Association, built the snack bar and restrooms at Amador Valley High (Bill's "Crap and Snack"), headed Amador Boosters for years, and donated to the Bay Area Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), Salesian High School, his alma mater, and many more.
Bill was a man of few words unless he was telling a joke or relaying the humor of real-life experiences. He answered texts and emails with one word: yes, no, o.k. or thanks. He wrote "Roses are red poems" for Kate on every occasion and dominated family pun battles. What he offered in those few words was irreplaceable. Bill was a mentor for many – his kids and grandchildren, their friends, his friends, nephews and nieces and business associates. One friend said, "He was the dad of my heart." Many said he was the parent they wanted to be for their children. Maybe that's because he pulled one of his daughter's friends' vans out of a ditch at 1 am with a tractor so she wouldn't get in trouble and provided emotional and financial guidance when a family friend lost her husband. Bill's generosity showed no bounds.
When he wasn't working, Bill was working: pulling weeds, washing the cars and MacGyvering everything with the toothpick tucked behind his ear. He created experiences for friends and families to gather and celebrate life. He chartered a bus to the Rolling Stones concert, lit up fireworks and maybe some burgers at the annual Selway 4th of July celebrations and brought friends together by hosting New Year's Eve parties for over twenty years. That's why the celebration of life for Bill Selway will have to wait. He would want a party and a party he will have when Covid-19 restrictions allow. Expect the traditional Bill and Kathy rhyming invite at a later date.
We see Bill in Heaven with loved ones, burning rubber in his original '56 Chevy, "Oh What a Night" blaring, laughing, and doing SOB turns (Slide Over Baby) while dropping down little pranks and raindrops of wisdom. To honor his memory, give your family and friends a Bill Selway hug, blast some music, and tell a joke.
If you feel inclined, instead of flowers or food, please consider donating to Bill's beloved alma mater Salesian High School to give scholarships to students so they can share the experience he cherished: https://www.salesian.com/support-salesian/donate or to the Salesian Boys & Girls Club: https://www.salesianclubs-la.org/donate.
Published by East Bay Times
May 1, 2021
_________________________________________________
https://selwaytool-5182944.hs-sites.com/blog/williamselway
The Story of Bill Selway
Posted by Zack Selway
April 19, 2021
In 1968, at the age of 22, Bill Selway took the helm of Selway Machine Tool Company after the untimely death of its founder, his father Roy. Throughout the early 1970s, Bill, along with his brother Pat, would drive door to door in Northern California towing a state-of-the-art ironworker and high speed to perform live demonstrations for potential customers. After many doors were shut on these youthful salesmen, Bill grew out his 'trademark mustache' that was with him until the end. Over the years, Jim, Chuck, Danny, Dell, and Joe (or Bill's 5 younger brothers) joined as the business grew, setting the foundation for the family environment that still exists today at Selway Machine Tool Company.
American-made machine tool products in the late '70s were no longer competitive with the industry demand. To better support the manufacturing community, Bill, secured distributorships with renowned builders Matsuura, Mori Seiki, and Nakamura Tome becoming one of the first dealerships on the West Coast to represent Japanese products.
The company expanded to Washington, Oregon, and Nevada in the mid-1980s as Bill continued his quest for the newest technology to support Selway Machine Tool Company's growing customer base and emerging industry needs. These demands were instrumental in Bill signing an agreement with Gene Haas to become an exclusive dealer for Haas Automation.
Bill loved to have fun while doing business. The well-appointed tradeshow booths and themed open house events the company hosted became legendary, but the unique business suits Bill adorned were always the talking point of each show. Always the life of the party, Bill was never short on having a story or joke to share with his audience. This, in addition to his genuine interest in helping others, built many strong relationships within the industry and in every facet of his life. When asked about Selway Machine Tool Company, Bill stated, "This is who we are, the 'relationship' company. We understand our responsibility to deliver the services that can help make our customers successful."
Selway Machine Tool Company continued to expand under Bill's leadership with his consistent search for new technologies leading to the addition of Automation, Software, Additive Manufacturing, Work-Holding, and Tooling divisions. To position the company for the future without his direction, Bill, coached, mentored, and empowered the next generation to provide a seamless transition in the business. The company's family atmosphere continues to thrive with second and third-generation members and retention of over 20 years for a majority of the workforce. Bill's love of the company, employees, and customers set the standard for building strong relationships at Selway Machine Tool. www.selwaytool.com.
Bill Selway passed on April 14, 2021.
He will be loved and missed by all.
Due to covid restrictions, there are no immediate plans for a Celebration of Life gathering. We hope to have one in the near future and will be sure to send you the plans in case you would like to join. In lieu of sending flowers to the family or company, please make a donation to Salesian High School. A place Bill attended and loved dearly.
____________________________________________________
Montana, U.S., Birth Records, 1897-1988
Name William Roy Selway
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 8 Dec 1946
Birth Place: Dillon, Beaverhead, Montana, USA
Father: Roy Marvin Selway
Mother : Margaret Mary Selway
Family Members
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