Obituary of William A. Sours

William A. Sours died September 4, 2012, after a brief illness. Bill lived in Sauquoit NY with his loving wife of fifty-eight years, Carol. In recent years they lived at Sunset Wood Apartments in New Hartford. He was born in 1927, son of Alvah and Lena (Stoddard) Sours, and grew up in the Fort Plain area. Bill's early years were shaped by the Great Depression of the 1930's and the troubling world events that followed it. Like many young men of his era, he was eager to join the fight when World War II broke out, and left before graduating high school to enter the Army Air Corps. He rose to the rank of Sergeant and served as a coding / decoding specialist with the 11th Air Force at Elmendorf Air Base in Anchorage, Alaska. It was during this period that he developed his noted distaste for camping in the snow. After his military service, Bill pursued a career that utilized his technical abilities. Beginning as a draftsman, he ultimately became a mechanical engineer with skills in product concept, design, and production methods. His early career was spent with Utica Drop Forge¸ General Electric (Radio Receiver) and Cogar Computer Corporation. Bill's work led to a number of U.S. patents, including several in consumer electronics and one for producing lighter, stronger plastics. In the early 1970's he formed his own engineering consulting company. Bill was an avid airplane enthusiast and pilot from his youth, and joined the Experimental Aircraft Association. Over a six-year span, he built a P51 Mustang airplane at home, fabricating nearly every part himself. Bill was reticent, yet on occasion he quietly related exciting stories about his airplane flights that delighted his children and caused hair-raising consternation to his wife. Bill was an accomplished jazz pianist. During his wartime service, he performed regularly in the Officers' Club and for touring USO shows that came to his base. After the war, he continued playing professionally in area jazz clubs, working with groups and accompanying singers. He was known for his strong ear, sense of harmony, and ability to blend with other musicians. At home he shared his love of music with his family, inviting his children to join him in impromptu jam sessions. Throughout his life Bill was fascinated by science, particularly space exploration. He maintained an engaging optimism about progress and the potential for science to solve society's problems. Bill was loved by family and friends for his kind and gentle manner, and respected for his sense of duty and morality. He will be greatly missed by Carol, their four children and spouses: Philip Sours and Yolande Meessen of Newton Massachusetts, Patrick and Amy (Sours) McGlynn of Grand Rapids Michigan, Clinton and Sue Sours of Wellesley Massachusetts, and Bob and Kristin (Sours) Nelson of Clinton New York. In addition Bill leaves nine grandchildren, one great-grandson; his sisters, Marlene (Sours) Larkin of Palatine Bridge, NY, Dawn (Sours) Shea of Chandler, AZ, and Linda (Sours) Lord and her husband Ed of Mesa, AZ; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved family cat Molly. He was predeceased by his brothers, Allen Sours and Arnold Barkley. Visiting hours will be this Saturday Sept. 8th from 1-3pm at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service Inc., 35 College Street in Clinton. A memorial service will be held immediately following. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local Humane Society.