To the friends of North American Windpower: With immense sadness, we must report the passing of our friend and colleague Bill O'Connor, who died unexpectedly on Jan. 27.
Many of you knew Bill as your display and digital advertising contact for North American Windpower. But to the people who worked with him, Bill was much more.
He was a steadying and calming influence. Day in and day out, he tackled his book of business and prospect base with a cool and confident approach that peers emulated. Never one to get embroiled in office politics, he was always positive and had the unique ability to focus on the task at hand. He was matter-of-fact, unflappable and completely bereft of ego or animosity, making him infinitely approachable. Bill had another amazing quality: He made everyone in the organization feel as if their duties were important, that they mattered.
He joined Zackin Publications in August 2001, coming on board to lead the ad-sales effort for the company's Drycleaners News. He added Commercial Mortgage Insight to his portfolio in January 2002 and was instrumental in driving charter business for Solar Industry in 2007. Bill later threw his weight behind North American Windpower.
Away from work, Bill was a devoted father and family man. A long-time resident of Ridgefield, Conn., he was a member of St. Mary Parish and spent many years coaching his three children in softball, baseball and basketball. His greatest enjoyment came from watching them play sports. He was a fixture at community gyms and fields, cheering his children from the sidelines. He loved all sports and rooted for the New York-area professional sports teams, particularly the Yankees and the football Giants.
In addition to his wife, Jean, and three children, Claire, Jack and Ellie, he is survived by his mother, brother and sister, in addition to several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the O'Connor Children Scholarship Fund, at 59 Longview Dr., Ridgefield, Conn., 06877.
