Bill Whiteside

July  21st, 1947 December  13th, 2024
Scottsdale, AZ
Bill Whiteside

Bill Whiteside, 77, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away due to a cardiac event on Friday, December 13, 2024. Sadly, or appropriately, he passed away at his golf club, while enjoying his passion hobby.

To honor him, a Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, January 8, at 10:00 a.m. at Highlands Church 9050 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255. Light refreshments will be provided; casual attire.

Obituary

Bill was truly one in a million, a leader whose impact went far beyond the workplace. His life was transformed early in his adulthood when he began his relationship with Jesus, a faith that would become the foundation of his character and actions. Colleagues often said he was "the best boss I ever had," a testament to his unique ability to both inspire excellence and nurture genuine connections. His kindness knew no bounds, extending not just to those in the spotlight but to everyone he encountered, especially those who might have felt overlooked by others - a reflection of his deep Christian values.

His dry wit and clever sarcasm brought light to even the most challenging days, while his thoughtful nature ensured everyone felt valued and supported. In meetings, he was known for his punctuality and preparation but also his ability to make every person feel heard. He had an intuitive sense of what needed to be done and how best to accomplish it, always considering both the practical and human elements of any situation. But perhaps his greatest joy came from being "Pop-pop" to his seven grandchildren. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren's events from sports (helping him graduate from "Map Boy" to "Ball Boy") to graduations. He delighted in giving to them and setting them up for a successful future.

The sudden void left by his passing has shaken all who knew him, a reflection of how deeply he touched our lives. His legacy lives on not just in the projects he completed or the standards he set, but in the countless lives he enriched with his warmth, sympathy, and gracious spirit. Bill showed us that true leadership is about more than just achieving goals - it's about lifting others up along the way.

Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend; he is survived by his wife of 26 years, Gina Jones and step son Justin Jones; his daughters Kelly (Joshua Rayman) and Mandy (Ed Garrett) with his first wife, Carol, and his seven grandchildren, Caleb, Elijah, and Ava Rayman, and Maddie, Eddie, Kenzie, and Bear Garrett.

Bill’s history:

Bill was born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 21, 1947, the son of the late Loy and Geneva Whiteside. Bill mostly grew up in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and was raised with his older brother Howard.

Bill graduated from Glenbard West High School, where he lettered two years in baseball. He then went on to graduate with a degree in Industrial Engineering from Bradley University (which he lovingly called "The Harvard of the Midwest"). He was offered a job at Sperry Flight Systems (now Honeywell Flight Systems) in Phoenix and eagerly jumped at the chance to get out of snow country. His initial job was very intriguing as he was assigned to work on the flight controller team for the (then brand new) Boeing 747.

It was very depressing at the time, but Sperry laid off over 40% of their workforce (less than 2 years after he started) and Bill didn't make the cut. Looking back he would comment how God is in charge as the layoff forced a career change that got him into commercial real estate. His first role was with Del E. Webb Realty and Management Co., where he was an office leasing agent. He worked there for 13 years with various assignments, including moving to Houston, Texas, to handle the remodeling and re-leasing of a high-rise in the downtown area. His final role was senior vice president of leasing and new business development.

In 1984, he was offered a position at Westcor Partners (at the time the Valley's premier ground-up shopping center developer) to help start an office building division. Despite the success of developing three office complexes the investment in retail was significantly more profitable so it was discontinued. This led to another God-controlled event as Westcor promoted him to run  Property Management for the whole company. Ultimately Bill was rewarded by becoming a partner in the firm. This lasted until 2002, when they sold the company to Macerich. Bill was offered a position to stay, which he did until he retired in 2014.

Bill enjoyed many other activities as he coached t-ball, taught five-year-olds Sunday school for 11 years, held several local and national positions with the Institute of Real Estate Management, was president of the Scottsdale YMCA, president of the local chapter of the Building Owners and Management Association; and served on the Board of Bethany Bible Church. He also served six years in the Army National Guard.

Golf was his favorite hobby, and he and Gina joined Pinnacle Peak Country Club (PPCC) in 2003. He served on several committees at PPCC and was its President in 2016. His legacy (along with the General Manager Doc Belitz) was planning and implementing a complete remodel of the Clubhouse. 

Bill adopted ASU's football program and became a season ticket holder starting in 1982. He was also an original season ticket holder for the Fiesta Bowl that began in 1971.

He regularly thanked God (even when he found a great parking spot at the mall) for such a special life and family.

Please add photos to be shared at service.


Memory wall

Please share your thoughts, memories, and stories.


January 16, 2025
Bill was our best boss.

We knew that he would always be in our corner.

He celebrated with us when times were great and was there for us when they were not.

We shared many laughs and many tears as a group throughout the years.

He was our superhero and his superpower was that he made each and every one of us believe that we were his favorite!

He was ours.
Karen Litton
January 5, 2025
I met Bill in 1990 when he and JJ hired me as Marketing Director for Scottsdale Fashion Square. The following 4 years were filled with fun, challenges, successes, and celebrations! He was a true mentor and friend. He celebrated with us for our 25th anniversary (see line dance photo), my 50th birthday, and was one of the first to rush to my house when he learned of my cancer diagnosis. A great man, husband to Gina, father, and wise soul. He is already missed by all. 💔
Kathy Anderson
January 2, 2025
Bill,
My dear Friend, Mentor and first Boss, I will truly miss you, 5-decades of Friendship!

We met in Houston; Bill was 24 and I was 22 fresh out of college, knowing nothing about real estate. I had just flown in from Phoenix with the assignment to lease a 230,000 square foot office building; Bill’s assignment, to teach me how to lease office space. We each succeeded and became lifelong friends through the process. He recently said to me, “can you believe that Del Webb actually trusted us with that assignment”. Bill set me on the path for a 50-year career in real estate.

We experienced life together and had much in common except Golf. Bill was there as I courted my Bride; and was in our wedding. We were there when each of our daughters were born, Kelly and Mandy, Bill’s Pride and Joy. In the late 1970’s we both accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior. I remember how much joy you had when you married Gina, your Bride for Life.

As we moved into different career paths, God continued to build our relationship through both the good and challenging times. We kept in contact through lunches, dinners, birthday celebrations, Daughters Weddings, ASU games & tailgates, staycations and couple trips. Our friendship extended well into our marriages.

Conversations were centered around how we were doing, encouragement, a little business, but mainly family talk. We would share life stories as the girls grew up, went on to college, married and gave us both wonderful grandchildren. I know Bill’s 7 grandchildren, because of the stories and pictures, continually shared.

Bill, a loving, committed Husband, Dad, Grandpa, & Friend, you’ll always be appreciated & remembered!

Bob Kawa
January 2, 2025
Dearest of Friends that is who you are Bill. Sharing our life and our faith in the Lord was the greatest blessing given to us by God. So many memories flood our hearts and minds . A friendship of 50+
years is a treasure. From the early days in Houston where Bill was Bobs boss at Del Webb, to celebrating 40+ years of ASU football games, tailgating, and the University club. Memories are too many to mention but breakfasts, dinners, celebrating everyone’s birthdays every year, staycations, going to the botanical Gardens, plays, concerts and traveling to Boulder are just a few. Our hearts are broken with how we’ll miss you Bill. One memory brings a giggle— playing cards in our bathrobes on staycations— who does that???? Best friends that’s who!!!!
We lift Gina & family up in prayer for
the Lords comfort and healing We know we will see you again rejoicing in heaven for all eternity!!!

With love, Diane Kawa
Diane Kawa
December 29, 2024
Bill was a leader with a great sense of humor, a huge heart, and an abundance of management “smarts”. He opened our creative minds as we experienced shopping centers across the US for years. Bill always made work fun! He will be greatly missed.
Christina Lanoue
December 28, 2024
In 1988 I was introduced to Bill when the Valley of the Sun YMCA recruited both of us to be on a Facilities Committee they were forming to oversee the design, construction and maintenance of the branch YMCA’s throughout the Valley. Shortly thereafter we got paired up in a charity YMCA tournament and we immediately hit it off from there......and the fact that we were both left-handed only made our friendship stronger. For the last 36 years we have played countless rounds of golf in tournaments, traveled around the country to play different courses, and organized the Kachina Cup together for the last 15+ years. On and off the golf course we have shared a special bond and friendship and have somewhat grown old together. I will miss our golfing, traveling, bantering, dinners with wives, etc. Bill Whiteside, Retired Bill, Lord Whiteside, we have shared a special friendship and I will miss you dearly. I look forward to when we will meet again.
Jeff Turner
December 24, 2024
To paraphrase James Earl Jones: The memories will be so thick, you'll have to brush them away. Indeed they are. Bill, Dave Brainerd, and I were close friends and baseball buddies from the Spring & Summer of 1962 through the Spring of 1965. What a great time that was! And as an added benefit, Bill and I were roommates as Bradley freshmen. But different college paths and life itself kept us apart until just a few years ago. But so many memories keep flooding back: winter golf at Edgewood Valley CC; playing basketball in his driveway during the JFK funeral; one of the first Mustangs; and all that baseball. (he almost got the high school tennis season cancelled as he hooked foul ball after foul ball into the tennis courts). What a time that was!
I cannot imagine the great pain and the hole in your heart, Gina - having lost such a wonderful guy. My heart aches for you.
Godspeed
Ken Janacek
Ken Janacek
December 24, 2024
I met Bill during the 1960-61 school year when we were 8th graders in Glen Ellyn, Illinois attending confirmation classes at the First United Methodist Church in town. From that time until receiving Gina’s email informing of his sudden, tragic passing, I never imagined sharing these memories. However over the years I have learned that doing so can help ease some of the pain of losing someone even if but a little.

Right away Bill and I became friends, sharing many of the same interests, primarily sports. For example, throughout our time at Glenbard West HS in Glen Ellyn we played basketball together, whether in pickup games in the gym, on intramural teams, or on the Methodist team in a church league. Bill had had a knack for getting open and had a soft touch on his jump shots, which he’d usually sink from the corner in what is now three point range. He was a big factor in winning the league championship a couple of times.

But baseball was our best sport and main interest. A lefty, Bill was a slick fielding first baseman with good hands and quick feet. At the plate he had a lefty’s classic smooth swing. Ken Janacek, our hard-hitting, strong arm third baseman and classmate completed this trio of friends. Throughout high school we played ball together not just for Glenbard, but all summer as well in different leagues, even barnstorming around the region and in other Midwestern states. When we weren’t playing ball we were talking about, occasionally heading to Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs. There is a lot of down time in baseball, from preseason workouts, through the long season, traveling or just hanging out our friendships strengthened.

After graduating from Glenbard Bill and Ken headed to Bradley U in Peoria, IL. I left for school in Baltimore where I have lived ever since. Ken stayed in Illinois, and as everyone knows, Bill was tired of the snow and cold so after Bradley moved to Arizona, setting up an Arizona-Illinois-Maryland geographic split.

As it happened we allowed that geography, marriage and raising our families, careers, i.e. life generally to get in the way of our friendship until (too) many years later when a high school reunion afforded us the chance to reconnect and also meet Gina. I lack the words to express how meaningful it has been to reestablish our friendship and renew my connection to Bill and Ken, but it has been valuable and important to me to do so.

The Bill Whiteside I’ve known for a long time was a true friend. Not just a good athlete with whom I shared time and similar interests, but a good, caring, and sober person, a man of integrity who worked hard and challenged himself and those around him to do better. He was a good guy, fun to be with, someone worth listening to and one who enriched the lives of us blessed to know him. Although we followed different paths and spent so much time apart I have always respected him.

My heart goes out to Gina, his family and network of friends. I am very sorry for your/our loss. Bill will certainly be missed but never forgotten. I will remember him always as my friend and am thankful for the times we shared and for the good memories I will carry with me forever.

David Brainerd
December 24, 2024
2024 was a year that included the passing of my wife of 48yrs., and a number of good friends. I count Bill as one of those good friends, who was also a professional colleague at Macerich. And I'm gratified that our friendship endured for years after our professional association. I looked back on some formal comments I made on his annual reviews, and the recurring theme was " Your management style is that of a facilitator and advocate. Your people respect you and you provide an environment that is professional, relaxed and high quality." You can't make good old friends again, so there is real sense of loss for us. But wonderfully, Bill's faith has now been realized for his eternal gain.
Charles Waldron
December 24, 2024
I first met Bill when Macerich and Westcor merged and I enjoyed working with him as my property management partner and friend. We had a lot of laughs along the way and he made a positive impact on so many people. Thanks for everything Bill!
Michael Johnson
December 24, 2024
Bill Whiteside is the reason for me to be employed at Macerich today. I’m grateful for the opportunity that he gave me first to be transferred to Desert Sky Mall in 1993 and subsequently promoted to General Manager in 2001. He gave me the job and nurtured me along the way with a perfect blend patience and grace, giving me the time to grow. The Bible states in Romans 13:7 “ Give to everyone what you owe them:…if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor”. Today, I give Bill respect and honor and acknowledge him as a Mentor, Boss and Friend.
Ezequiel Valenzuela
December 23, 2024
Gina - Thank you for sharing this news. I’m very sorry. I received your email on Saturday and haven’t stopped thinking about my friend Bill. Yes, he was my boss but more importantly, he was my friend. I read your tribute and you perfectly captured who Bill was. He trusted in me, he inspired, he kept me in my lane and he taught me how to be leader. I grew tremendously under Bill’s leadership and he showed me that you can be a leader with a smile and a laugh. I think about the lessons he taught me often. Love, your friend Hugh.
Hugh Crawford
December 22, 2024
Bill and I met and worked together at I.R.E.M. (Institute of Real Estate Management. We also played at lot of golf together (much of it at the Boulders). In fact, he often joked that I was the only National President of IREM that ever beat him. As National President I had the opportunity to visit Bill in Phoenix to determine if he, and his employer, would accept Bill being considered for National President. After learning the amount of travel that position requires, his Company decided a large part of his responsibilities would suffer. Sadly, he asked that I withdraw his name for consideration. That was IREM's loss, but is testimony to Bill's work ethic and support of the Company's mission. I will miss him.
Bill Borsari
December 19, 2024
Bill Whiteside is the person who offered me the position as General Manager of Scottsdale Fashion Square--and recued Kaye ad I from the snowy Detroit winters. Kaye and I will be forever grateful for Bill. Thank you so much, Bill Whiteside.
Steve Helm
December 19, 2024
Bill lit up every room he walked into. The days Bill would spend with us at the shopping centers were the BEST days (and there were a lot because he loved being in the field and was the most supportive!). Not only was Bill a beacon of light, he was one of the funniest people I’ve ever known, and would always leave me laughing. My heart hurts for Gina and the entire family - I am sending so much love. 💛
Alison Goodman
December 18, 2024
Bill was best brother that anyone ever had. He was always there for me and my family. I will love him forever. The only shortcoming he had was that he never let me beat him at golf. God bless you Gina, and the family.
Howard & Barbara
Howard Whiteside
December 18, 2024
I worked at Chandler Mall when the mall opened and any time Bill was in the mall he came to the Guest Services and visited. He always wanted to know if things were going well. His reward is being with God now and he will be missed by all who knew him. God Bless his family at this difficult time.
Mary Pat Montani
December 18, 2024
I remember the day Tom came home from playing golf in Boulder and said "I met the greatest guy today" followed by "we've made plans for 4 for dinner." I have such fond memories of our outings with Bill and Gina. I am so grateful that he touched our lives, however briefly.
Mitzi Klukvi
December 18, 2024
Bill, my dearest friend… your impact on my life is hard to put into words. You were my boss and mentor for over 15 years, but you have been more like family and a best friend to me! We went through so much together… We came into each other’s lives when I was in my 20’s… You were there to support me through the birth of my two children and through a very difficult divorce in my life. You taught me about business and managing people… I observed you mentoring so many souls and you did it always holding a space of love and compassion. I was blessed to watch you fall in love with your beautiful wife, Gina. I saw the joy that brought you and it was wonderful. I saw the love you have for your girls and watching them grow and get married and have your grandchildren. Your family was your true Joy. Your love for God was palpable and you embodied Christ-consciousness every day. You are an example to all of us on how to embrace life and love each other. I feel so blessed for you to have been such an important part of my life for over 35 years of it! You will always hold a sacred place in my Heart! I love you WPW!
Dawn Sadler/Armstead
December 18, 2024
Bill is the reason I started my career with Westcor. He was the first person to believe in me. But, it was his gift of compassion that will always remain in my heart. Visiting me in the hospital when I was ill, helping me through early parenting and always sending me a card on my birthday. He lead by example and didn’t let problems go unresolved. He truly listened with his whole being. Most importantly, he loved Gina and his girls and his family with his whole heart. I am heartbroken for all of them. I will miss that funny birthday card. It meant more than you know, Bill.
Tracey Gotsis
December 18, 2024
Bill was always such a nice person always graceful in his approach to people and teammates. I along with other Westcor folks had a Holiday Lunch the first week of Dec and I was happy to see him and his warm smile. God Bless you Bill
Nicholas Christifulli
December 17, 2024
Bill was very instrumental in the success of Westcor. While other people conceived the developments, he had to raise them and did a wonderful job. Lucky to have had him as a friend and partner!
Rob Ward
December 17, 2024
What a wonderful person he was! I wish I’d had had the chance to meet him. So accomplished and loved, and what a beautiful family. I wished you peace and strength Gina in the days ahead. Such a shock to everyone. Love you and I’ll be thinking and praying for you. 🌹🙏
Laura Hale
December 17, 2024
Gina, I'm sorry I never met Bill, but I know how happy you were together. He will be missed by many, and I pledge my support to you whenever you might need it. PiPhi love and mine.
Laura Atwell

Service


Please join us for a Celebration of Life service for Bill.

We will come together to remember and honor him. Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time. Light refreshments will be provided; casual attire.
Location
Highlands Church
9050 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Date/time
January 8 at 10 AM
RSVP

Donate

One thing you may not have known about Bill was he was a blood bank hero! He donated blood for years. We found records going back to 1991, but we know he donated before that time. He was a universal donor and cared about the preemie babies he was able to help.

We invite you to give towards this passion project and either donate to Vitalant.org or participate in our virtual blood drive by clicking here: https://vbd.vitalant.org/drive/GiveHelp-9656-R
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