Bill Flaherty 10/15/1928 - 5/1/2020

Bill Flaherty was born on October 15, 1928 in Mount Shasta, California to Ernie and Mabel Flaherty. Soon after, the family moved to Auburn, California where they established a small mine on Stone House Road. Bill grew up quickly during the Great Depression, hunting to put food on the table, working in the stockyards at age 11, and for the Forest Service by age 14. He attended Auburn Grammar School (formerly located in the current Auburn City Hall building) and later Placer High School. At age 16, Bill wanted to serve his country during WWII, so his mother allowed him to enlist in the Merchant Marines. After the war, he returned to PHS for a few years to play basketball for "Uncle" Ralph Lefevre, his favorite coach and pool hall buddy. He helped win championships and played in the first years of the Block "P" Patriotic Basketball Tournament (later renamed the Kendall Arnett Memorial Tournament). Bill married Ginger McAllister, and his children, Pat and Sandy Flaherty, were born in 1950 and 1953, respectively. Sandy preceded her father in death in 1965 after a tragic vehicle accident. Bill owned Foothill Roofing and most notably roofed facilities for the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley and re-roofed Auburn's Historic Placer County Courthouse in 1972. He was an avid outdoorsman, won numerous tournaments with the Auburn Trap Club, and was an active member of the Auburn 20-30 Club. In his later years, Bill was a roofing inspector and consultant. In 1982, Bill started a new chapter of his life with his best friend, his soulmate and deepest love, Deb. They were married in 1986 and spent almost everyday together for nearly 40 years. They enjoyed traveling and stopping at any yard sale and flea market they came across. They relished time spent beautifying the land they lived on, and Bill worked everyday, morning to night, taking care of their home and property. Bill took the greatest pride in raising their daughter, Amanda Flaherty Rogers, and later delighted sharing in the upbringing of his grandchildren, Will and Sadie Rogers. At 91 years old, after an arduous battle with Lewy Body Dementia, Bill died peacefully in his home, enveloped in the loving arms of his bride, on May 1, 2020. He was surrounded by his daughter, his son-in-law, John Rogers, and his grandchildren. Bill is survived by his granddaughter Tracie Cervetti and his great grandchildren, Payton and Brenden. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Gloria and Mark Maxwell, as well as by his brother, Ronnie Flaherty, and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Bill did not want a memorial service. He enjoyed celebrating his life with those closest to him while he was living. The best way to honor him is by telling spirited stories, with lots of colorful language, over a stiff high ball, and to remember him "with all your love, forever and a day."