William P. Galbraith

William “Bill” Galbraith was born in Pasadena, California on January 25, 1924, and he made his final jump on February 27, 2021 at his home in Murrieta with family at his side. Bill is proceeded in death by his parents, Bernice Calahan and Cecil “Shorty” Galbraith, his wife Anna Galbraith, his sons James and William Galbraith, and his grandson Courtney Galbraith. He is survived by eight of his children and their spouses; Julie & Raymond Stoeff, John Galbraith & Nancy Stumvoll, Thomas & Lisa Galbraith, Donald & Linda Galbraith, Marykay Perez, Robert & Jacquileen Galbraith, Michael Galbraith, and Carolyn & Shane Chatriand, and his 21 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and counting.

Bill enlisted to serve as a Paratrooper and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, 506th PIR, I Company during World War II. In June 1944, Bill jumped from a C-47, landing in France as part of the Allied D-Day invasion. In September 1944, he was involved in the Operation Market Garden airborne invasion. Bill earned a Purple Heart after being wounded in the Netherlands. He returned for the 70th anniversary of D-Day in 2014 and was awarded the French Legion of Honor.

Despite war and wounds, Bill maintained his strong faith and his iron will. After returning home from the war, he married his Scottish sweetheart Anna. They raised their ten beautiful children together in southern California, where Bill owned and operated his own business to support the family. Their big family grew even larger over time, and Bill was a giant in the “Galbraith Clan”. Happiest when surrounded by his army of friends and family, Bill showed his integrity in every heavy handshake and his warmth in every embrace. Bill was honest, dutiful, generous, and full of vitality. He enjoyed reading, painting, hunting, and reunions with his 101st brothers. Bill had an infectious smile, a booming laugh, and a wink for “all the pretty girls”. He was a strong man with a soft heart, and that trait lives on through his family.

~With tear in eye, we push forward in celebration of what he created.

Bill's final resting place with be at Riverside National Cemetery.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of William P. Galbraith, please visit our Tree Store.