Bill Westmoreland

William Jewell Westmoreland IV passed away on May 15, 2026, at the age of 77 from complications of Alzheimer's disease. He is survived by his wife, Emily Freede; his sister, Cydney Westmoreland; his sister Lori Schoenfeld (husband Doug Goodman); and his son William Jesse Westmoreland. He is predeceased by his parents, Dorothy M. Westmoreland and William J. Westmoreland III.

Born September 6, 1948, Bill Westmoreland grew up in a military family and moved frequently between Navy based locations. He spent much of his childhood as a happy, barefooted towhead on the beaches of Hawaii where he learned to love and respect nature. His family roots brought him to Albuquerque, and he graduated from Rio Grande High School in 1966. He served stateside in the Army during the Vietnam era, then returned to NM to complete his Bachelor's degree in Biology and Chemistry at UNM. He later earned his Professional Engineering license and a second Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.

Bill worked as an environmental engineer for the City of Albuquerque and Intel Corporation. His career encompassed natural resource conservation, water utility development, wastewater management, industrial air regulatory compliance, traffic systems and public works projects. He could and would fix anything (whether it needed fixing or not). He was a gifted mentor who cared about his co-workers, always striving to contribute to their personal and professional growth. Bill was a skilled leader who excelled in directing complex projects, but his greatest talent was working with people and finding a way to make everyone laugh.

He loved golfing, hot-air ballooning, bicycling and driving anything that would go fast. Bill was tender-hearted and literally wouldn't hurt a fly. He was known to rescue spiders and ants, carefully collecting them from the kitchen floor and releasing them outside. A joy to be around, he had an infectious laugh and knack for mimicry and general hilarity. Even when Alzheimer's stole his words, Bill used his sparkling blue eyes to evoke laughter and love from his caregivers. Music of any sort delighted him, and he sang creative nonsense songs to his very end.

Bill's natural good looks were exceeded only by his strength of character. He was genuine, without pretense, and never met a stranger. He was courageous and resolute in the face of his debilitating disease. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. All who knew him are better for it.

No services are planned at this time. Please share your memories of Bill in our online guestbook at www.FrenchFunerals.com.

FRENCH - Westside

9300 Golf Course Rd NW

505-897-0300