William Rich Breyer

William Rich Breyer Bill died Sunday, March 23, 2014 from complications of kidney disease. Bill was born in Atlanta, Georgia on December 27, 1940, to the late A.H. and Martha Peirce Breyer. He attended Westminster School in Atlanta, and graduated from Baylor School in Chattanooga. He attended the Georgia Institute of Technology for several years, but found that he preferred learning outside of the classroom, and left before graduating.
After leaving Georgia Tech, Bill began working at Grady Memorial Hospital as an Ambulance Attendant. He rose in the ranks and eventually became a Health Systems Administrator, spending over 30 years helping others in his work at Grady. Bill met his beloved wife, Lucy, who worked as a nurse in the Emergency Room while at Grady. They married in 1970 and made their life-long home together in Roswell.
Growing up in Atlanta during the 1950s and 1960s, Bill was an ardent supporter of the Civil Rights Movement. He participated in marches and demonstrations, and believed fervently that all people deserved to be treated equally, with respect and dignity.
Bill was an avid outdoorsman – he was well versed in the flora and fauna of the region, and enjoyed spending time at his cabin in the North Georgia Mountains his whole life. When he retired from Grady, he took a job at REI selling canoes and kayaks so that he could spend time with people who enjoyed the outdoors as much as he did.
As a student, classmates nicknamed Bill “Suitcase” because he was always ready to travel. As a young man, he spent time with his parents and relatives traveling throughout Europe. He instilled his love of exploring new places in his wife and children, and made it a priority in their lives. Later in life, he spent time in Jamaica where he fell in love with its people and their culture.
Bill loved people, and loved to hear their stories. He could talk to anyone, and frequently did. People were drawn to his gregarious nature and the stories of his vast and unique experiences. He made friends everywhere he went, and never met a stranger.
Most of all, Bill loved his home and family. Bill was a devoted husband to Lucy and a dedicated father to his daughters, Laura and Allison. Many happy hours were spent in their home, cooking, talking, and laughing. He grew many successful gardens, tended a beautiful koi pond, fed the birds that visited his backyard and entertained friends and family elegantly. He was an affectionate master to his two pugs, Maggie and The Dude.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, A.H. and Martha Peirce Breyer
Bill is survived by his wife, Lucy Irvine Breyer, of Roswell, Georgia; his daughter Laura Breyer Chalkley and her husband Tom of Twentynine Palms, California, his daughter Allison Breyer Everett and her husband Matt, of Nashville, Tennessee; his grandson, Henry William Chalkley of Twentynine Palms, California; his sister, Mary Breyer Aagesen and husband Uffe of Moreland, Georgia; Nephew Stephen Aagesen of Plano, TX; Niece Julie Campbell of Newnan, GA; Nephew Richard Aagesen of Moreland, GA; many Grand-Nieces and Grand-Nephews; and countless loving friends.
A celebration of Bill’s life will take place at noon, Thursday March 27, 2014. Roswell River Landing; 245 Azalea Drive, Roswell, GA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chattahoochee Riverkeeper -http://www.chattahoochee.org/.