Woodstock, Vt. —
Born March 4, 1932, in Chicago, Bill was raised in Lake Forest, Ill. He was the youngest of four sons, brothers Thorne, Corson, and David, parents Roberta Thorne and George Corson Ellis. In 1950, he graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy. As a graduate of Yale University in 1954, Bill received a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, receiving his wings in 1955. Flying was one of Bill’s passions. By the end of his Air Force career, Bill reached the rank of Captain.
In June 1957, upon returning to Chicago, Bill and Titia married. There followed a career in in manufacturing, finance and investment banking. In 1976, Bill left the business world to return to school. He and his wife enrolled in the doctorate program in counseling Psychology at Northwestern University, receiving their PhDs in 1982. For the next 14 years, Bill and Titia each had their own private clinical practice as well as a joint family practice in the Chicago area. Bill taught at the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management 1985-1990. They moved to Santa Fe, N.M. in 1990.
In 2001, Bill and Titia moved to Woodstock, to be closer to their daughter Robin and her family. They became members of the Universalist Unitarian church. Bill continued painting, leaving behind an impressive collection of oil landscapes.
Bill is survived by his wife, Titia Ellis; three children; and 11 grandchildren. David Ellis (Myra Platt) of Seattle, Wash., and Dave’s kids, Bailey and Ruby, and stepson, Wilson. Robin Ellis Driscoll (Mark Driscoll) of Los Angeles, Calif. and their kids, Rosie, Phoebe, Ian, Adam, Tsehay, Mike and Jack. Bill Ellis Jr. (Tess Weir) of Portland, Ore., and Bill’s daughters, Georgia and Camille. Bill is also survived by his brother, Corson Ellis (Connie Ellis) of New York City.
Memorial scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 15, 11 a.m. at the Woodstock Unitarian Church. Reception to follow.