November 21, 2007 at 3:47 p.m.
William Pittman
William Pittman
He is preceded in death by parents Marilyn and William.
He is survived by brother Mark (Nancy) Pittman, sister Mary (Tom) Legeros; nephews Matt (Kris) Pittman, Brad Pittman and Taylor Legeros; cherished aunt Eudora (Dot) Jenkins; Cousin Joe (Carol) Jenkins, Katherine Jenkins; Uncle William (Ardiss) Rendell; Cindy Phillipe. Bill was a beloved brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend.
Raised in Saint Paul, Bill graduated with honors from the University of Minnesota and held advanced degrees from UMass Boston and NYU in applied sociology and archival methods. For the past 28 years he was an historian, author and publisher of over 15 books about AA recovery and alcoholism. Bill was an advocate of Alcoholics Anonymous and The Twelve Step Community. Early in his career he worked for the AA Grapevine and the AA Archives at the headquarters in New York City. After that, he helped to found Glenn Abbey Books in Seattle, WA, which published books about recovery from alcoholism including one of his first books, Stepping Stones to Recovery.
Bill returned to Minnesota in the early 90's and in 1993 founded the Hazelden-Pittman Archives, a major repository of historic pamphlets, books, tracts and other materials on alcoholism dating back to 1790. While he was with Hazelden, he founded the Hazelden-Pittman Archives Press and was instrumental in the publication of many books about AA pioneers. He also worked as their Director of Historical Information.
Some of Bill's books include AA the Way it Began and DROP the ROCK: Removing Character Defects. His most recent book, The 12 Step Prayer Book Vol. 2, which he co-authored with Lisa D., was released this fall.
His work and passion for the history of AA took him across the U.S. making good friends along the way in Seattle, California, Illinois, Ohio, Louisiana, Arkansas, North Carolina, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Florida, New York City, Massachusetts and Vermont. He also leaves behind many dear friends in Saint Paul, Lindstrom and Center City.
Bill left his urban beginnings behind and spent recent years enjoying the rural countryside. He loved the peacefulness at his home in the woods. He was an avid fisherman and bird watcher. Many will remember his unique sense of humor. Billy was a gentle soul. We like to think that he's "gone fishin."
A celebration of Bill's life will be Saturday, December 1, 2007, at 1 p.m., at The Retreat, 1221 Wayzata Blvd. E., Wayzata, MN, 952-476-0566.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to The Wilson House, Village Street, East Dorset, VT 05253; The Retreat, 1221 Wayzata Blvd. E., Wayzata, MN 55391 or Hazelden - Fellowship Club, 680 Stewart Ave., St. Paul, MN 55102.
Grandstrand Funeral Home
651-257-4000
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