It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of William (Bill) Charles Zeigler on March 25, 2024. He will always be remembered for his kind nature, loving disposition, unwavering devotion, artistic talents, sense of humor, and well-rounded capabilities.

The memorial service for Bill will be held on April 12, 2024, at noon in the James J. Smith Bonsai Gallery at  Heathcote Botanical Gardens, 210 Savannah Road, Ft. Pierce, FL 34982, where friends and family will convene to share memories and celebrate the exceptional life of this cherished man.

Bill was born on August 5, 1930, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, but all who knew him would agree that his life truly began when he married the love of his life, Reene on June 12, 1954, after a whirlwind romance. Their family eventually grew to include 5 children, 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. 

Bill graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Architecture in 1953. While in University he joined the Air Force Reserves. After graduation, he moved to Miami with his young bride where he continued his service rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. 

He also began his search to fulfill his architectural dreams. Bill was heavily influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright which led him to join the architectural firm of the renowned architect, Alfred Browning Parker. Together they designed many luxury projects with the Frank Lloyd Wright influence but with regional tropical touches.

Bill ultimately formed the prominent architectural firm Hatcher, Zeigler, Gunn & Associates where he was principal design architect and partner. The firm was involved in designing several notable buildings that contributed to the South Florida skyline including the Brickell Bayview Center (Brickell City Tower), the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Dow House in Ocean Reef Club, the Mutiny at Sailboat Bay in Coconut Grove, the state of the art Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner Building among others.

The influence of Frank Lloyd Wright on Bill led to his passion for the Japanese culture which led to his lifelong pursuit of the art of bonsai. This truly shows Bill's character for this art form requires extreme patience, diligence, and attention to detail as well as artistic talent. He took great joy in serving & volunteering in various capacities with the Miami Bonsai Club and the Treasure Coast Bonsai Society as well as attending Bonsai conventions around the world. He designed the Bonsai exhibit at the Port Saint Lucie Botanical Gardens where one of his trees is on display. His trees are also currently on exhibit at Heathcote Botanical Gardens and Morikami Japanese Gardens. 

Despite the madhouse of raising five children, Bill and Reene enjoyed their careers and friends. They enjoyed traveling and took full advantage of Air Force benefits flying Space A wherever and whenever the planes were available. Favorite vacations included Germany, Greece, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. 

Bill's legacy is one of kindness and generosity. He was a man who never missed an opportunity to extend a helping hand to anyone in need. His love for conversation was legendary; he had a unique ability to engage with anyone and everyone, always leaving them feeling uplifted.

It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our beloved Bill. His spirit, however, will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. His contributions to the world of architecture, his love for Bonsai, and his boundless kindness will continue to be remembered and celebrated.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to:

Heathcotebotanicalgardens.org  (specifically the James J. Smith Bonsai Gallery)

or

ECHOnet.org

or

Heifer.org

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