In Memory
Dedicated to North County Senior Softball members who will always be in our hearts. Also see In Memory NCSS-CD League page.
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Bill Doig - 01/25/2026
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Bill Gaynor - 03/20/2025
Bill Doig
08/17/1946 - 1/25/2026
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Mar 21 at 10:00 am.
Solana Beach Presbyterian Church
120 Stevens Ave
Solana Beach, CA 92075
Luncheon to follow (catered by Seaside Market) in Debin Hall @ the church
Bill Doig, long-time member of Carlsbad’s NCSS 65+ Softball, NCSS-CD Softball, and LC35 Softball leagues, finally lost his over two-year battle with multiple cancers in today’s early morning hours.
On the softball field, Bill was known for his cold and calculating “hit it where they ain’t.” He left defensive players scratching their heads as balls passed inches away. Fortunately, he matched this skill with a self-deprecating sense of humor that gave back a bit of the pride he chipped away.
As a teammate, Bill always chose to be positive, to be supportive, and to be a friend. Few did it more sincerely or with more fun. That is his legacy to each of us.
Please stand together on the base lines before tomorrow’s game (1/26/26 at Alga Norte Park) and give a moment of gratitude and attention to our missing friend, Bill.
Jim Dionne
Commissioner
Bill Gaynor
05/08/1942 - 03/20/2025
Update 6/06/2025:
Celebrating the life of Wiliam Reginald Gaynor, Loving father, son, husband, public servant. We hope you can join us as we celebrate Bill's life together.
June 21st 1:00 - 4:00 pm.
Vista Elks Lodge #1968
1947 E Vista Way, Vista CA 92084
From Jim Dionne:
Rest in Peace, Billy Gaynor.
Billy Gaynor passed away on Friday, March 20, 2025. Billy played softball for 25 years in both our NCSS-CD League and in the NCSS 65+ League.
Always in demand as a great hitter, he was also a league and tournament manager and an ambassador for recruiting new players to our leagues.
Always generous with his time, he often shared batting advice with those who asked and made sure players were called to join a tournament team if they wanted to play in tournaments.
He also educated players on the newest bats for sale to ensure their success, and he often - but not always – offered them a better negotiated price (he said) than could be had by buying the bat commercially.
But, in truth, despite Billy’s great playing success, and despite all his many personal awards and professional accomplishments, his most valuable gift to the game of softball was the fun he added for those who played with him.
We will miss you, Billy. The game of softball will be less fun without you.
Jim Dionne
Commissioner
FROM SSUSA Senior Softball Newsletter https://seniorsoftball.com/?news&story=2066
Bill Gaynor, 83, of Carlsbad, Calif., died on March 20 after a long battle with cancer.
Bill was a long-time senior player and manager, first playing with Senior Softball USA in the 1990s, until late last year. Also a member of the Top Gun Senior Softball organization in Southern California, Bill passed away in his chair, wearing his Top Gun Softball jersey and cap.
“Bill was a big and vocal man, a retired police officer and a warm and caring man,” remembered Red Simmons, Bill’s manager with the Top Gun Blue Angels 85s.
Red also noted that Bill was part of the law enforcement team that apprehended infamous serial killer, Charles Manson.
In addition to playing in tournaments with SSUSA and Top Gun, he was also well-known in his North County Senior Softball League (competitive division).
“Despite all his many personal awards and professional accomplishments, his most valuable gift to the game of softball was the fun he added for those who played with him,” said Jim Dionne, commissioner of the North County League. “He often shared batting advice with those who asked and made sure players were called to join a tournament team if they wanted to play in tournaments.”
Bill will best be remembered for his time playing or coaching the following teams: SoCal Braves 60s, Last Call CA 65-70s, Top Gun 75 Classics, Stark Street Pizza S. CA 75s, Top Gun Diamond 80, Top Gun 80 Gold and Top Gun Blue Angels 85s.
Update 6/06/2025: Celebrating the life of Wiliam Reginald Gaynor, Loving father, son, husband, public servant. We hope you can join us as we celebrate Bill's life together. June 21st 1:00 - 4:00 pm.
