William Hiland

William "Bill" Hiland passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025. He was born in San Jose, California on November 20, 1943. He grew up there with his older siblings (now deceased): brother Pat Hiland and his sister Jeanette Vestal.

Bill graduated from Camden High School in 1961.

Bill dedicated six years of his life to service in the U.S. Navy (1962–1968), during which time he served aboard the USS Providence. His naval service reinforced his lifelong love of the sea.

Following his military service, Bill forged a career as a yacht broker and professional sailor. He raced in the Swiftsure International Yacht Race 19 times. It's a multi-course, complex, and long-distance sailing race in British Columbia, Canada. Swiftsure is the largest yacht race of its kind on the West Coast. One year Bill won first place in all five categories awarded.

Bill moved to Sydney and was project director for the building of Casiopia in New Zealand, a 70 foot yacht he would later captain in the Sydney to Hobart race. The Sydney to Hobart race is one of the most challenging global sailing events - a test of endurance and skill against unpredictable weather in the Southern Ocean.

In 1995 Bill retired from sailing and moved back to San Jose. With characteristic energy and vision, he reinvented himself in the opportunities of the late 1990s tech world. In 1997 he founded Semispares, a company specializing in remarketing excess semiconductor manufacturing equipment, especially for Lam Research.

Bill met Mary Williams in 1997, and they married on February 27, 1999. Their 25-year partnership was one of friendship, unconditional love, and mutual respect. Earlier in life, he was married to Patty Pullen. They had two children: Nicole and Devin.

In 2006–2007 he sold off Semispares' assets and shifted gears into what became On the Road Again-a British classic car restoration business in Morgan Hill. For 14 years he and his team restored and maintained many beautiful classics from MGBs to Jaguars. Over the years, Bill won many awards at several Bay Area car shows. He retired and sold On the Road Again in 2021.

Bill was a man of many interests beyond sailing and classic cars – orchids, collecting shells and painting among them. He loved the beauty and wildlife of Morgan Hill, especially deer and hummingbirds.

Described as "a valued, loved, and respected friend," "kind, caring, and generous," and more. Bill was known for his generosity, his calm, warm presence, and his friendly nature.

Bill leaves behind his wife Mary; his children, Nicole and Devin; stepdaughter, Elisa; 6 grandchildren plus one on the way; and many friends whose lives were enriched by his presence. He will be deeply missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 12, 2025 at Mama Mia's in Morgan Hill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rotary Club of Morgan Hill Endowment.

Published in Morgan Hill Times · September 22, 2025