March 2025 - Obituaries

April 1, 2025

Bill R. Gaynor

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.