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degree in mechanical engineering in 1937. While attending
Stanford, he met his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" Johnson, the daughter of Pennzoil co-founder Luther Johnson. They married in 1938 and he converted to her religion, Catholicism. Together, they went on to have two daughters. She later died in 1996.
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called Wilson's actions an “embarrassment.” Following this, Wilson submitted his resignation, with the state department stating that he resigned to return to private life. They refused to say whether his resignation was tied to the Kadafi meeting.
294:. He later was employed by his family's business, Web Wilson Oil Tools, and went on to become its president, until the company's sale in 1960. After that, Wilson had a successful career as a real estate developer, cattle rancher, and investor.
343:, just several days after terror attacks in Vienna and Rome had reportedly killed 20 people. U.S. officials believed Libya was responsible for the attacks and had urged the international community to isolate Kadafi. U.S. Secretary of State
356:
Wilson died of cancer in his home on 5 December 2009, aged 95. According to his daughter, Marcia Wilson Hobbs, he passed at approximately 1 am. He was survived by his two daughters, six grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.
317:. At the time, a 1867 U.S. Anti-Catholic law which had prevented the U.S. from establishing relations with the Vatican, was still in effect. In 1984, the law was repealed. Following this, Reagan nominated Wilson as the first
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issued a statement in response, saying "I am deeply saddened at the death of Bill Wilson. He was a dear friend for many years and a close advisor to my husband."
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In
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Wilson's father was an engineer in the oil-tool business and his mother a
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524:"US Ambassador William A. Wilson, K6ARO (SK)"
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250:. From 1984 to 1986, he served as the first
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19:For other people named William Wilson, see
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708:United States Ambassadors to the Holy See
621:The U.S. and The Vatican on Birth Control
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495:"Wilson Quits as Ambassador to Vatican"
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534:from the original on 22 September 2024
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69:April 9, 1984 – July 18, 1986
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615:Commodore Applied Technologies, Inc.
290:, Wilson served as a captain in the
565:from the original on 2 January 2020
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553:Berger, Joseph (7 December 2009).
462:Noland, Claire (6 December 2009).
428:Reagan, Ronald (10 January 1984).
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611:Amb. William A. Wilson, Director
385:Thomas Aquinas College Newsletter
42:Wilson with Ronald Reagan in 1984
16:American businessman and diplomat
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493:Kempster, Norman (21 May 1986).
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89:Diplomatic relations established
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829:Businesspeople from Los Angeles
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391:from the original on 2024-09-22
252:U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See
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119:William Albert Wilson
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530:. 8 December 2009.
381:"William A. Wilson"
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302:A close friend of
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663:1984–1986
509:2024-09-22
395:2024-09-22
367:References
274:degree in
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157:Republican
125:1914-11-03
744:Nicholson
594:Libraries
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304:President
178:Education
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769:Gingrich
563:Archived
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528:Arrl.org
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264:Canadian
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233:Captain
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