William “Bill” Wassily Wolkoff

William “Bill” Wassily Wolkoff passed away peacefully on July 13, 2025 in Jefferson City,

Missouri, at the age of 87. A beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, Bill lived a full

and adventurous life rooted in curiosity, creativity, and quiet determination.

Born on January 26, 1938 in Aberdeen, Scotland to Margaret and Ivan Wolkoff, Bill was raised

with a strong sense of tradition and intellect that stayed with him throughout his life. In 1968, he

made the United States his home, and it was here that he built a rich life grounded in love,

exploration, and community.

 

Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara, with whom he shared a vibrant and joyful life.

Together, they enjoyed long walks, bocce ball games with friends, traveling the world, and

cultivating their passion for plants as certified Master Gardeners. Their love story began at a

Burns supper, a celebration of the Scottish poet Robert Burns—fitting, as Bill was immensely

proud of his Scottish heritage and often donned his Highland dress and kilt for special occasions.

A man of many interests and talents, Bill studied aerospace engineering and worked as a

mechanical engineer. He also nurtured his literary side, owning a bookstore in Mexico, Missouri.

In his early years, Bill’s passion for motorcycles led him to race competitively. He later traded

his racing boots for hiking boots, completing the 96-mile West Highland Way in Scotland with

his brother Michael—an experience he cherished deeply. He also had a competitive streak in

speed walking, earning many medals over the years.

 

Bill’s zest for life extended to the kitchen, where he found joy in cooking, and to his appreciation

of fine single malt Scotch whisky, visiting numerous distilleries across Scotland.

 

He is lovingly remembered by his sons, Keith (Elizabeth) and Sean (Magnolia), and grandson

Alistair (Keith and Elizabeth). He also leaves behind his brothers Ian and Michael, niece Sarah,

nephew Gavin, and Barbara’s daughters Karen and Margret.

 

Bill’s warmth, intelligence, and humor touched everyone who knew him. His memory will

continue to live on in the hearts of his family and the many friends whose lives he enriched.

A private family celebration of life will be held in his honor. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that

donations be made to a local botanical garden or library reflecting Bill’s interests.