October 5, 1956 – October 11, 2026
William Clinton Cloyd, Jr., known to family and friends as Bill, passed away on October 11, 2026, at age 70, surrounded by his family. Bill was a builder, pilot, hunter, and lifelong fisherman – a true outdoorsman. A California native who also called Alaska and Colorado home, he spent much of his life pursuing game, fish, and adventure in the backcountry and on open water. He built homes, flew small airplanes, drove old Toyota Land Cruisers, and knew his way around a smoker. He had a sharp wit, capable hands, and a lifelong appetite for seeing what lay beyond the familiar.
Born in North Hollywood and raised in Granada Hills, Bill grew up playing Granada Hills Little League and graduated from Granada Hills High School in 1974. He attended the University of Southern California from 1974 to 1978. His years in Denver and Anchorage suited his adventurous nature, but Santa Clarita remained home. He knew its hills, appreciated its vastness, and cared deeply about the land he owned throughout the valley.
A licensed California general contractor, Bill followed in his father’s footsteps as a developer. His work spanned decades and included custom homes, The Preserve in Sand Canyon, and residential projects in Colorado. Through Habitat for Humanity and Habitat for Heroes, he also helped create housing for veterans. Building was both his calling and a family tradition. Beyond the jobsite, Bill came alive with a fishing rod in hand. A member of the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), he loved chasing tuna off San Diego and fishing for salmon in Alaska. The ocean, the anticipation of a bite, and the time spent on the water were among his great joys. Hunting was another lifelong passion, reflecting his love of wild places and time spent in nature.
Wherever life took him, his allegiance stayed with the Dodgers and Rams. A good catch often became a great meal, and time around his grill meant amazing food, watching games, conversation, and laughter. His humor was quiet, quick, and often unexpected. Those closest to him knew his generous heart, his steady love for his family, and the comfort of being in his company. He leaves behind the homes he built, the warm stories people will always share, and a family proud to call him their own.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William Clinton Cloyd, Sr., and Jeanette Delatore Cloyd. He is survived by his partner, Jasmine Foster; his children, Travis (Elisha) Cloyd and Carissa (Devon) Zillner; his grandson, Tritan Cloyd; his sister, Rachel (Kirk) Jorgenson; and the mother of his children, Donna Morrison Cloyd, to whom he was married from 1981 to 2011.
A service celebrating Bill’s life will be held at noon on October 29th at Eternal Valley in Newhall, California.
