Boys & Girls Club Blog

The Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh sends our deepest condolences to the family of William “Bill” Radford, who passed away peacefully on November 4th. Bill was more than a Lifetime Board Member of the Club; he was a cherished friend and dedicated advocate for our mission, whose legacy is woven into the fabric of who we are today.

Bill’s journey with the Club began in 1981 when he generously donated land in New London, which would become Camp Radford. Named in his honor, Camp Radford still operates today, giving 450 children the joy of camp every summer. For many, it’s their first time experiencing the outdoors in this way, a special opportunity made possible by Bill’s kindness and vision.

In 1984 Bill joined the Club’s board of directors and served as president from 1985 to 1986. After his term, he remained actively involved, bringing his unwavering dedication to multiple campaigns that transformed the Club into a thriving, safe, and nurturing space for youth. Notably, Bill helped raise the funds for the construction of our current facility, affectionately named The William & Patricia Radford Center, which opened its doors in 1992 on Parkway Avenue and Broad Street.

One of Bill’s most enduring contributions was his commitment to building an endowment that would secure the Club’s future for generations to come. Alongside devoted colleagues like Ron Lampe, Bill helped establish a fund that, together with grants and donations from the community, has sustained the Club’s mission. His efforts were recognized in 1987 when he received the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Medallion Award for exceptional service.

“Bill was a true gentleman whose love for the Club spanned decades,” said Tracy Ogden, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh. “His passion was making this Club a safe, welcoming, and fun place for our kids. He took immense pride in everything accomplished here; his joy and enthusiasm were truly infectious.”

Through his tireless dedication, substantial financial support, and heartfelt wish that he “could do even more,” Bill left an indelible impact on our Club and our community. His generosity and spirit will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire all of us.

Read Bill Radford’s obituary here.