William "Bill" David Eglinton, 63, of Leonardtown, MD formerly from Landover Hills, MD passed away on September 16, 2014 in Anne Arundel County, MD. Born on March 7, 1951 in Claremont, NH he was the son of the late Blanche and Ed Lyday.

Bill was the loving husband for thirty years of Sharon Smith Eglinton whom he married on April 28, 1984 in St. Georges Methodist Church.

Bill is survived by his children; Katie Davis (Chuck) of Prince Frederick, MD., Colby Eglinton (Natalie) of Greenwood, IN, Ryan Eglinton (Alison) of Leonardtown, MD, seven grandchildren, and sister Sue Eglinton (Carl) of Ealing, London. He is preceded in death by his sister Linda Rae Richardson.

Bill graduated from Duval High School in 1969 the Calhoon Engineering School in 1972, and University of Maryland in 1983 with a Master's Degree in Engineering.

Bill served in the United State Navy from December 21, 1983 to May 1, 2004 serving 20 years retiring in 2004, his duty stations included; Andrews Air Force Base, MD and NAS Keflavik, Iceland. In early 1973, he became an instructor at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (then known as the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship).

Bill became a respected and well known representative for U.S. mariners on numerous high-level domestic and international maritime bodies; he most recently served as director of training. His commitment to the union, school and industry in general didn't end upon his retirement. With mariners facing (among other upcoming challenges) the new TWIC and merchant mariner credential programs, Eglinton would remain available for freelance assignments, a development sincerely appreciated by SIU officials.

Bill was very instrumental in STCW negotiations, protecting our seafarers during those talks. Bill also played a big role looking out for U.S. Mariners right after 9/11. Of course, he helped many Seafarers upgrade their skills throughout the years. The accomplishments are many, from tanker safety programs to the TRB (training record book, which Eglinton developed) and the implementation of STCW. "In between regulatory requirements, there were cruise ships and military contracted company needs that were met, plus inland programs. The school upgraded by adding a fire fighting facility, full mission bridge simulation, engine room simulation and supporting programs just to name a few of his many achievements as director of training. We wish him fair winds and following seas."

Bill graduated from the Calhoon MEBA Engineering School in 1972, and later earned a Master's degree from the University of Maryland in 1983. Since 1991, he has served as a member of U.S. delegations to International Maritime Organization meetings conducted in London. He was appointed by U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge to serve on the Coast Guard's Maritime and Homeland Security task group. He also has authored marine engineering books.

A retired member of the U.S. Naval Reserves, Eglinton continued serving on working groups with International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and the Coast Guard's National Maritime Security Advisory Committee and (separately) Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC). Among other endeavors, he retired from MERPAC-DHS-USCG on July 7, 2014. At the Paul Hall Center, he was instrumental in the school's obtaining degree-granting status associate's degrees in nautical science and marine engineering, respectively. He also developed or assisted in putting together the center's curriculums for LNG ships, welding, refrigeration, diesel and third assistant engineer, to name but a few.

Bill belonged to the St. Mary's County Coin Club, he loved to travel around the world, to read books, crossword puzzles and chat on facebook.

The family will receive friends on Monday, September 22, 2014 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with prayers recited at 7:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Leonardtown, MD. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at 10:00 AM in the Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Lanny Clark officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens Leonardtown, MD. Pallbearers; Dave Heindel, Bart Rogers, Chuck Davis, Leroy Russell, Pat Russell, John Kalmus, and Irston Hair. Honorary Pallbearers will be John Mason and Bob Hurt.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the William D. Eglinton Seafarers Scholarship Fund. Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD.