Deceased Members–2003

In Memory of William L. Ferris

William L. Ferris, FSA, MAAA, passed away on February 16, 2003.

Ferris was born in 1941 in Ketchikan, Alaska and grew up in Washington, graduating from the University of Washington in 1962. He then moved to Southern California and joined Pacific Mutual Group Life Insurance Company's actuarial training program. Following several rotation assignments and after receiving his FSA designation, Ferris spent a number of years in the Information Systems area where he was elected Vice President in 1980.

In 1985 Ferris became Senior Vice President, Group Employee Benefits, and in 1988 he became President and CEO of Pacific Mutual (now renamed Pacific Life and Annuity). He continued as head of the Group Insurance Division, which he led to many years of accomplishments despite an unusually tumultuous environment for that business until his retirement in 2001.

Ferris engaged in many industry activities, such as acting as a member of the Board of Governors for the Health Association of America. He also served the American Cancer Society, The Wellness Community and the Hoag Hospital Foundation.

He is survived by his wife Beverly, his son Michael, his daughter Misha, son-in-law Matt McGill and grandsons Max and Marc.