ARIZONA DAILY STAR: Tues., Aug. 11, 2009

Editorial: Estes worked for kids

The announcement that Bill Estes Jr. had died came over the loudspeaker before the Tucson Toros game began on Sunday night. The crowd and players observed a moment of silence to honor a man who had once owned the team in the 1970s, but over his lifetime had contributed so much more to Tucson.

Estes was the son of a homebuilder and continued the family business, Estes Homes, which built more than 40,000 homes in Tucson, Sierra Vista and Phoenix. The construction business wasn't without problems. He sold the business to what is now KB Home for $47 million in 1998.

How Estes spent his life speaks volumes. In a position to do as he pleased, Estes dedicated his time and business experience to improving education in Tucson and Arizona. He spent countless hours helping the Tucson Unified School District find ways to improve operations, save money and better educate kids. He also served on the State Board of Education.

Estes knew that if the adults could alleviate the problems — budgets, transportation, employee relations — the kids would reap the benefits.

Estes made a difference. Education was a priority for Estes and he used his influence and resources for a noble purpose. His work will continue through the kids he worked so hard to help.