Obituary: William R. Courtland, 85, Of Southbury

Information and Photo Courtesy Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home

SOUTHBURY, CT — William R. Courtland passed away peacefully in Southbury on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. He was born in New York, NY, on Nov. 6, 1938. William had a varied career which began as an artist and then evolved into art directing for magazine companies based out of NYC. He eventually moved up the chain to become director of Manufacturing at the publishing giant Family Media.

In the middle of his life, William sought a career change that would afford him more human connections and the ability to teach. He enrolled in the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy as a student and, after receiving his massage therapy license, quickly became a teacher at the school, teaching courses that focused on the Chinese Medicine approach to massage therapy. During this time he self-published his first book, "A Medicine from Spirit." which is an introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine's spiritual way of life.

Later in life, when the COVID-19 pandemic made regular in-person teaching challenging, he shifted focus. Combining his love of teaching with his passion for spirituality, he expanded the development and offering of his own educational courses, which he offered both in-person and remotely at Heritage Village, the University of Connecticut and Duke University.

In addition to being a gifted teacher who inspired many, William was a beloved husband, father and friend. He is survived by his wife Velma, his son Hayden-William, and by his many friends. William was a true light in this world and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Spreading of Ashes Ceremony will take place on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 1 p.m. in Heritage Village at the dock overlooking Meeting House Pond.