Bill Harker came to Temecula in the mid-1970s. He immersed himself in the committees, the commissions, and the efforts to develop the events and activities that would give the town its character and its identity. He got involved in the effort to rejuvenate the businesses in Old Town Temecula and restore Temecula’s identity as an old west cattle town. He helped launch the Great Temecula Tractor Races. Along with his wife, Evelyn, Bill helped launch the first Balloon and Wine Festival in 1983.
As a history enthusiast, Bill took on the responsibility of publishing the High Country magazine, which had been created by local historians Tom Hudson and Sam Hicks. Bill was a founding member of the Temecula Valley Historical Society and a dedicated supporter of the Temecula Valley Museum.
As a pilot, Bill planned and executed several marathon cross country trips throughout the United Sates in his single-engine Piper Cub. When Temecula incorporated in 1989, Bill supported the relocation of the local airport from its hazardous location along Diaz Road to its much more appropriate location in the unincorporated area outside of town in the French Valley.
Bill Harker’s passion, energy, and enthusiasm for Temecula won him the admiration of all who knew him.