By Nicole Hamilton
The Cincinnati Enquirer

LOVELAND - William H. Over founded Clermont 2001 (now known as Clermont 20/20), one of the largest volunteer organizations in Clermont County.

The Loveland resident died of cancer Tuesday at Hospice of Cincinnati in Blue Ash. He was 78.

"He was optimistic, caring, loving, and very committed," said his wife of 20 years, Gloria Over.

Even after Mr. Over discovered he had cancer earlier this year, he continued his work for Clermont 20/20, an organization developed to improve the quality of life in Clermont County.

Recently, Mr. Over developed Clermont Educational Opportunities, a college access program.

For his work, he received the Award of Excellence at the College Access Network State Conference in September.

Most of Mr. Over's career was spent in the newspaper business.

After earning a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota, he worked in advertising sales at Mesabi Daily News in Virginia, Minn.

He held positions at newspapers in Columbus, Indianapolis, and Chicago, before moving to Cincinnati in 1977, when he became vice president and publisher of Cincinnati Suburban Newspapers Inc.

The company was sold and became the Community Press Newspapers in 1982.

That year, Mr. Over started his own advertising company, Over & Associates.

Mr. Over was the first to develop a leadership program under the Clermont Leadership Institute umbrella, called LEAD Clermont.

He was past chairman of several organizations, including Clermont County Chamber of Commerce, the Suburban Newspaper Research Center and the Clermont Mercy Hospital Finance Committee.

In 1989, he earned the Pacesetter of the Year award from the Clermont Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Over sat on various boards and committees, including the University of Cincinnati Clermont College Board of Trustees, the Clermont County Chamber of Commerce Education Committee and the Ohio Association of Community Leadership.

In 1987, he received the Ida Kennard Award from the Clermont County Mental Health Board.

Mr. Over was raised in Minneapolis.

He served in the Marines during World War II, and was honorably discharged in 1946, after being stationed in China.

In addition to his wife, survivors include three sons, James of Pittsburgh, Jerry of Chicago and Kevin of Goshen; a stepdaughter, Marianne Abrams of Madeira; a stepson, Michael Abrams of Maui, Hawaii; and seven grandchildren.

Services have been held. His body was cremated.

Memorials: Clermont Educational Opportunities Scholarship Fund, 119 W. Main St., Amelia, OH 45102; or Hospice of Cincinnati, P.O. Box 633597, Cincinnati, OH 45263-3597.

E-mail nhamilton@enquirer.com