William Lee Brock Sr.

Born in Goldendale, WA on May 25, 1938 to Irene & James Wesley Brock. Bill was the second of two children, he had a older sister Carol. When Bill was about five years old the family moved to Yakima, Washington. Bill attended Castlevale school but decided at a young age that he was going to be a mechanic. So he quit school and worked in his Dads shop in his early teens. Built and wrecked his first car at age fourteen. Bill opened his own auto shop in the 60s. Bill was an excellent mechanic and knew how to build a fast car, he won his fare share of trophies. Bill eventually stopped racing but went on to build several racecars for fellow drivers.

Bill was a natural at or around the track and always had a need for speed. It was not always cars that Bill loved to race. He enjoyed motorcycles, jeeps, snowmobiles, and airplanes as well, anything with a engine in it. Bill was also a pilot and learned to fly at McCallister airport by Charlie McCallister in the late 70s. One of his favorite things to do was take you for a ride in his airplane, then cut the engine and tell you he ran out of gas. You had to be brave to ride with Bill. It did not matter what mode of transportation he used. He was going to give you a ride you would never forget. You never wanted to have your vehicle towed by Bill, especially if he was in a hurry. Unless you liked to live on the edge and didn’t mind wet pants.

Bill was a very smart and resourceful man. He was an instructor for W.A.C.O.N.I., JM. Perry, and the Job Corp. Bill taught automotive mechanics and heavy equipment for many years at these three places. During those years Bill got his students to construct an airstrip on his property, dig out his basement, and repair all the cars his daughter wrecked.

During the Summer months Bill would go to Alaska and keep the big rigs running in Prudhoe Bay. Bill flew his own plane to Alaska with Shirley a time or two. While there he worked sixteen hour days seven days a week. Bill set the bar high, probably out of reach for anyone to follow. Bill was a success at anything and everything he tried. One of his favorite sayings was “you make your own luck”. Bills success had little to do with luck though. Bill worked hard for many years and he enjoyed every minute of it. When asked to go on vacation Bills response was “I can’t work if I’m on vacation”.

Even though Bill was very busy with his countless projects he always made time for his family and friends. If you were in trouble he would be there at the drop of a dime. You could always count on Bill to have your back. Bill was called “Chicky” by his grandkids who he loved to play with when he had time. Most recently his playtime partner was baby Aliana,

she is two years old and loved to go play with Papa Chicky. All the grandkids did because he was just a big kid at heart.

Bill was extremely successful and he earned it. But he was always humble and ready to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. If you were lucky enough to cross his path in life you were going to have a friend through thick and thin. Like Aaron who recently came from Denver Colorado to purchase a truck from Bill and stayed in touch ever since. Bill had many lifelong friends like Grant Erickson, Tony Heckardt, Paul Henry, Stan Connelly, Scott Williams, and his buddies at Mel’s diner I know I missed a few, the list could go on and on. Bill was always eager to help a friend or give advice. He loved to give advice. He did not like to take advice too much though.

Before Covid Bill and his buddies had their own booth reserved twice a day every weekday for about thirty years at Mel’s diner. They would have coffee, tell tall tales, and give the waitress a hard time. You always knew where to find him Monday thru Friday. Everyone knew not to sit in the front corner booth at Mel’s.

Bill later had his own excavating business and was a success at that as well. Through all of these adventures Bill bought several properties and was most recently a landlord to many families. Bill was always a straight shooter, and a very good man to have in your corner. He was also the very best Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, Life partner, and Friend to so many. Bill will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He leaves some big boots to fill.

Bill leaves behind his beloved long-time companion Shirley Olsen and his 4 children, Ron Brock, Tony Madison, William Brock Jr., and Christine Brock. His grandchildren Maci, Amanda, Chelsea, Hannah, Christopher, Christina, Breanna, Deedee, Samantha, Joseph, James, Sierra, Alexis, and Linzie. Also his many great grandchildren. His nieces Daryce Hoffman, Cheryl Hecker, Jenifer Mitzel and Nephews Bill Wilson, Randy Wilson and Jack Mitzel. A cousin Art Brock of Enterprise Oregon.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents Irene & James Wesley Brock, step daughter Linda Madison, sister Carol Holt and her husband Lloyd, niece Denise Wilson and nephews Ray & Tim McCoy.

There will be a graveside service at Tahoma Cemetery at 1:00 pm on Friday April 25, 2025. After there will be a Celebration of his life at the Chuck Austin gymnasium 1630 S. 16th Avenue. Everyone is welcome to attend both. This will be a potluck dinner so feel free to bring a dish of your choice, but Not required to attend. But please come and be ready to share your best stories of Bill “Chicky” Brock.