Mr. William Bill Frank Bostick

William “Bill” Frank Bostick was born on November 2, 1921 at his parents’ home in Edmonton, Alberta Canada. His parents were Harry & Olive Bostick. Bill was raised in The Hood River Valley of Oregon.

Bill had five siblings; two older sisters, Alberta and Mary Jane, two younger brothers Robert, Harry and a step-brother Edward. He liked to ride his pony and explore the valley with his two brothers..

In High School Bill lettered in Varsity Track and Field. Some of his close friends included Frank Buckmaster, Robert Adams, Ruth Alexander, Philip Balsiger, Deloris Hilton, Myrtle Carr, Dick Bentley and Helen Kinoshita. Bill enjoyed some courses more than others and developed favorite classes and teachers. The teachers he enjoyed learning from the most were W R Padrick (Geometry), Edith Fenwick (English) and James Carr (Football). He joined the Marines while still in high school and received his diploma from Hood River High School after World War II ended.

Bill enlisted in the Marine Corps at age 17; he was in the battle of Wake Island and was held prisoner by the Japanese for nearly 4 years. After the Marine Corps he enlisted in the Army. He saw action in WWII and The Korean Conflict. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant (E6). In addition, he received several citations and medals including the Purple Heart. In the military he enjoyed wrestling; where he participated on the 1949 Olympic Team. He served 23 years combined active duty. He held lifelong friendships with other Wake Island survivors; among them include Roger Banford, J .S. Johnsons, “Chick” Reeves, Frank Gross, Elmer Drake, E.O. Adams and Leroy Schneider.

After retiring from the military he took classes in advanced math, blueprint and layout at Clark College in Vancouver. This helped him advance as a Union Boilermaker. He was a member of Local 72, 83 & charter member of Local 500. He retired after 18 years.

On February 13th, 1964 Bill exchanged wedding vows with Luella Wiese in Carson City, Nevada. Luella was a significant part of his life; they were married for 46 years. Raising a blended family they were blessed with a total of eight children, Billie Jean, Bonnie Lea, Hazel Jule, Helen Olive, Craig Leroy, Kim Renae, William Todd and Steven Thomas.

Bill found pleasure in visiting with family and friends. He enjoyed his favorite hobbies which included hunting, fishing, reading, playing cards, dancing, chess and everything about guns. He was also something of a sports fan.

Top on his list was college football, baseball and wrestling. He was an active member of the Marine Corp League, VFW, Elks and the Eagles.

Bill could be characterized as a proud man who upheld his beliefs, was decisive and very outspoken. He was always protective and greatly loved his family.

Bill passed away on September 6, 2010 at Adventist Hospital in Portland, Oregon. He is survived by his wife Luella, seven children; Billie Jean Kelley, Bonnie Kappes, Helen Boak, Craig Bostick, Kim Bostick, William “Todd” Bostick, Steven Bostick and preceded in death by daughter Hazel Rand. He had grandchildren; Jerry (deceased), Kitten, Shereen, David “Davey”, Jimmy, David (deceased), Johnny "Jay", Tina, Tara, Richard “Richie”, Richard “Jay”, Terrie, Jessica, Lukas, Samantha, Branden, Joshua, Christina, Rebecca, Amy, Tyson and thirty-two great grandchildren.

Services are to be held at 11:00am on September 15, 2010 at Lincoln Memorial Park. Interment at Willamette National Cemetery immediately following service.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations to VFW Post 4048 7118 S.E. Fern Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97206 or the USS Oregon Det. of the Marine Corp League.

Arrangements under the direction of Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, Portland, OR.