William Haydn Jones

William Haydn Jones, (Bill to some and Haydn to others) was born in Seattle and grew up in Kent, where he graduated from Meridian High School in 1938. He was active in all sports and was class president his senior year. He held various jobs with local Kent businesses, the first being working in a lettuce shed for ten cents an hour, trimming fresh lettuce as it was brought in from the Kent Valley farms.

He was always proud of his service to our country during World War II in the South Pacific, as a soldier in the United States Army. He tried to enlist in the armed forces the day after Pearl Harbor, but was denied having not met the minimum eyesight requirements. A few months later as the war progressed, he became a member of the Army when the eyesight requirements were reduced. He was honorably discharged in January, 1946. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. On Thursday nights they often went to the local VFW hall to eat and visit with friends.

Bill worked over thirty years for The Boeing Company before retiring in 1983.

He loved Husky football and basketball, camping, fishing and traveling. He was a football season ticket holder for over 25 years. He introduced us to Kalaloch and the Olympic Peninsula even before he “married us” and for over 40 years, took us there annually for clamming and smelting. He loved to be the one to show everyone “how to do it” and was always watchful and protective of his family. Our trips often included Bill's family members, brother Jack and his wife Lill, his sister Eleanor and husband Rolla. One of his favorite things to do in the late summer was fishing for sockeye in Lake Washington, especially after retirement. He also enjoyed spending time with his nephew, Dave, who often took him salmon fishing in Puget Sound. Another favorite spot of ours was Fort Warden at Port Townsend where summers found us camping with “the kids and grandkids”. There were lots of things to do there…beach combing, running through the old forts, hiking up the hills, and visiting the marina. Another favorite trip was heading over Snoqualmie Pass to Walla Walla, for a visit with Linda and Jerry, where we would go picnicking and mushrooming and ate like royalty.

For many years, we were members of the American Clipper Club, traveling with fellow members in our motor homes to many fun places. Bill always enjoyed visiting with friends and participating in club activities.

Bill was very proud of his Welsh heritage. He was “Taid” (the Welsh word for Grandpa) to our grandkids and great grandkids. We traveled to Europe twice, visiting relatives in Wales and Italy. Through the years several of Bill's relatives came to the United States to visit us in our home, too.

We have lots of memories of him and know that you do, too. Please share them with us.