William "Bill" Ward Joslin

William "Bill" Ward Joslin, 68, of Salem, Oregon, passed away at his home on January 2, 2025. Born on June 11, 1956, in Yale, Michigan, Bill was the youngest of four children and the only son of Dorothy and Charles “Chuck” Joslin. Growing up with three older sisters, Bill quickly developed a lively, mischievous sense of humor that became a defining feature of his personality. His jokes—often cheesy but always delivered with a grin—kept his family and friends laughing for years.

Bill graduated from Marlette High School in Marlette, Michigan, in 1974, and two years later, he made the life-changing move to Oregon. It was here in Oregon that he began his career as a machinist, a profession that would span over 30 years. Bill was proud of his work and the precision it demanded, but it was his vibrant personality and love for life that left the greatest impact on everyone around him. He was a dedicated father to his four children—April, Brandon, Adam, and Megan—and doted on his grandchildren—Cristen, Zachary, Lillien, Zane, Emma, and William. They brought him immeasurable joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

Outside of work and family, Bill had a deep passion for motorcycles. Whether cruising down the open road or tinkering with his bike, motorcycles were a central part of his life. Bill loved the freedom and thrill of the ride, and his bike was as much a part of his identity as his iconic mustache and long, braided hair—features that became his signature style. He also enjoyed the outdoors with hunting, fishing, and camping among his favorite pastimes. Bill’s love for music and craft beer, particularly stouts and porters, were additional passions he enjoyed sharing with friends and family.

Known for his big heart and sense of humor, Bill also had a soft spot for his beloved firearms and cherished his collection. While he prided himself on being a professional machinist and the detailed commitment required to do it well, he never let go of the adventurous spirit that marked his younger years, often bringing a sense of fun and spontaneity wherever he went.

Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy; his father, Charles; his sisters, Judy and Paula; and his nephew, Robert "Bobby." He is survived by his children, April, Brandon, Adam, and Megan; his sister, Sue; his grandchildren, Cristen, Zachary, Lillien, Zane, Emma, and William; and his nieces, Lisa, Patti and Kimberly “K.C.” and nephews, Charlie and Kyle.

A Celebration of Life will be held to celebrate Bill’s life. Arrangements for the Celebration of life are still being arranged, details will be updated soon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the National Rifle Association (NRA) in Bill’s memory.

Bill’s memory will live on in the stories, the laughter, and the love he shared with those around him. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his adventurous spirit, his deep devotion to his family, and, of course, his love of motorcycles, nature, and the open road. Rest in peace, Bill—you will always be missed: but never forgotten.

“His Journey’s Just Begun” by Ellen Brenneman

Don’t think of him as gone away his journey’s just begun, life holds so many facets this earth is only one.

Just think of him as resting from the sorrows and the tears in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years.

Think how he must be wishing that we could know today how nothing but our sadness can really pass away.

And think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched… for nothing loved is ever lost as he was loved so much.