William "Bill" Tift

Bill grew us in the Lewiston-Clarkston area, attending Clarkson High School where he lettered in Boxing, Cross Country, Track and set a record for the mile which stood unbroken for over 30+ years. He then joined the military, serving first with the Navy then transferring to the US Air Force. He served for four years, becoming a Weather Reconnaissance Service Hurricane Hunter in Bermuda. After the military Bill returned to Washington, earning his Bachelor's Degree from Western Washington University (1964) which he followed up with a Master's Degree (1973). Bill became a teacher, teaching PE at elementary schools throughout the Northshore School District and coaching Cross Country and Girls' Track at Bothell High School and assisted with other athletic events at Bothell High School. Bill continued to run competitively in the mile at the college level as well as while in the Air Force. Once he retired Bill had many hobbies, including travel and photography, writing poetry, reading, and his lifelong love of running and walking. Always a sports fan, Bill followed the Seattle Sonics, Mariners, Seahawks, Washington Huskies and the Montana Grizzlies.

Left to Cherish his memory is his wife, Betty of 38 years (Camano Island); From a previous marriage Bill had two sons, Gregory (Bellevue); Christopher and his wife, Hannah (Redmond); a brother, Frank Lyons and his wife Janette (Phoenix, AZ); sister, Effie Speer (Culdesac, ID); sister, Clara Haskett and her husband, Darrell (Hermiston, OR). He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Zelma; a brother, Dick; and a sister, Sandra Joye.