Bill was born to Drago and Ana Junjek on December 4th 1943 in Zagreb, Croatia. Times were tough during the post war years. Bill’s dad was killed in action Sept. 1944. Bill eventually entered an orphanage where he was educated. He then went to aircraft maintenance school. At the tender age of 19 he discovered he would never be able to attain his dream of flying.
He threw a party one evening and told his guests he needed to run to the store. They never saw him again. Bill had been in touch with the Italian underground and given specific instructions on his escape. After 3 very dangerous days, he found himself in a safe house near Trieste Italy. He was soon transferred to a refugee camp near Rome where he remained for one year working as a day laborer.
Bill arrived in Washington in September 1964. He began his first A&E job in Point Barrow Alaska on Christmas Eve. Bill remained in Point Barrow for one year and left with what he felt was loads of money.
Bill eventually moved to Renton, Wash where he worked as a general aviation mechanic. Bill spent his final 10 years of employment with Renton Coil Spring. Bill’s true love was flying. His dream was to someday own his own airplane. As much as he dreamed about this; he was worried about the cost. He asked his wife Laura what they would do if it didn’t work out. Laura replied, “We simply sell the airplane.” Bill flew N8558H every single chance he had. From airshows to scenic flights or romantic evening dinners at Friday Harbor with Laura.
Bill met Laura in the Fall of 1973. He was enjoying his playboy persona and made it clear he wasn’t marriage material. Laura allowed him to chase her until she caught him! They were married May 18th 1974.
Bill bought a house in the Renton Highlands where he spent his wedding night with his new bride. They welcomed Marie in January 1975 and Mark in November 1977. Bill was always working on the house or in the garden. He apparently is famous for his tomato bumper crops.
Bill passed away in his own home with family attending his needs on February 21st 2020. Bill leaves his wife, Laura of 46 years. Daughter Marie Brown, Son Mark Junjek and Grandson Conner McDonald.
Bill lived as we all should and that is to the fullest. Work hard, play hard and let those close to you know how very much they are loved
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