He died at the age of 88 on Monday, October 26, 2026 in Yakima, WA.
Bill's father worked in construction and the family moved around following his jobs. Bill attended school in Stockton, California, Clackamas, Oregon, Hazelton, Idaho, Toppenish and Moxee, Washington. He began attending Moxee Schools in the third grade and he graduated from Moxee High School in 1957.
During high school he competed in sports and set a state record in the shot put. At Yakima Junior College he set the national shot put record.
In 1957, he married Darlene Siebol. They just celebrated 69 years of marriage. They had three sons William (Susan), Steven (Karen) and Mark. During this time he attended Yakima Junior College and graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in education. The family returned to Yakima where he began his teaching career at East Valley High School and was also the track coach.
His teaching career was also spent in Guam, where he earned his Masters degree, Juneau, Alaska and Toppenish, WA. where he retired.
He loved to hunt and went every year to his favorite hunting camp until he sadly got to the point where he couldn't physically continue. He was very talented at making things. He made leather saddle bags, chaps and hunting knives and puzzles. The biggest thing he made with his wife and three sons in Alaska was a 2800 sq. foot cedar log home.
He was a quiet man of few words. He loved his family and felt so lucky he was able to enjoy having his five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren so close by and able to watch them grow and see them often. He was especially thankful for his three sons that were at his beck and call during his last few weeks.
He is survived by his grandchildren David (Cote), Jordan (Cory), Jonathan (Laura), Scott (Tera), Sarah (Mike), his great-grandchildren Aiden, Jayden, Kaylee, Kassie, Ellie, Connor, Henry, Will and Reese.
He is also survived by 6 nieces and 3 nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Clifford, John and Rod and sister Martha and nephew Jeff. Also preceding him in death were sisters-in-law Bette and Mary.
Donations may be made to the donor's choice.
Visitation will be held at Keith & Keith Terrace Heights Memorial Center, 2807 Terrace Heights Dr, Yakima, WA 98901, US, on November 4, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
A Funeral Service will be held at Keith & Keith Terrace Heights Memorial Center, 2807 Terrace Heights Dr, Yakima, WA 98901, US, on November 5, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Keith & Keith Funeral Home, 902 West Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98902, US, on November 5, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
