Obituary of Bill F Childers

BILL F. CHILDERS Oct.1, 1934 – Dec. 2, 2008 “A person of beauty is a joy forever.” Pancreatic cancer took the life but not the spirit of an extraordinary man, thoughtful and generous husband, proud father, special grandfather, respected uncle, and mentor and friend to many. Bill was born in Buchanan, New Mexico. He lived his formative years in Colville, Wenatchee, Kennewick, and Spokane, WA. He graduated from Colville High School and Central Washington University. He was an art teacher at Bethel Junior High and Bethel High School for several years and also taught evening classes at Pierce College. He influenced many students who have pursued careers in the art field, and encouraged and inspired others to explore their personal interests in art. What an amazing legacy he left! His creative and artistic talents are extensive. During his teaching career at Bethel High, Bill designed and coordinated several award-winning Bethel District Daffodil Parade floats. Family and friends proudly display his hand-crafted wood and clay sculptures, including birds, snowmen, Santas, reindeer, trucks, a rocking horse, penguins, fish, boats, etc. His home garden-grown pumpkins received his unique painted faces. Throughout the years, Bill’s original Christmas cards featured various birds and ducks, many of which are year-‘round, well-fed residents. Several years were devoted to landscaping the property surrounding the home. Observing wildlife and creating a natural habitat was a major interest. No place like home for Bill for an on-going, scenic vacation! In recent years, Bill devoted his talents to carving animals for the carousel at Pt. Defiance. The beluga whale, the tapir, and others have his special touch. Smiling faces of riders, young and old, gave Bill immense satisfaction. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, JoAn (Jo); daughters Christine (Jim) Rogers and Cheryl (Doug) Sayed; grandchildren Cailin and Connell Rogers; sister Claire (Rich) MacDonald; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Buck and Dee Wheat and Reuben and Carole Naasz; sister-in-law Gisela Heritage; numerous nieces and nephews; special bed buddy cat Olivia; and grand-dog Emily. Our gratitude and appreciation to Central Pierce EMS; nurse Gena, Dr. Cowan and St. Joseph’s ER crew and nurses, Dr. Nohara, Dr. Krank, Dr. Tobin, Tammie Newman, and to our families and friends for their prayers and support. In lieu of a memorial service, spending quality time with your family and friends was Bill’s request. The family requests no flowers. Remembrance gifts can be sent to The Zoo Society, 5400 N. Pearl St. Tacoma, WA 98407, for the Bill Childers Carousel Endowment Fund. Please sign the online guest book at www.curnowfuneralhome.com. We treasure our life’s journey with you. “Always, my Luf!”