William “Bill” G. Maitland Jr., 86, of Woodland, Washington, peacefully passed away Sept. 29, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born Aug. 30, 1936, in New York, New York, to William G. and Gladys (Boling) Maitland. He graduated from Greenwich High School in Connecticut in 1954. His friends all knew him as the “life of the party.” After graduation, he attended community college in Virginia before hitchhiking to Oregon for his best friend’s wedding. He made the Pacific Northwest his home for the remainder of his life. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in October of 1960, rank Pfc (E-3), and entered the training center infantry at Fort Ord, California, Company C, 2nd Battle Group, 1st Brigade, then later was stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington. In the Army, Bill worked as a processing photographer and photograph finisher. He was honorably discharged in October of 1962 but continued in the Army Reserves as a Pvt. (E-1) until October of 1966. He began working in the civilian world as a graphic designer for Hicks-Chatten Photo Engraving Company in downtown Portland, Oregon, in 1968. Later, it was purchased by the Rono Corporation where he retired in 1998.
On Sept. 11, 1962, Bill married Elizabeth Ann McBride (Liz/Zan) in Vancouver, Washington and had four children together. They relocated to raise the family on a 10-acre farm in Battle Ground, Washington. Bill loved the farm with all the dogs, cats, cows, horses, chickens and pigs.
The family attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Battle Ground, Washington. As the kids grew older, Bill divorced in 1983 and left the farm life for Woodland, Washington where he became a member of the Moose Lodge and VFW. Bill spent the rest of his days making lasting friendships, playing cards, loving his little dog Cody and telling his jokes to everyone. He was well loved by many for his caring and giving nature. He liked supporting the small businesses and restaurants of Woodland as well as making monetary donations to the community.
Bill is especially remembered for his sense of humor, his stories, his compassion and generosity for everyone around him and as a loving brother, father, grandfather and friend.
Bill leaves behind four children, Michaela (Mickey) Maitland (Ted), Christine Davis (Darrin), of Ridgefield, Washington, and Catherine Maitland (Jeff), of Boise, Idaho, and John Maitland (Jennene); nine grandchildren Joseph Tufts, Michelle Kretlow (Jason), Ryan Maitland, Colin Neil, Melinda Erickson, Madisyn and Dylanie Fraizer, Aidan and Abigayle Maitland; and two step-grandchildren Hannah and Benjamin Jackovich; along with five great grandchildren Autumn, Harper and Henry Tufts, and Travis and Elizabeth Kretlow. He is also survived by his brother Paul Maitland (Diane) and daughter Melissa Maitland. Special mention goes to Bill’s dear close friend, Doreen Petersen, of Woodland, Washington.
He was preceded in death by his parents, former partner Alice Peterson and his beloved dog Cody.
A celebration of life will be held in Bill’s honor from 1 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 29, 2022, at The Red Barn, 1605 Caples Road in Woodland, Washington, 98674. This is a casual open house style so please bring your favorite memories or photos to share of Bill. He liked pastel colors in yellow, purple, and pink and requested bright colored attire. As a tribute to Bill’s love of animals and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to I Paw’d It Forward, Second Chance Companions or the Humane Society for Southwest Washington.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank those who cared for and befriended Bill while he was at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center and the Elaine and Don Heimbigner Hospice Care Center in Vancouver, Washington.
