In loving memory of William “Bill” Wilson: 1935-2021

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 William “Bill” Wilson passed away peacefully on Aug. 23, 2021, at the age of 85. Born on Nov. 21, 1935, in Kalama, Washington, to Lloyd M. and Josephine (Thorne) Wilson, he was the youngest of their three sons. When Bill was in grade school, the family moved to Vancouver, Washington, where he graduated from Vancouver High School in 1953. After meeting his future wife Carol Larkins on a blind date in the summer of 1956, they both went on to attend the University of Portland where Bill received his degree in business and Carol attended nursing school. Bill and Carol were married on May 14, 1960, shortly before their college graduations. They started their family the next year, welcoming a daughter and before long, two sons. 

Bill began his career working in the business offices at the Port of Vancouver. He worked there for 30 years, retiring in 1995. As the kids grew, the family moved to Proebstel, Washington, in 1969, where Bill spent years remodeling their old farmhouse, growing vegetables and helping the kids raise various farm animals. In 1976, Bill and Carol bought property in Battle Ground and built their current family home. In 1978, they also purchased a small vacation cabin at Long Beach, Washington, which they enjoyed visiting often. 

Bill loved spending time with his family and friends more than anything else. He will be remembered for his love of conversation (especially a good debate), his sense of humor and quick wit, his enjoyment of working outdoors and helping others with “projects,” his interest in books on U.S. history, and his love of a good cheeseburger. 

Bill is survived by his wife Carol of 61 years; his three children; Gayle (Mike) Kaplan of Seattle; Greg (Brenda) Wilson, of Battle Ground; Mark (Valerie) Wilson, of Seattle; his niece Suzy Wilson, of Vancouver; his five grandchildren Darrin Wilson (Samantha Sudy), Kyle (Miranda) Wilson, Haley (Josh) Summers, Max and Kylie Kaplan. He is also survived by Carol’s family; her four siblings, a nephew, six nieces and their children. 

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his two older brothers and their wives; Lloyd "Babe" (Kathy) Wilson; Robert "Bob" (Jean) Wilson; and his father and mother-in-law; Richard "Dick" and Margarete Larkins. 

The funeral mass for Bill will be held on Friday, Sept. 17, 2021, at 1 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church 1603 N. Parkway Ave., Battle Ground, Washington. Masks are required. Graveside services to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery. An outdoor reception will follow at the Battle Ground home of Greg and Brenda Wilson, weather permitting. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your favorite charity.