William (Bill) C. VanderWal

May 18, 1939 - August 12, 2015

William (Bill) C. VanderWal passed away peacefully at home, with his wife Velma by his side, on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015.

He was born in Spokane, Wash. to Peggy Hipperson VanderWal and William VanderWal on May 18, 1939. He graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane, and thoroughly enjoyed all of his high school reunions, reuniting with his great classmates. Bill married the love of his life, Velma, in 1978 uniting two young families. He always laughed about having five teenagers at one time.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Velma; five children, Gretchen (Charles) Lewis, Mike Johnsrud, Dan (Becky) VanderWal, Sean (Sara) Johnsrud, and Erin (Lori) Johnsrud. He is also survived by eight granddaughters, Jessi, Morgan, Nicole, Emily, Shelby, Natalie, Tori, and Olivia; one grandson, Ethan; three nieces and six grandnieces and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and sister Jean Zahn.

Bill was a salesman for many years, becoming an elementary school teacher after he and Velma married. He loved teaching and his students, and his students enjoyed him greatly.

Bill loved playing bridge and pinochle at the Mason Benson Community Center. He was a very good card player and very competitive. He had a terrific sense of humor and a good memory for all of the jokes he loved to tell. Bill played golf for many years at the Moses Lake Country Club, where he and his wife, Velma were members, and where he taught his children to play golf. One of his favorite things was playing golf with his children. He also enjoyed boating and camping adventures with his family. He and his wife were able to take many wonderful trips, and enjoyed their RV for several years. Bill loved cars, and eventually was able to have a '55 Oldsmobile, and was a member of the Yesteryear Car Club of Shelton for a few years. He was a Grapeview Port Commissioner for several years before resigning recently because of ill health. He also served on the Mason Lake Scholarship Committee. After they both retired from teaching Bill and his wife moved from Moses Lake, where they had resided for many years and raised their family, to their dream home on Mason Lake.

Bill is, and will be forever, greatly missed by his family and friends. There will be a private family memorial. Donations may be made to the Diabetes Foundation.