William E. (Bill) Wilson

December 1, 1928 – January 6, 2016

William E. (Bill) Wilson, 87, passed away peacefully in Richland, Wash. with his family at his side on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016 after a brief illness. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather who will be greatly missed.

A memorial service to honor his life will be held Saturday, Jan. 23 at 1 p.m. at the Moses Lake United Methodist Church, 746 S. Ironwood Drive.

Bill was born Dec. 1, 1928 in Beach, N.D. to parents Francis M. and Helen Wilson. He lived his early years in Wibaux County, Mont. His family moved west to Yakima, Wash. in 1936 where he grew up, attending school in Moxee and Yakima, then graduating with his Bachelor’s Degree from Central Washington University. He then went on to further his education, earning his Master’s Degree in Social Work from Florida State University in 1967.

On June 15, 1958 Bill married Elizabeth Gibson at the Congregational Christian Church in Yakima, Wash. Together they raised three children.

Bill had a long career in social work, helping many people throughout the years. He worked for Washington State DSHS and DCFS in the Yakima area for many years before moving to Moses Lake in 1982 to take a job with Grant County Catholic Family and Child Services. He later went back to work for Washington state, and also opened his own private practice counseling service before eventually retiring. Bill had a calm demeanor and a very matter-of-fact approach with people that helped them in difficult times. He enjoyed his work and was happy to help people in need.

Bill had a great sense of humor and loved telling jokes, which he did until the end of his life. He enjoyed all kinds of music, and sang in church choirs both in Yakima and Moses Lake. He attended the Congregational Christian Church in Yakima, the First Presbyterian Church in Moses Lake for many years, and in most recent years, the United Methodist Church in Moses Lake. Bill was a member of the Moses Lake Rotary Group, and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow award for his service, as well as serving a term as President of the group.

Bill is survived by his children: Caroline (Ephraim) Hendrix of Seattle, Mike (Michelle) Wilson of Pasco and Jeannie (Brian) Huck of Moses Lake; four grandchildren: Brent (Carolyn) Hirz, Elk Ridge, Utah, Heather Hirz, Moses Lake, Wash., Hilary Hirz, Kennewick, Wash. and Celicia Fischer, Pasco, Wash.; three great-grandchildren: Claire and Ellie Hirz, Elk Ridge, Utah, and Lj Otis, Pasco, Wash.. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Elizabeth Wilson in 2011; an infant son, Paul David; brother Francis M. Wilson II; and his parents Francis M. and Helen Wilson.

Bill’s family would like to thank the staff of Monroe House, Moses Lake, Guardian Angels Homes, Richland, Wash., and The Chaplaincy Hospice House of Tri-Cities for their love and care given to Bill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to The Chaplaincy Hospice House of Tri-Cities at 2108 W. Entiat, Kennewick, WA 99336 or tricitieschaplaincy.org.