William Dean Fode

William Dean Fode (Billy) of Moses Lake, Wash., left this world Aug. 14, 2023, at the age of 60.

To have known Billy was to know this: he was loving and kind, faithful, generous and mischievous with friends, deeply devoted to family, loyal to the Mariners, Seahawks, Zags and Kraken, dedicated to helping those in need, intrepid in travel, and always available to prepare a meal (in the kitchen or on the grill), mix a drink, mow the lawn, play Bingo, share a laugh, and hold a hand. Those who loved Billy love him still and, while he left far too soon, the sights and sounds of his living will be remembered and cherished until we are with him again.

Billy was born in Ritzville and grew up in nearby Lind. As a proud Lind Bulldog, he played baseball, football, tennis, and basketball. (He was a phenomenal basketball dribbler, so it is said.) Billy graduated from Eastern Washington University in 1987 with a master’s degree in clinical psychology. His education, coupled with his innate empathy and compassion, served him well in his lifelong work as a therapist and crisis first responder. At Renew Behavioral Health, Billy had work that was meaningful and rewarding and coworkers he considered to be family.

There can be no doubt that the foundation, the center, the best of Billy’s life was his family. Rare is a love story like that of Billy and Suzi. They met when he was in 1st grade and she was in kindergarten.

At the age of 5, Suzi Bischoff declared, “I’m going to marry him one day.”

And so she did, they day of June 29, 1985. For more than 38 years, they grew their life and family and community together, completed each other, were each other’s refuge and home, and kept their soulmate promises of today and forever. In 1990, they welcomed daughter Randilyn Bethe, the biggest Daddy’s girl there ever was. And in 1993, son Jordan Dean bounced into their lives and has not stopped bouncing since. Several dogs joined the household over the years, joyfully and gratefully witnessing the enduring love of the Fode family.

Billy is missed the most by: his best friend and love of his life Suzi, daughter Randi Gill, of Moses Lake, son Jordan Fode (Deanna Vanlue) of Long Beach, Calif., son in law Rick Gill of Moses Lake, mother Marin Elliott Fode of Shoreline, Wash., sister Kim Lobe (John) of Bothell, Wash., brother in law Jim Bischoff (Tina) of Kennewick, Wash., beloved nieces and nephews Brooks Lobe, Mikaela Edwards (Tyler), Alexa Bischoff, and Brandon Bischoff, Suzi’s loving family Gary Kuhn, Stacy Jo Kuhn, Stephanie Breckon, Robbi Houser, and Nic Kuhn, and many dear friends. Billy was preceded in death by his father, Edwin Dean Fode.

Heaven only knows where Billy is now. Perhaps he is the head groundskeeper for the field of dreams. Or the brightest winking star in the night sky. Welcome him when he visits your memory when you imagine him sitting next to you, when you hear his voice through the quiet. Be happy. That is what Billy would want.

A celebration of life will be held at the Grant County Fairgrounds 4-H Building in Billy’s honor Sept. 14, 2023, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Billy’s name can be made to New Hope/Kids Hope to support the work of the agency’s courthouse facility dog, Valor.

Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.