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WILLIAM FITZHUGH BYRD, JR.
September 11, 1925 ~ July 12, 2018
William Fitzhugh Byrd, Jr., 92, of Vancouver, WA, passed away July 12, 2018. He was the eldest child of a long established family in Gadsden, AL.
Bill fought in WW2 in the European and Pacific theaters with the 86th Infantry, Blackhawk Division, of the US Army and maintained contact with men he fought with through his entire life.
After the war, he went to Auburn University on the GI Bill, where he met the love of his life, Catharine, the woman he eloped with and who has been by his side for these past 67 years and 4 children.
Bill mustered through Fort Lewis and believed the PNW was the most beautiful country he had ever seen. He gradually worked his way from Alabama, where eldest sons Bill 3 and Bob were born, to California, where daughter Vassar and son Joe where born, through a brief stint in Indiana, to finally settle in Vancouver, WA where he and Catherine raised their family.
Bill was a strong believer in community and contributed in many ways. He was president of Vancouver Rotary, started the Volkesport Club, was president of the American Foundrymen's Association, had numerous positions at Columbia Presbyterian Church, and started the PNW Auburn Alumni Club.
You could always count on Bill to show up,
work hard, have a great attitude, and make sure
the job was finished all the way through.
A devoted husband and father, he spent years hiking and backpacking with Boy Scouts, taught all his children how to sail, supported them in their many athletic and academic endeavors, and proudly cheered Catharine on when she returned to college to graduate with a BA in Accounting from the University of Portland.
Even more than sailing, Bill loved flying. He was instrument rated for decades, flying out of Pearson Field, throughout the NW and the United States, only admitting to one crash landing we know of, when his engine threw a rod. Although perhaps one of the worst photographers on the planet, Bill loved traveling with Catharine and they visited many countries during all kinds of trips, including in more recent years, trips with the International Volkesport Association.
In addition to his wife, Catharine and their 4 children, he is survived by 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Service to be held at Columbia Presbyterian Church at 2p.m., July 26, 2018.
Remembrances to the Vancouver Rotary Foundation.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I met Bill and Catherine at Columbia Church. As a newcomer, they welcomed me with their delightful smiles and loving personalities. I will miss you Bill.
Kathy Pruitt
August 6, 2018
I'm so sorry for your loss, Catharine, and family. But, I am
happy you were able to be together for so many years! It was about 20
years longer than Wes and I got! I'm sorry I won't be able to attend his services as I will
be traveling that day.
Blessings to you as you join the Sisterhood of Widows!
Nancy Lematta
Nancy Lematta
July 24, 2018
Catherine & Family,
I was very sorry to read about Bill. He was a gentleman, a selfless leader and a true inspiration for Vancouver.The International Walking Festival would never had come to fruition if not for the tireless effort and leadership of Bill & Catherine Byrd. Until we have a chance to take another stroll.....may Bill rest in peace. My sincere condolences to the entire Byrd family.
Dan Tonkovich
July 23, 2018
Catharine, I was so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was always so good to Friends of Hospice ... helping with poinsettias every year. I know you will miss your lifelong love ... my thoughts are with you.
Beverly Bollinger
July 23, 2018
Catharine, I am so sorry for your loss. Although I never had the opportunity to meet Bill, becoming acquainted with you in FOH while we both worked on the Election Committee, gives me some insight. A spouse of yours would no doubt be a hard worker and some one you could count on. I am happy for you that you and your children had so many years to be together as a family. Thinking of you, Catharine.
Cathy Harris
July 22, 2018
Bill was a sweet man. I really enjoyed working with him as a Vancouver USA Volkssporter. He taught me a lot about the sport and being a club officer. Blessing to Catherine and family. He will be missed.
Heidi Schurr
July 21, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was a calm voice of reason on the Council for the Homeless. I was happy to later get re-acquainted with him through Rotary. He did so much good for our community.
Beth Taylor
July 20, 2018
With gratitude for the light you brought to the world.
Blessings.
Katrina
July 20, 2018
I am so sorry for your families loss. My sincere prayers and thoughts are with Catherine and your family
July 19, 2018
Extending heartfelt condolences and prayers of comfort to the Byrd Jr. family. Knowing there is a future for those we have lost in death can be very reassuring during this difficult time. John 11: 24 & 25
L. M.
July 19, 2018
Bill Byrd was a fine man and I remember crossing paths with him at Volkswalk events in Vancouver as well as during my short stint at his accountant's office. Such a gentleman. My heartfelt sympathies to his family and loved ones.
Kathy Davis
July 18, 2018
I got to know Bill when we visited Vancouver in 1999 and 2000 to attend The Discovery Walking Event. We met up with him in England at the England IVV/IML International Walking Event where we helped at. He complained that the English stiles were too high for him to climb over because of a knee problem....then laughed it off. This is very sad news to us. RIP Bill.
Malcolm Ogle
July 15, 2018
Wonderful human being with a heart of gold.
Larry J. Smith
July 15, 2018
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