WILLIAM "BILL" DESCHAMPS
October 11, 1932 ~ September 6, 2012
"Bill was loved by all who knew him."
William "Bill" Deschamps, 79, passed away on Sept. 6, 2012 at the Kadlec Hospital in Richland, WA surrounded by loved ones, due to heart failure. He was born in Kimberley, B.C. Canada on Oct. 11, 1932 to Charles and Isabelle Deschamps.
Bill served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was stationed for a time at the Boardman, OR Bombing Range at which time he met his loving wife, Aleen Browning in 1953. They were married on July 3, 1954 in Coeur d'Alene, ID and recently celebrated 58 years of marriage.
Bill was a heavy equipment operator and a member of Operating Engineers Union Local #701 since 1960. He worked on numerous highway and heavy construction projects around the Northwest and was famed as a Finish Blade Operator.
Bill's hobbies included spending time at his Ocean Park, WA property, digging for clams and teaching others how to dig for them. He loved gardening at his homes in Hermiston, OR and Ridgefield, WA, as well as sports, history, learning on his computer, music, dancing and spending time with family and friends.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Aleen of Ridgefield, WA; sons, William Calen Deschamps (Susan) of Ridgefield, WA and Douglas Deschamps (Katrina) of La Center, WA; daughters, Tonya Mertens of Woodland, WA; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
A memorial service and reception will be held on Sat., Sept. 15, 2012 from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Summit Grove Lodge, 30810 NE Timmen Road, Ridgefield, WA 98642.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dad, wish you were here, happy birthday, hope you are enjoying it where you are. Thank you for looking out for me and the family. You never let us down. Miss you soo much! Love you always and forever.
your daughter Trina.
October 11, 2013
Dad I know that you are looking after all of us, just as you always have. I need you to do your best to make sure Trina makes it through this difficult illness and help give us the strength to get through our difficult time, just as you did every other time we went through a family crisis. you were always there by Trina and My sides when we needed you most, and I just know you will be there this time as well. give us some of your unbelievable strength as you always do. Thanks Dad, love you. your son Doug.
May 1, 2013
Happy Birthday grandpa wish you were here to celebrate it.
Dustin Deschamps
October 11, 2012
I am going to miss you very much. you were one of the most influential people in my life. You showed me that any thing could be fixed it just took some duct tape and a bungee cord or two. When ever we came to visit you you or you would come up to our house you would always tell me one of your stories and they would always make me smile. One of the most recent storries you told me was when you tried to out run the cops. I will be thinking of you on your birthday today.
Love, Dustin
Dustin Deschamps
October 11, 2012
William Deschamps was my grandpa. He was one of the most patient people I've ever known. He would always teach me new stuff every time I seen him. When I was little he taught me how clam and helped me get my first one. He also taught me that you should never give up, always keep fighting. He was a fighter until the day he passed away. He never gave up no matter what happened to him,and Im going to try to live my life just like he did. I miss you grandpa and I know that no matter what happens, your gonna be right over the top of me keeping me safe.
Dakota Deschamps
October 10, 2012
October 10, 2012
I am going to miss you very much. But it makes me happy to know that i will see you again some day. You were very special to me. And I will never forget you. Love, Demica
Demica Deschamps
October 10, 2012
Katrina Deschamps
October 10, 2012
October 10, 2012
October 10, 2012
October 10, 2012
October 10, 2012
October 10, 2012
You touched everyone's heart that had the chance to know you. I am honered and very thankful to have had you as my "DAD". You taught me the real love between a father and daughter. You waer my fathe-n-law but you were my DAD,hero,mentor,and my friend. I will miss you so... I have faith I will see you again, just try to tell the other angels to save a dance for me. Love you always-n-forever Katrina Deschamps
Katrina Deschamps
October 10, 2012
Bill was a great man! He helped us get many jobs graded & ready for finish.. Most notably Kiggins Bowl football field before we installed the astro turf.. He left us with his Son (Doug) who is a top notch grader/Dozer operator in his own rite! I am sorry that I was not able to attend the service, but will always have fond memories of Bill. God speed to all who morn the loss of Bill Deschamps.. RIP
Casey Collins
October 8, 2012
Grief can be so hard. May our special memories of Bill help us to cope. Remembering you and your loved ones in this time of need.
Jon "Compactor" and Carolyn Simpson
September 26, 2012
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
September 26, 2012
I was very sadden by the news that Bill "my friend" has passed away. If I had heard earlier than today I would have liked to have attended the memorial and been there to support the family in these this time. I love Bill and he will always be in my memories. God Bless this great man and friend to me. Shelley Collins
Shelley Collins
September 15, 2012
You will be grateley missed by so so many...He's the best husband, father, and friend any one could of ever had..
R.I.P UNCLE BIL
Keri Stanberry
September 14, 2012
To the greatest man on earth. I will miss you so much, but all the memories you left with me will be cherished for life. I love you Dad, and will do my best to keep making you proud. I hope to be half the man you are. your loving son forever, Doug
Douglas Deschamps
September 13, 2012
Thinking of you guys during this very difficult time. Bill was a wonderful person, who adored his entire family. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Missy
September 11, 2012
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