BILL WHEELER
October 4, 1957 ~ February 11, 2018
"Bill had a zest for life like no other
and will be missed beyond measure!"
Bill Wheeler of Vancouver, WA, passed away peacefully in his sleep from natural causes on Feb. 11, 2018. He leaves his beloved wife, Mary Wheeler; daughter, Korie Hole and her husband, Larry; daughter, Misty Carver and her husband, Jonathan; stepsons, Alex Schmerber and Matthew Snell; and his beloved grandchildren, Orion Wheeler, Devin Wheeler-Pyle, Kloe Hole, Kylie Carver, Miranda Carver and Zachary Carver. He is also survived by his father, Stanley Wheeler; and three brothers, Brent, Jeff (Maureen) and Bob (Gloria) Wheeler; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Bill was born to Stanley and Betty Jean Wheeler on Oct. 4, 1957 in Yreka, CA. He spent his youth in California and Washington. Bill graduated in Seattle, Washington in 1975. After a short stint in the US Navy, Bill became a member of the Ironworker's Local 29 where he proudly worked until his retirement in 2012.
Once retired, Bill spent his time traveling, riding, camping and enjoying his family and friends. He was very involved in his local recovery community and died with 24 years of sobriety.
A Celebration of Life will be held at The Vancouver Church of Christ on Sat., Feb. 24, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at 9019 NE 86th St., Vancouver, WA 98662.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in Bill's honor to Autism Speaks.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I really wish i could have been more like Bill while he was still with us and will continue to miss him and try and work towards growing more in a likeness of
his more honest way of living.
Im more than grateful for what Bill was and will continue to always be for Matt (Mathew Snell my nephew), raising him and teaching us all that he could with unconditional love, patience and understanding. It was the difference between everything or nothing.
I miss and think of Bill often as does Matt, he said so last time i talked with him on the telephone. I never could have done things like become the first name call on the Golden Gate Bridge retrofit and performed successfully without all those hours of kindly guidance and intimate teaching. Thank you Mr.Bill Wheeler you were truly an awesome person and one of a kind. Nick Snell.
Nicholas Snell
Brother
February 18, 2021
Bill, you and I had some mighty interesting conversations over the years. So happy you found your true love, and that life had been so wonderful for you. You certainly deserved it!
Janis
March 12, 2018
Bill was my friend, and I loved him for that. Laughing at each other's golf game, attending the annual men's spiritual retreat on the Oregon coast, just sitting near a fire and letting the BS flow.
Bill was the kind of guy you wanted to be around: gravel-voice, a read smile, ready to help if you needed a hand.
I'll miss Bill.
Joel Ramey
February 25, 2018
Bill i learned my most valuable important tools under you. The way you showed me made me who i am today and ill never forget. You walk tall and straight and i will always respect, admire and remember you as my teacher. Thankyou and God bless.
Nick Snell
February 21, 2018
The light of Bill will shine forever.
Marlene Clohesdy
Marlene Clohessy
February 20, 2018
Bill married my niece, Mary and loved her very much. So sad with an unexpected passing. But happy I was able to meet a Bill W. , with me being in recovery for so many years also. So happy Mary had the years she had with Bill.
Aunt Marlene Clohessy
Marlene Clohessy
February 20, 2018
Thanks for the many rides!! Through the program and the mountains. Love you brother. You can ride with the Angels now. Forever your friend!
Ray Tutor
February 20, 2018
Bill has always been one of those special, close friends that we get to have in life. After my husband died, who was one of Bill's closest friends, I could always count on his help and friendship. Before Mary, Bill would talk with me about a special person he had met and would like to ask out. It was so cute as he was like a school boy.....nervous, doubting, and shy (believe it or not). I had an open house and talked him into inviting her. He did! She said yes, and, well the rest is happiness! Love and support to Mary and the family!
Janet LaMere
February 18, 2018
R.I.P Brother Bill..forever in my heart.
UNO
February 18, 2018
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