William Fera Obituary

WILLIAM "BILL" JOSEPH FERA
June 15, 1940 ~ July 20, 2018

Bill Fera passed away suddenly and quietly with his family by his side, July 20, 2018, after battling cancer for the past year. He was born in Roslyn, Washington, where he was raised by his parents Bill and Kate and older sister Jeanette, all of whom preceded him in death.
After graduating high school, Cle Elum High, he joined the Army, serving in Okinawa and later at Fort Huachuca in Arizona where he met his future wife, Susan K. Sustello. They married in 1962 and started a family, William "Joe" J. (Teresa) and Elizabeth K. (Dave), in Eugene, Oregon where Bill went to work at the Roseboro Plywood mill and later enrolled at the University of Oregon, earning a Bachelors degree in Accounting.
After graduating, the family moved to Kennewick, Washington where Bill went to work for Boise Cascade in the accounting department. In Kennewick the family grew by one, Julie A. (Rebecca). The family moved to Vancouver, Washington in 1971 when Bill began working for Bazaar / Big C Stores as an accountant, eventually being promoted to company Comptroller. Bill spent the later part of his career working for the city of Vancouver in the Finance department, until his retirement in 2005.
While in Kennewick, Bill joined the Knights of Columbus and became fully involved with them as an adjunct to his faith. In Vancouver the family joined the parish of St. Joseph, where Bill was actively involved with the Knights. When the family moved and switched parishes, he stayed active in the Knights at first Our Lady of Lourdes and then St. James parishes. He continued to serve in various positions, including as the Financial Secretary, Treasurer, and Navigator.
After retiring Bill enjoyed traveling with his bride of 56 years, to Europe and Mexico. For their 50th wedding anniversary, the family went on an Alaskan cruise. Bill enjoyed rooting for the Seahawks and especially the Seattle Mariners, making annual pilgrimages to Cactus League spring training to "get an idea of how bad the team was going to be this year".
Along with his bride and three children and their spouses, Bill is survived by his five granddaughters: Emily who is working as an union electrician apprentice; Kelsey, a graduate of Washington State University with a B.A. in Hospitality; Megan, currently pursuing a nursing degree; Elise, a graduate of Louisiana State University with a B.S. in Environmental Engineering and Samantha who is currently completing her Associates Degree. All of whom which made him extremely proud.
The family wishes to acknowledge and thank the medical professionals of Kaiser Hospice for the wonderful care they provided during Bill's last week, especially the nurses that helped with his comfort.
Cremation services are being provided by Hamilton Mylan Funeral Home, with private remembrances and internment to be in Roslyn, Washington.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.