William D. Wilson, 88

William D. Wilson, 88, of Hayden, died Feb. 12, 2012, at Kootenai Medical Center.

Born Dec. 6, 1924, in Elmira, N.Y., he was a highly decorated U.S. Army veteran of World War II; his military commendations included the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in the Pacific campaign. Following the war, he graduated from Alfred University, in New York, and then began a long executive career in international sales and marketing at several oil and chemical companies. He later founded and operated successful retail and real estate development businesses in California and Idaho.

Bill was a descendant of the colorful Montana cattle rancher George "Two Dot" Wilson, for whom the town of Two Dot, Montana, was named.

He is survived by his daughter Lorrie and her husband John, of Stockton, Calif.; son William Jr. and Mallory Rains, of Hayden; and son Rob and his wife Jody, of Tucson, Arizona. In addition, he is survived by a granddaughter Julia and her husband Alex and great granddaughter Audrey of Seattle and London, England. His wife of 64 years, Winifred (Wink) Wilson, died in 2009. He also is survived by a favorite four-legged friend, Sadie.

The family would sincerely like to thank the entire staff of the Progressive Care and Circle of Life departments of Kootenai Medical Center for their devoted care. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made to the Kootenai County Humane Society. Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the final arrangements and the family will conduct a private service.