William E. Pinch, 93

It is with heavy hearts that we are sharing the passing of our dear husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather William E. Pinch. He passed peacefully on Friday, Aug. 15, 2014, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, Wash., with his family by his side.

Bill's journey began on Nov. 5, 1920, in Leavenworth, Wash., to Anna M. and William E. Pinch, Sr., joining his brother Jack. The following year the family moved to Lewiston, Idaho. It is here that they made their home and established the family business of W.E. Pinch Wholesale.

Bill and his brother Jack worked with their parents in the family business. Bill attended St. Stanislaus School, and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1938. He continued his education at Gonzaga University and graduated with a degree in philosophy in 1942. It was during this time he met Anita Jean Weipert and began what became a beautiful, lifelong relationship. Anita and Bill celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in February 2014.

Upon his graduation, Bill reported to the Marine Corps Officer Training Center in Quantico, Va. He served in the Pacific Theater where he was wounded in the battle of Tarawa. He was then transported to the military hospital in Hawaii. It was there that Bill was presented the Purple Heart by Admiral Nimitz.

Upon returning from World War II, Bill was met in San Francisco by Anita and their families where they were married. He later retired as a Major in the United States Marine Corps.

Bill and Anita made their home in Lewiston for over 60 years where their son, Jim, and daughter, Alice Ann, were born. As co-owner of the family business, Bill enjoyed his years as a salesman.

Bill was an active member of St. Stanislaus Church serving on the parish board. His faith and love of family were always his priorities. He spent many years as a Boy Scout leader and enjoyed golf, hunting, and fishing with family and friends.

In 2000, Bill and Anita moved to Spokane to be near family. They lived at the Waterford for 10 years. Bill then became part of the Spokane Veterans Home family. He was loved and cared for by the staff that became part of our family as well.

He is survived by his wife, Anita, of Post Falls; son Jim of Spokane, and daughter Alice Ann Page Laughlin (Mike) of Post Falls; grandson Dr. William Page (Jackie) and three great-grandchildren, Ally, Rees, and Jack; grandson Mathew Laughlin (Jerika) and family; and several nieces and nephews.

There will be a Mass celebrating Bill's life at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014, at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 1517 E. 33rd Ave., Spokane. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Bill's memory to the Spokane Veterans Home, 222 E. 5th Ave., Spokane, Wash., 99202.