William M. Lindley, 85

Oct. 10, 1930 — May 29, 2016

To many, William was simply Bill. A man with a most pleasant demeanor, quick to laugh, kindhearted, always willing to extend a helping hand or last nickel to a friend or neighbor. He made easy conversation with everyone he encountered. Bill’s curious and inquisitive nature filled his 85 years with many adventures and interests. His acumen for all things mechanical led him on a lifelong journey maintaining, repairing, engineering or constructing various modes of transportation.

Bill served in the U.S. Navy as a submariner aboard the USS Carbonero during the Korean War. With great fondness he recalled those days and often remembered his buddies growing up in San Francisco, some of whom have remained lifelong friends.

Bill worked with United Airlines, Southern Pacific Railroad, owned a gas station, a trucking business and ventured into gold mining. He could operate any form of heavy equipment, fly small aircraft and navigate the open sea. Bill also constructed numerous homes in California but his favorite was on the Sacramento River. His passion for the sea drew him to design and construct a 64-foot steel hull commercial fishing vessel that he launched from the banks of the Sacramento River complete with full press coverage. He proudly named the vessel the “Barbara Ann” after his beloved wife. The two have been married nearly 62 years upon his passing.

William lived as he would say “a well blessed” life. He was the proud father of three daughters and their husbands whom he loved, Valorie and Bruce Cooper, Karolyn and Dennis Jones, and Kathie and Del Higgerson. William took great delight in his grandchildren, Jason, Jacob, Amanda, Nathaniel, Kyle and Ashley; and many great-grandchildren.

William and Barbara moved to Coeur d’Alene in 2011. He settled into these final years taking up cooking, baking bread, gardening and tractor tinkering all while lovingly encouraging and embracing his family. William left this earthly existence on Sunday, May 29, 2016. He will be interred at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Medical Lake, Wash.

Private celebrations of his remarkable imprint on our lives will never cease.