William (Bill) Bryce GILMOUR

GILMOUR, William (Bill) Bryce (age 57)

Born in Whittier, CA on March 9, 1960, Bill moved with his family to Cheney, Washington, in 1967, graduating from Cheney High School in 1978. His life was tragically cut short in an accident in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, on January 19, 2018. Bill is survived by his parents, Ernest H. Gilmour Sr. and Marie J. Zabel, and his three cherished children Dani I. Gilmour, Eric B. Gilmour, and Alex W. Gilmour. Bill is also survived by his two sisters, Nadine M. Madrazo and Laura L. Siegmund. His brother, Ernest H. Gilmour Jr., predeceased him.

Bill was very intelligent and had a passion for learning. After attending Whitman College, he earned a BS in Geology at Oregon State University and a Masters in Geology at University of Southern California. As a child living in the country, Bill developed a love for nature that inspired him to work several summers in Alaska as a geologist while in college. In his own words, Bill was a protector of Mother Earth.

He put his knowledge and passion into his career as Chief Environmental Engineer at Simplot and other environmental protection positions in California. He also taught environmental regulations courses at EWU for several years. Bill's most recent position was as a QA Lab Technician for Coca-Cola in Okmulgee, OK. He enjoyed working for Coca-Cola and had ambitious goals for his future with them.

His diverse interests included coin collecting, creative writing, Little League baseball, biking, wrestling, hacky sack, sailing, yoga, playing musical instruments, and singing karaoke. Bill was inspired through his humanitarian efforts in Ecuador with the Rotary Foundation and had planned to return and continue the work. He enjoyed inspiring others' minds, spreading positive energy as a pacifist, and was constantly open to new beliefs and ideas.

Bill delighted in raising miniature poodles; he adored his dogs Lucy and Miley, and they went everywhere with him. Those fortunate enough to have one of Bill's precious pups are forever grateful for the continued pleasure they bring.

Dedicated to family, "Uncle Bill" was a significant part of the annual family reunion in Oregon, organizing the games and activities. He loved to play cribbage with his grandfather, dad, and sons.

Bill lived for his children and his family. He realized in undergraduate school, that his purpose in life was to be a father-and he put his children above all else. He was spiritual and had a deep respect for indigenous American cultures, teaching his children to cherish animals and nature. He built up everyone around him through trust and never passing judgment.

Bill was a youthful 57 when he died; there have been and will be many tears shed in his honor and memory. His family and friends will truly miss him and treasure their recollections of Bill every day. As everyone who knew him would agree, Bill was truly one of a kind.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, January 27, at CHENEY FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1632 W. First Street, Cheney, WA. Graveside service to follow at the SPOKANE CHENEY MEMORIAL GARDENS, 5909 Cheney Spokane Road, Spokane, WA, 99224.