William (Bill) Howisey, age 77, of Sammamish, died suddenly at home at Beaver Lake on the evening of August 4, 2008. Beloved by his hundred member extended family, Bill lived with his wife Marilyn in a permanent home surrounded by the summer cabins of his Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins on family property purchased in 1939. Like his father Theodore before him, Bill was a leader in the family as well as a hard worker who maintained the property and organized others to help. On the day of his death he painted the dock. He was the president of the family’s non-profit corporation at the time.
Family members in their nineties could count on Bill to transport them- wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and all- to family events at Beaver’s Lake. He wanted the family gathered together at Beaver Lake and he made it happen. He was also famous for visiting senior family members with hamburgers and milkshakes, to cheer them up.
Bill graduated from Ballard High School in 1950 where he lettered in tennis and was Vice President of his class. He remained a fiercely competitive tennis player his entire life, playing many times a week up until the day of his death. One of the accomplishments he was most proud of was climbing Mt. Rainier in his 40’s.
After graduating from high school Bill joined the Navy during the Korean War and served four years as a Damage Controlman with Navy Transport Squadron VR5 at Moffett Field, California. It was there that he met his love and wife of 55 years Marilyn Chirco. Bill and Marilyn returned to Seattle where Bill joined his father Ted and Uncle Ernest Howisey at Howisey Bros. Fine Furniture on Eastlake. Bill did fine cabinetwork and refinishing and became a partner upon Theodore’s death. Bill ultimately managed Howisey Bros. until it was sold. Bill had been a part of Howisey Bros. for about 55 years.
Bill was a loving father and grandfather who always gathered his family around him. He and Marilyn have two children: Lorie Librande (Nick) of Camano Island and Charles Howisey (Mary Sue) of Salt Lake City. There are six grandchildren (Mike, Matt, Crystal, Jeff (Sarah), Natalie, and Cameron), two great grandchildren (Matthew and McKenzie) with another on the way. He is also survived by sister Joan Paylor (Rick) of Puyallup and several nieces and nephews. His Uncle Robert Howisey (Lorraine), Aunt Ruth Williams and Aunt Dorothy Roberge (Jim) survived him as well as three generations of cousins.
Though Beaver Lake remained his first love, Bill and Marilyn established a winter home in Casa Grande, Arizona in the 90’s also traveled extensively to Hawaii, Mexico, Alaska, Europe, as well as three trips across the United States in their RV.
We’ll remember Bill for his infectious smile, love of life and ice cream. He had a light within which attracted people to his gregarious and nurturing personality. Long after his passing the Howisey family and friends will live in the bounty of his love.
A Memorial Serive- a celebration of life- is being held for Bill at Beaver Lake on Saturday August 9, 2008 at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that you make donations to your favorite charity.