On May 2, 1929, William (“Bill”, “Willy”, “Cotton”, “Grandpa Honey”) Woodford Pynch was born to Harold and Letha Pynch outside of Mitchell, South Dakota. He was the middle child of five. At the age of 93, he went to heaven on August 14, 2022. In 1937, the Pynch family moved to Providence near Scio Oregon where he spent his growing-up years. He attended schools in Lebanon and Scio before finishing high school as a part of Salem Academy’s first graduating class in 1947.
On June 22, 1950, Bill married Shirley Jean Hunter in Scio, OR. They remained lovingly together for 62 years until her death in 2012. They are survived by all five of their children, Steve Pynch (Robin) of Stayton, OR, Stan Pynch (Patty), Salem, OR, Lori Bradley (Don) Spokane, WA, Todd Pynch (Martha), Salem, OR and Tony Pynch (Diane) of Yakima, WA. Other survivors include two sisters, Marilyn Burge, Puyallup, WA, and Janice Hixson of Albany, OR, as well as 15 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.
Bill spent most of his working life in the wood products industry, a good share of which was as a foreman and superintendent of North Santiam Plywood in Mill City, Oregon. He earned a reputation as a diligent worker and a well-liked leader. Bill came from that generation that treated people fairly and he could always be depended on to do what was expected and more. He would say, “If you are going to work for someone, work for them. If you don’t want to work for them, don’t – but don’t keep the job and then complain about it”. He always followed that motto in his life.
Bill was a faithful and humble follower of Jesus Christ and led his family down that path which leads to glory. He was a faithful member of Bethel Baptist Church in Aumsville for several years and then later at Morningstar Community Church in Salem where he built many good and supportive friendships. The family is thankful for the ministry the church had in his life over the years.
He was also a member of the Kooskooskee neighborhood association where several of his cronies would “hold court,” solving the world’s problems, on Thursday mornings sitting out on Dad’s driveway. Wonderful neighbors would bring him meals and desserts, as well as care for him, and would always take the time to stop and just say “hi”. He was often affectionately referred to as “the Mayor of Kooskooskee”. The family would especially like to thank his neighbors for the honoring tribute of flowers left in front of his garage door upon his death. We’re sure he will be greatly missed by all of you as well as us.
A family graveside gathering will be held at Providence Cemetery, Friday, August 26, at 10:30 a.m. A celebration of his life will follow at 2:00 pm at Morning Star Community Church, 4775 27th Ave. SE, Salem, OR. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Crisis Chaplaincy Services of Salem, OR.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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