William "Bill' James Lish

William, “Bill” to all that knew him, was born in Pocatello, Idaho on July 26, 1936 to James and Eva (Hill) Lish. He left high school in Idaho just before his graduation and enlisted in the United States Navy to serve his country. Little did Bill know that he’d be seasick for his two years before he was honorably discharged due to seasickness. Even though Bill’s tour of duty was cut short he learned a lot of himself, the world and what he wanted to do when he returned to Portland area. Bill, immediately went back to school and finished high school earning his GED diploma. He studied and learned to be a draftsman and became very good at drawing and drafting plans. Bill started his work career working for Rosay Breedlove & McConnell. When he landed his job with the Port of Portland, as a building inspector, he’d found his calling and excelled there, working for just over 20 years.

In 1958, Bill was introduced, through mutual friends, to the love of his life and his future wife, Darlene Ferrante. They were later married that same year. Bill and Darlene were eager to start a family and soon had their two beloved children Steven and Jodi.

He was also an accomplished artist with great skills in drawing and drafting plans. He had the talent for writing and poetry which he began to write in the early 1960s and it continue throughout his life as Bill used his family roots and life experience to write about. Bill was an avid athlete and a teammate with his church’s fast-pitch softball and basketball teams. He’s known to throw a high score at bowling as well. Bill enjoyed coaching sports and was active when his son, Steve, was involved in hockey and coached them to be a pennant winning team. In 1978 he became a member of the Portland Christian Center where he was a well-known member and usher for the church. He will be remembered as a wonderful Christian, coworker and a loving husband, father and grandfather.

William is survived and will be greatly missed by his beloved wife, Darlene, his son, Steven (Michelle), daughter, Jodi (Von); seven grandchildren; two sisters Patricia Bradstreet and Joanne Ellen Wood. Bill, is predeceased by his brother, George Lish.

Visitation for William will be held at Pegg, Paxson, and Springer Funeral Chapel, Beaverton on Thursday January 8, 2015 from 4:00pm-8:00pm. The funeral service will be held at the Portland Christian Center, 5700 SW Dosch Road, on Friday January 9, 2015 at 1:00pm. Interment and Military Honors will begin at 9:00am on January 12, 2015 at Willamette National Cemetery.

Arrangements by Pegg, Paxson and Springer Funeral Chapel.

__________________________________