William Bill James McNicholas

William “Billy” McNicholas was born in Portland, Oregon on April 12, 1926. He was the youngest of six children born to Patrick and Mary McNicholas. He passed away on September 29, 2015, with his children by his side. This was his greatest wish.

Bill grew up in N.E. Portland. He attended Immaculate Heart Catholic Grade School and graduated from Jefferson High School. At Jefferson, he played

football, and made all-city honors as a guard.

In 1944, Bill entered the Army and served for two years as a Staff Sargent. He was a Chaplin’s Assistant in India where he was privileged to see Gandhi.

In 1946, he returned home. While on a church hay ride, he met the love of his life, Norma Houser. Bill and Norma were married on January 11, 1947. The two were together for 57 years, and raised a family of three sons (Tony, Chris and Damian), five daughters (Patti, Sharon, Kathy, JoAnna and Shannon) and two foster children (Mary and Jonny Meskel). The family continued to grow with eight grandchildren (Patrick, Dylan, Annette, Joscelyn, Jeremiah, Tyler, Katelyn and Sam), and four great grandchildren (Adrianna, Sienna, Mariah, Kenaddi). Bill was preceded in death by son Tony, daughter JoAnna, and wife Norma.

Bill was a 68 year Life Member of the Steamfitters Labor Union. He entered Steamfitters Local 235 as an Apprentice in 1947, and retired as a Business Agent for Local 235/290. During his time in office, he and his wife were able to travel to many parts of the country representing the Union. In his retirement, he served as President of the Retiree Group, and was entered into the Labor Hall of Fame in recognition of his many achievements.

Bill’s greatest hobby was singing and performing. He was an Irish Tenor, and sang with the Portland Symphonic Choir, was a soloist at St. Mary’s Cathedral,

and was in the church choir at St. Cecilia’s. Many know Bill for his signature song, Danny Boy.

A proud Irishman, Bill was very active in the Belleck Society. He also loved collecting crystal, and had an impressive Waterford collection. A devoted Catholic, he was an active part of St Cecilia’s Church and the Christian Family Movement. Through the Christian Family Movement, he helped six Indonesian families come to America and then secure homes and jobs for them.

Bill was also a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, who will be honoring him at the beginning of today’s Mass.

Bill’s greatest joy was the love of his family and friends. He embraced many as his extended family, and will live on through all of our memories.