William Harvey Tyler III

William “Bill” Tyler was born on October 9, 1923 and celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by family. Bill passed away peacefully at his home in Pe Ell, WA on November 5, 2013. Preceding him in death was his father William H Tyler II in 1929, daughter, Doreen Tyler in 1966, stepfather, Fred Rhoades in 1994, brother, Boyd Tyler in 1997, and mother, Gladys Rhoades in 2000.

He lived his whole life in Pe Ell except for the 3 years, 4 months and 9 days he served in the Army during WWII. Bill saw combat in Northern France, Belgium (Battle of the Bulge), Luxembourg, Rhineland, Germany and Austria. He achieved promotion of the youngest 1st Sergeant in his division. After leaving the army, Bill graduated from the UW with a BA and a teaching certificate in 1952 .His teaching career at PeEll HS lasted 27 years with the last 9 years as principal.

Bill married Evelyn June Lusk on December 21, 1946 and they had three children, Doreen, William (Todd) and Fredrick Tyler. Three grandchildren, Sheila Carter, Aleisha and Joseph Tyler. Five great grandchildren, Morgan, Samuel and Efrem Shelton and Kiah and Chloe Carter.

William belonged to the Pe Ell Kiwanis club for 60 years. He enjoyed carpentry, college football, basketball, and music. He played the piano and entertained anytime there was a piano in the room. With Evelyn beside him he would play and she would sing at gatherings making it more enjoyable and memorable. He shared his love of music by giving lessons to his sons, nieces and nephews.

His carpentry skills were born out of necessity and an interest in numbers and creativity. He lived with Evelyn in the home they built together for 65 of their almost 67 years of marriage. He helped both his sons build their homes along with many other projects for friends and family. His summer breaks from teaching were busy gardening, home repair and remodeling with his wife at his side.

Bill was a natural teacher, strict and inspiring at the same time. Many ex-students returned later in life to thank him for what they learned in his classes and give credit to his teaching as a great start to the success they had in their educational and career choices. After becoming parents, many ex-students brought their own children to him for tutoring when challenged with math and science. Bill was honest, genuine, and had great confidence in the gifts he was given and shared with all.