Bill, Dad, Gumpy, a man known by many names, passed away on January 1, 2017. He was born in Portland, OR to Leonard F. and Virginia M. Wascher. He grew up in Gearhart, OR, graduating from Seaside High School in 1958.
Bill served his country honorably. His 23 years in the Army included two years in the National Guard and 21 years of Active Duty with two tours in Vietnam, overseas to Germany, (Gelnhausen & Stuttgart), and state-side he was stationed at Fort Polk, LA and Fort Ord, CA. It was in Gelnhausen that he met and married Evelyn O. Anders-Wascher and became a proud Father to four children. Bill retired from the Army in 1979 and moved his family to Vancouver, WA where he lived for 37 years, working at Fort Vancouver Plywood Mill and C-Tran until his retirement in 2005.
Bill enjoyed traveling and camping, especially when it involved riding his motorcycle! He was very passionate about helping Combat Veterans and belonged to an organization called C.V.I. (Combat Veterans International). He was actively involved at the Local and National levels. Some of the activities included escorting remains of Fallen Soldiers, riding in the Veterans Day parades, providing security for the traveling Vietnam Wall, and raising money to help support fellow Combat Veterans. He gave his heart and soul to this organization and enjoyed all the friends/Brothers he made along the way.
Bill is survived by his wife of 55 years, Evelyn; his children, Tom, Ginny, Tina and Leonard; five grandchildren, Daija and her husband Xavier Hinojosa, Kylie, Jacob, Johanna and Barry; great-grandchild, Adeley; daughter-in-law, Lupe Wascher; and sons-in-law, Robert Maloney and Robert Mauterstock.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Jan. 20, 2017 in Vancouver, WA at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 11a.m., preceded by a Rosary at 10 a.m. He will be laid to rest at the Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
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