William K. Wilson was born in Mount Desert, ME, on June 10, 1932, to Arlene and Bill Wilson. He lost his battle with lung cancer on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011.

Willie leaves behind his wife Judy; five children, Cynthia Parks (Danny), Steven Wilson (Jane), Michelle Coughlan, Nicole Wilson and David Wilson; five grandchildren, Michael Parks (Christine/Sweetness), Jacob Wilson, Jolene Wilson (Kenny), Shawn Coughlan (Maebe), Danielle Coughlan and Leila Walton; eight great-grandchildren, Taylor and Haley Parks, Christian and Casey Wilson, Halle and Kalyn Coughlan and Perry and Nevaeh Coughlan.

Willie grew up in and around Fitchburg, MA. At age 16, he joined Ringling Brothers/Barnum & Bailey Circus as a caregiver to the elephants. At age 17 he joined the U.S. Navy and served his country proudly for 20 years, retiring in 1970. After retiring he continued serving as a bartender for the CPO Club in Alameda, Calif. In 1977, he went back to work for the government, and was employed for the Naval Air Rework Facility in Alameda. He thus returned to the occupation that he spent the majority of his life perfecting and teaching others the repair of the aircraft of the U.S. Navy.

Although Willie came across to those who did not know him well as a gruff, unpolished stone, those who did know him knew he’d give the shirt off his back if they needed it. For those of us that loved him so deeply, he will always be in our hearts.

Fair Winds and Smooth Seas, Dad/Papa.

We love you!

A gathering was held at the family home in his memory. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and extend condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com.