William D. Sherod was born April 18, 1919, in Kirkland.

On Dec. 26, 2002, he was transported to Whidbey General Hospital and then airlifted Dec. 27 to Virginia Mason Hospital in 60 mph winds, where he passed away Dec. 31, 2002, at age 83.

He was a 1938 graduate of Franklin High School. He worked in construction most of his life; he headed barracks construction crews during World War II in Alaska. Among his construction career highlights were the Hat and Boots landmark in south Seattle, Yarrowood Condominiums (where he was commended for preserving the trees on site), Oak Harbor High School and Camp Sealth, where he was a volunteer builder for the Campfire Girls. He was a site superintendent for SDL Construction for many years.

Bill was a long-time supporter of South Whidbey Youth Center, Whidbey Waldorf School, Greenbank Farm, South Whidbey Parks and Recreation and Island County Senior Services. In the late 1950s, Bill built a swimming pool next to his home in Magnolia. When the green flag was out, the neighborhood kids were welcome. In 1980, Bill bought forest land on Whidbey Island and developed it into his dream, “The Wood Farm,” where he raised Scottish Highlander cattle, llamas and other farm animals. He lived life to its fullest, and was a great teacher for all of us. He had a green thumb for his garden, and loved all of his farm animals.

He is survived by sons, William Neal, Charles Van and daughter, Debbie Sherod; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Y. and Crete, and also his spouses, Velma and Arbutus. Funeral services and burial were held Jan. 7 at Evergreen-Washelli. Please sign an on-line memorial at www.evergreen-washelli.com.