William “Bill” Weatherby, 80, 46-year resident of Oak Harbor, died Sept. 6, 2003, at Whidbey Island Manor.
Mr. Weatherby was born July 15, 1923, in Lima, Ill., to William Weatherby and Bessie (Ament) Weatherby. Bill was raised in St. Louis, Mo. and Quincy, Ill. He entered the U.S. Navy in August 1941, retiring 25 years later as a chief petty officer. His tours of duty included Panama, California, Florida, Tennessee and Whidbey Island Naval Air Station.
Bill married Lorraine (Van Nieuwenhuise) Priscina on Oct. 5, 1961, in Oak Harbor. Following his retirement from the Navy, he became an agent for Farmers Insurance, from which he retired after about 25 years.
Bill was a member of Fleet Reserve Association, Whidbey Island Bowman’s Archery Club and AARP. He had a passion for archery, and took pleasure in making his own bows and arrows. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling with Lori in their RV. They wintered in Arizona and Florida.
Bill is survived by his wife Lorraine “Lori” at home; his children, Barbara Short and husband Joe of Oak Harbor; Steve Weatherby of Oak Harbor; and Bob Weatherby and wife Nadine of Bellingham; eight grandchildren, Kerri Molitor and husband Tom and Kelli Turpin and husband James, all of Oak Harbor; Kammi Van Rensum and husband Jason of Buckley; Travis Weatherby of Tumwater; Michelle Dann and husband James of Louisiana; Sherri Courtney and husband Danny of Lynden; Jason Weatherby and Meagan Weatherby, both of Bellingham; six great-grandchildren, Tommy, Matt, Bayley, Alden, Erica and Tyler; his mother, Bessie Mason of Quincy, Ill.; his half-sister, Marjorie Reeves and husband Charlie of Quincy, Ill.
A graveside service was held Sept. 9 at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Cmdr. Fred Renfroe, CHC, USN (Ret.) officiating. Memorials may be made to a charity of choice. Arrangements under direction of Burley Funeral Chapel.