William A. “Bill” Eastman passed away Friday, June 30, 2017 at his home surrounded by family.
Bill was born May 25, 1943 in Sedro Woolley, WA to J. Walter Eastman and Gerda (Harang) Eastman. He graduated from Sedro Woolley High School in 1961 and graduated from Washington State University in 1965, where he was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity.
On December 19, 1970 he married Linda Green in Sedro Woolley.
Bill joined the ROTC while in college and was sent to Vietnam in November of 1966. He was a Major in the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. After his service in the Army, he joined the Fort Lewis National Guard, where he was active in the Mount Saint Helens rescue missions. Bill was awarded numerous medals during his service, which included the Purple Heart and American Campaign Medal for heroism.
Bill worked for Puget Power for 33 years, and retired as lineman/foreman. Bill went to work for Potelco after retirement for approximately 10 years.
He enjoyed spending time with his family, hunting and reminiscing with former co-workers and friends during morning coffee. He also enjoyed his daily lunch at Cascade Pizza, where they treated him like family.
Bill is survived by his daughters, Shelly Eastman-Olsen (Oly), Tracy Waite, Erika Davis (Shane), Lisa Mast (Jeremy); grandchildren, Faith Sanford, Emily Sanford, Alyx Waite, Weston Waite, Hollie Davis, Connor Davis, Brady Mast, Cassidy Mast, Grayson Mast, Stephen Olsen and Sean Olsen; brother, John Eastman (Arlene); former spouse, Linda Eastman; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, J. Walter and Gerda Eastman.
Please join Bills family and friends for services this Friday, July 7th at 1 pm at Union Cemetery in Sedro Woolley with Military Honors, celebration of life immediately following at 8407 Robinson Road.
Services and arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Share memories of Bill and sign the online guest register.
I flew with Bill (Sedro Willy Willy) as his wingman in the 334th AHC, Vietnam. He was a great friend and leader, deserved all his decorations, was calm and brave when under fire and I was very proud to serve with him. Will miss him terribly. I will always remember him as my fire team leader, still leading the way. I just became aware of his passing this date, Sep 19.
I had the honor of flying with Bill many times in the Guard. He was a man to be admired by all who knew him and will be missed.
I just want to express my sympathy to the family. We knew his family growing up in the neighbor~ hood. I respect them all so much. I knew he flew a helicopter in Viet Nam, but did not know he had a purple heart, and other medals. He was a man of courage, no doubt, but Viet Nam did a number on so many. I thank him so much for his service. Sorry for the pain he suffered. My condolances to the family, he was a man you can be very proud of. Rest in peace Bill!
My thoughts and prayers for the Eastman family.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Eastman Family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Truly a honor to work for! A gentleman that could teach you in a way that you would be safe and not waste a move…. will miss all the coffee time memories at the cafe with your family! And sharing memories with my kids and you at the river property. Great Man!
In behalf of the Lyman Hamilton school reunion, we send our condolences , enjoyed his coming and we will miss him this year
I am so very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He certainly had his work cut out for him being surrounded by so many girls. I remember him being quiet or maybe that’s because we talked so much. I remember him taking us to school in his truck with us cramped in the back, riding in your camper while he drove us to Baker to go camping. He never even told us to go to sleep when we tried to stay up all night. What restraint he must have had. My heart is with you all.
Bill was an American hero and a friend, he will be missed very much by his family and I. May he Rest In Peace in heaven with all the other heros of his time. God bless you Bill and your service to this country.
I had only a brief couple of interactions with Bill, but what a gracious person he was! The love and adoration your family has for one another is absolutely evident. Please accept my sincerest condolences.
I’m sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a man I had the greatest respect for as a father and true American hero. He served his country in an unpopular war earning numerous medals for his bravery. Not something he talked much about but something that made him a true American hero with me. He taught me alot about chasing mule deer on the Eastside and I looked forward to sharing my hunting stories every year. Linda,Tracy,Erica,and Shelly hope your coping as well as can be expected with your loss knowing Bill is no longer in pain and relaxing in heaven .