William Henry, “Bill” Joy, Jr. of Birdsview passed away peacefully at UGH in Sedro Woolley, WA on Friday, December 23, 2016 surrounded by his loved ones. Snow was falling and his soul was longing for Heaven.
Bill was born to William H. and Madeleine M. Joy in Worcester, MA., followed by 2 sisters. He acquired his strong work ethics early in life from his father who worked 7 days a week on the railroad during the Depression and 2nd World War. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force serving in Japan and Korea as a Norden Bombsite Mechanic and Aircraft Engine Mechanic on B-29’s during the Korean War. After honorary discharge, he attended Worcester Jr. College for 2 years going on to earn his college degree in petroleum engineering at Univ. of Oklahoma. He worked a time in the Texas Oil Fields, ultimately hiring on with Travelers Insur. Co. in Nashville, TN as a petroleum engineer. Later joining their fire protection engineering program which took him to assignments in all the states and Canada. After 29 years he retired in 1988 from Travelers in Seattle as Manager of the Seattle Engineering Dept. He then began his 2nd career, self-employed as a fire protection engineer consultant, primarily to Plum Creek Timber, Co. which he continued till his death.
He married Janet Gelinas, also from Worcester in 1958; they had 4 children and were transferred several times between Nashville and Seattle by Travelers. In 1987 Bill married Nancy (Newman) Near and they lived in LaConner prior to moving to Birdsview in 1991 where they built a home, raised beef cattle and hosted a menagerie of 4 footed friends. Bill’s life experiences and stories never ceased to amuse, entertain or inspire. He gave praise to St. Jude for a healing deliverance from alcohol 4 plus decades ago. There was no limit as to what he would do to assist or show compassion for those in need. He humbly served as facilities person, Lector and Minister of Communion to the sick both at St. Paul’s at Swinomish and St. Catherine’s in Concrete. The many lifelong friendships he forged with coworkers at Travelers and Plum Creek were still celebrated with visits and BBQs right through this past summer.
Besides his parents, Bill was preceded in death by brothers-in- law, Carl E. Newman , Phil Wrightson, John Cronin; sister-in-law, Beverly Chapman.
He is survived by loving wife, Nancy; beloved sons and wives, Bill Joy, III and Robin, John Joy and Carrie, Mike Joy and Stephanie; daughter, Tricia (Naomi); grandchildren, Matt, Andre, John, Maddie and Alex; numerous nieces and nephews; sisters, Connie Cronin, North Andover, MA and Sr. Madeleine Joy, SP, Westfield, MA; sisters-in-law, Connie Wrightson, W. Yarmouth, MA, and Louise Newman, Mt. Vernon, WA.
Words can only begin to express the appreciation of those in the UGH Peace Health system who were so compassionate and accommodating through Bill’s journey with pulmonary fibrosis.
A time of visitation and reciting of the Rosary will be held at 10:00AM followed by the Funeral Mass on Friday, December 30, 2016 at 11:00AM at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Concrete followed by interment at Forest Park Cemetery with military honors.
Nancy,
We are so sorry for your loss. Although we knew Bill only through our class reunions, we enjoyed him. We were on our way to Arizona when we got word of his passing from Pat Farrell, or we would have been there for his service. We know that Doug and the staff at Lemleys have taken good care of you and Bill. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I met Bill an Nancy through Connie and Anita Glass my neighbors in Rockport.Anita was sick and Bill and Nancy come to give communion every week so it was over the fence we became great friends.Rarely could I ever do for anyone of what Bill did for Congress an Nita.Connie would say Robin I need ya to go down to Bills place and we helped with the water well always a good time always stories of the peninsula where I lived many years and people we both knew.The thing I liked most about Bill is his genuineness. What a pleasure to have known such a kind loving man without hate truly one of the finest.Thank you Nancy for the lunches and great hospitality you are also thought of very fondly in my heart.Skagit Valley has lost someone very dear an honest.Bill you will be missed for years to come.Robin & Patti Adair
Bill was such a fine man. We always enjoyed visiting with him and Nancy at Rallye. He always had an encouraging word for all of us. He was not ashamed of his faith. He will be missed and may he rest in peace
Nancy and Family,
I always enjoyed talking to you and Bill at the steak frys and other occasions in the Valley. When in Concrete you both have always made me feel welcome. Please know my thought and prayers are with you at this time. It is good to know Bill is now at peace in heaven.
Gloria
He will be missed. Lived working with bill for all these years
Bill was a dear friend who lived and loved life to the fullest! He was a man of great faith and he shared his faith in subtle, loving ways with everyone who crossed his path. But the man of faith also had many stories to tell of the “good old days”, especially at the Traveler’s bar-b-que parties that he and Nancy so generously hosted. A legion of friends will miss his ready smile and open, accepting manner. He and Nancy made a fantastic team as they built their own little piece of paradise in Birdsview! We will dearly miss you but trust that you are enjoying the next life! Love, Dennis and Toni Smith
Bill “Joy” the name couldn’t have been more perfect. A man of honor and integrity, much to be admired. I am so thankful to have gotten to know Bill over the years. We looked so forward to seeing him and Nancy pull in to our dealership for visits, there was always much to laugh about with Bill’s sense of humor. His concern for everyone around him was something to be admired. He will be greatly missed until we meet again in heaven. Nancy I wish you and your family all of God’s comfort. Thank you for sharing Bill with all of us at Rallye Auto Sales. A friend that will never be forgotten.