Willard C. Julum died suddenly May 9, 2007, of a heart attack at Lake Tapps. Services were held May 15 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Auburn, and he was buried at Gethsemane, Federal Way.

He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Jean Payne-Julum, sons Brad of Olympia and Blaze of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; daughter Darcie (Billy) Jacobsen of Lake Tapps; four grandchildren; and sister Marian Jules-Weaver of Seattle.

He graduated from Highline High School as ASB president in 1951.

He and his best friend Ken Leingang enrolled at Eastern Washington University. As "walk-on freshmen," they made the football starting team and Will earned a full three-year scholarship because of his skill. Will was voted ASB President of Eastern in 1955.

Following that he served in Korea for a short period, returning to teach at Almira, Wash., for two years. He taught science, math and history, coached football and basketball, and, of course, drove the school bus.

Marrying in 1961, the salary of teaching was not sufficient. He started his career with Boeing, also working with his brother, Len Julum, in his realty company, Home Finders.

Will was a community-involved man. He coached Little League football, basketball and baseball. He served on the Dieringer School Board for 32 years, served as director and chairman multiple times, gave his time and leadership skills unselfishly, staying out of the limelight.

He helped to craft a tiny school of the 1960s into an ever expanding and highly sought school district that continues to provide increasing opportunity to the growing neighborhood-family community of Lake Tapps.

Will's commitment, integrity and old-fashion work ethic were only equaled by his extreme love for his family, strong-lived faith in God and his unwavering dedication to his community that he helped to create.

Will Julum, you will be missed by many_far and wide. We thank you for your true, personal friendship to all of us. God bless you.