At age 79, Bill died peacefully in his sleep of heart failure at his home on Monday, March 6, 2006. 

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. Bill is survived by his wife Geraldine "Gerri"; daughters Linda Oviatt and Janis Thor and her husband Roger; granddaughters Toni Candiello and Tammy Hand and her husband Glen; sister Bea Nutting; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was a career employee and retiree of the Boeing Company.

No services will be held. Remembrances should be sent to Children's Hospital and Medical Center in Seattle.