William Julius "Bill" Mortensen

1911 - 2008

Bill Mortensen, Master wood carver and world renowned furniture designer completed his life's journey July 26, 2008. He passed away from complications related to pneumonia at Enloe Hospital in Chico, CA.

Bill was born March 23, 1911 in Oakland CA to Paul Mortensen and Oliva Kristen Nielsen. He lived in Walnut Creek and Oakland until 1951 when he moved to Paradise CA. He was previously married to Vera Muller and Pearl Hilgendorf, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his three sons: Harold (Leni) of Fresno, CA; Wayne (Barbara) of San Ramon, CA and John (Carolyn) of Reno, NV. He leaves two granddaughters; Karen (Brunson) of Seattle, WA; and Aileen of San Ramon, CA.; step granddaughter Ashlee Farmer, (Dan) of Reno, NV . He will also be missed by his close friend Karl Trulin, his carving students, and the many friends he has made around the world.

Bill spent a year and a half at the age of 17 in Copenhagen, working in a cabinet shop for little more money than room and board, learning the art of creating fine furniture. He attended the California School of Fine Arts and UCLA studying art, but learned furniture making in Europe. Later in his life he took a course in Modern Art at the Smithsonian. In his later years his focus was more toward Modern Art. He never stopped drawing and designing.

Bill previously taught mathematics and drafting at Crockett High School in Crockett, CA until he went into the business of wood carving and furniture design. He designed and built furniture for several movie stars such as Shirley Temple, John Wayne, Mae West and music composer, Lee Hazelwood. His Paradise studio was visited by many celebrities over the years such as Jimmy Durante, and Linda Darnell. He also designed for industrialists, such as Henry J. Kaiser and Stanley Hiller, among many others. His work is on ships, and airplanes from his days working for Steve Bechtel. He once carved a bed, and covered it in pure silver leaf for King Faisel of Saudi Arabia. He never duplicated any of his work; each piece is its own individual work of art. He designed each piece from the idea to the final design.

He taught wood carving at California State University, Chico for a year before opening a school of wood carving in his shop in Paradise which he operated until earlier this year. He was a founding member of E Clampus Vitus in Paradise.

In 2004 he was presented with an Annies Arts Award by Chico Friends of the Arts, Lifetime Achievement Award for Visual Arts, 3-dimentional. He enjoyed his many friends, always staying active and busy. His secret for a long life? A daily spoonful of gin soaked raisins!

One last class, a Celebration of Bills Life will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2008 at his studio from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. Contact Carolyn Mortensen at (775) 233-6735 for more information. Sign guest book at ParadisePost.com