WILLIAM H. "WILLIE" GRAVLEY

1954 - 2012

William H. "Willie" Gravley, treasured son, husband, father, brother, uncle and friend passed away on October 26, 2012 after a valiant struggle with a little known disorder called Multiple Systems Atrophy. At his passing, he was surrounded by family. Willie was 58 years old.

In Burlington, Washington, on January 28, 1954 Willie was first-born of three sons to Jack and Gisela Gravley.

He is survived by his mother Gisela, loving wife of 35 years Audrey, son Alex and his wife Mindy, his brother Wendell of Temecula, California, also brother Warren and wife Linda of La Conner, Washington. He had many in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends and business associates. All will miss him dearly.

Willie's father, Jack Gravley preceded him in death on September 9, 1999.

Willie was a modern day, self-educated, Renaissance Man. An avid outdoorsman, tinkerer and general handy man, there was never a trail too long (or steep) to hike, wind too strong to sail, building project too complex or engine too broken for him to tackle. He worried that his passion for DIY was a vanishing art, and was thrilled to see a spark of his "can do" spirit in his son Alex.

As long as he was able, Willie was a voracious reader who had exceptional grasp of political, geographical, and historical relevance all over the globe. He thoroughly enjoyed a spirited debate on these and many other topics.

Willie and Audrey Lanier met in 1972. After a lengthy courtship they were married in Reno, Nevada on July 18, 1977. They loved to travel, and many road trips took them to unexpected back road discoveries. Their son Alex joined them in April 1981. His "Sonny Boy" always brought a sparkle to Willie's eye.

Alex married Mindy Kuiper in 2010. She is the perfect addition to the Gravley clan.

Prior to his retirement in 2010, Willie was co-owner of Foss Heating and Cooling with partner Roger Foss. It was gratifying for him to bring son Alex into the business and eventually transfer his share of the business to the next generation. Willie loved his work, and it was a huge disappointment when he no longer had the capacity to contribute.

With all that he lost, Willie was always a realist. At each bit of medical news he quoted his life-long mantra "What is, is." Holding onto that credo has carried the family through many trials.

Willie preferred "no fanfare" however, he understood a desire for friends and family to gather in a celebration of his life. This event will be held Saturday, November 3, at 12:00 pm at The Swinomish Yacht Club, 310 North 1st Street, La Conner WA. We ask that friends and colleagues plan to share remembrances of their lives with Willie. A meal will be served following reflection.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of the Northwest or Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation are suggested.

Please share your thoughts of Willie and sign the online guest register at www.hawthornefh.com.

Cremation arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home and Crematory, Mount Vernon.