William Leslie Aller

11/10/1923 - 01/18/2011

ALLER,
William Leslie
(Age 87)

Passed away on January 18, 2011 at HCR Manor Care Health facility in Spokane. William was born on November 10, 1923 in Seattle, WA to Leeon and Birdie Aller, who preceded him in death. Bill had three siblings. Brothers, Leeon, who preceded him in death and George, both of Seattle, WA, and sister, Annabelle also of Seattle, WA. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Armande and sons, Stuart of Seattle, WA and Marshall (Julie) of Spokane, WA. Bill had two grandchildren, Brandon and Alicia Aller also of Spokane, WA. Bill attended elementary and High School in West Seattle. In 1942, Bill Aller was accepted into wartime V-12 program at UCLA, the Navy's equivalent of ROTC. After graduating with an Art Degree from the University of Washington he transferred to UCLA. That's where he met his wife, Armande. They were married on February 23, 1946. Bill began teaching at John Rogers High School in 1949 and stayed for 30 years. He continued his education and earned a Masters Degree at Whitworth. To supplement his income he became an intelligence officer for the Naval Reserve Station at Gieger. In 1969, he retired from the reserves but kept his ties with the Navy at the Reserves Center by volunteering his services wherever needed. In 1988, Bill started the Spokane Sea Services Museum at 5101 N Assembly. He started with one display case that developed into the creation of an extensive legacy of seagoing men and women who have served their country. In 2008 Bill retired from 20 years as the volunteer founding director of the museum. Bill's mission was promoting the past. He was a lifelong member of SAR, Navy League and MOWW. September 10, 2009 he received the Golden Deed award from the Downtown Exchange Club for his many years of service that enriched Spokane. Services will be held 1:00 P.M. Saturday, January 29, 2011, 1:00 P.M. at Ball & Dodd Funeral Home, 5100 W. Wellesley Ave, Spokane, WA. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Spokane Sea Services Museum, 5101 N. Assembly Ave., Spokane, WA 99205.