Bill Pilkey

William Pilkey We are saddened to announce the passing of William "Bill" Pilkey III on August 30, 2012 at age 75. Bill was born in Cleveland on April 8, 1937 to William "Bill" Pilkey Junior and Virginia Murray Pilkey. Bill was and is honest, smart, a statesman, knows county finances, and built a record of fighting for the people against the politicians. He spent his life performing civic action as a volunteer and an activist. Bill was a member of the Class of 1955 at Lakewood High School in Lakewood, Ohio. Bill was also a graduate of the College of Worcester and The Ohio State University with a Masters of Public Administration. Bill's work in the community was prolific. Bill was a certified financial planner, a tax preparer, a professor at Saint Martin's College, and a budget analyst for the GOP Caucus at the Washington State Legislature. He was a lifetime citizen activist, and ran for political office many times. He was a tireless advocate for several causes, including responsible government budgeting, homelessness, public safety and treatment of the mentally ill. One of his greatest successes was the CIT program where law enforcement gained training on how to deal with mentally ill suspects safely and effectively. His work was recognized on many fronts by the Kiwanis Club, the Red Cross, and law enforcement agencies from around the nation and the United Kingdom who took note of Bill's contribution to public safety for the mentally ill. One of his favorite accomplishments was his award from the Thurston/Mason RSN Mental Health Advisory Board. He was a member of the Thurston County Taxpayer's Association, the Freedom Foundation, and was a former president of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. Bill was preceded in death by his brother David Pilkey. Bill leaves behind his loving son William B. Pilkey IV, his loving daughter Sable Pilkey, his long-time friend and loving partner Jeannette Hyde, and several close family and friends, including his brother Peter Pilkey. A memorial service for Bill will be held Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at 3pm at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 5930 Mullen Rd SE Lacey.