G. W. BARTRAM

Hillcrest Memorial Center

Bill was born in Chelan, WA, to Adrian and Betty Bartram on August 11, 1933. After years of struggle with Parkinson's disease and other health issues, Bill joined our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on March 9, 2012, at age 78. Bill graduated from high school in Wenatchee in 1951. He joined the Air Force in 1952 where he served for 4 years during the Korean conflict in Special Services.

He married Norma A. Hutchinson on December 11, 1959, in Lewiston, ID. They moved to Wenatchee where they owned and operated Bartram's House of Beauty with his sister, Rae Scaman, for several years. Bill then attended Wenatchee Valley College for 2 years and went to work for John Deere Co. of Moline Ill. During his years with John Deere Co. he was transferred from Wenatchee to Stockton, CA, Gresham, OR, and Orem, UT, where he took an early retirement at age 57. They moved to the Tri-Cities in 1991.

While he was still working, Bill became interested in long range handgun shooting accuracy and that's when he began his long relationship with shooting for accuracy and writing articles about what he learned. He wrote hundreds of articles for various shooting publications. He took part in shooting accuracy competitions around the west and won many trophies, most of which were 1st place. He also ranked high in international competitions.

After retirement Bill continued in the shooting sports, eventually changing to benchrest rifle competition when his eyesight changed. During these years he acquired a metal lathe, milling machine and other equipment with which he built his own gun barrels. He and close friend, Steve, invented and built all sorts of interesting devices to aid in shooting accuracy.

Bill was active in the TCMSA gun club in the Tri-Cities, serving twice as President and twice as Chairman of the Board of Directors. He was also a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Kennewick.

Bill and Norma enjoyed traveling around the western U.S. by car. Earlier interests included scuba diving, backpacking in the Cascades, boating, water skiing and snow skiing.

Bill is survived by his wife, Norma, of 52 years.

In 1976, Bill donated a kidney to his sister, Rae Scaman. She passed away before the year was out, but Bill was happy to have given her a chance to live. She was only 38 years old.

Norma is grateful for the loving care given to her husband during his last 2 months by the staff at Elisa's Garden Adult Family Home in Pasco. Also the support of the Hospice Team was invaluable to all of us. Thank you.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Bill at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 17, at Kennewick First Presbyterian Church at 2001 W. Kennewick Ave.

Memorial Contributions can be made in lieu of flowers to The Chaplaincy-Hospice Care, 2108 W. Entiat, Kennewick, WA 99336 or to Kennewick First Presbyterian Church at 2001 West Kennewick Ave., Kennewick, WA 99336. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.Hillcrest MemorialCenter.com.