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William Bequette Obituary
Sept 16, 1917 - April 24, 2011
Kennewick, Wash.
William C. Bequette, long-time editor of the Tri-City Herald, died in his sleep at home after a three-year illness. Graduate University of Montana. WWII combat veteran, awarded Bronze Star, served from Oct . 1941 until Sept 1945. He worked as a reporter and later Chief Editor of the Tri-City Herald until his official retirement in 1986. As a reporter and editor he was responsible for writing “probing stories on city government� and other insightful stories, including a nationwide story reporting one of the first UFO sightings in Oregon in 1947.
Bill continued to write including his autobiography and served as substitute editor for several years after his retirement. Even at age of 90 he continued to garden, cut his own lawn and wrote his autobiography from his war diary and memory.
His wife Neva L. Bequette, 1910-1998, was the chief librarian and founder Mid-Columbia Regional Library system.
He is survived by two sisters, Grace Wood, Marjorie Gamwells; his daughter Gail Merkel, and 3 grandsons. Memorial service will be announced when finalized at http://mysite.ncnetwork.net/resq2nk4/gailand-john-home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Bequette
2 Entries
May 9, 2011
I "grew up" in the TC Herald's old Desert Living section, starting as a 19-year-old after my first year of college. The following summer, after 2 years of school, I was offered a fulltime job. Bill was a wonderful mentor and cheerleader; he was never gruff or terse with me. I have always remembered him as encouraging -- willing to tell you what you did well and also what could be improved. That's what a great boss and mentor does.
Through the years, we have talked from time to time on the phone. I sure regret that I lost touch with him in the last few years.
Glenna Hammer Moulthrop
April 26, 2011
Always enjoyed reading his articles in the Herald.
NH, West Richland, WA
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