WILLIAM HENRY "BILL" JOY

William Henry, "Bill" Joy, Jr. of Birdsview passed away peacefully at UGH in Sedro-Woolley, WA on Friday, December 23, 2016 surrounded by his loved ones. Snow was falling and his soul was longing for Heaven.

Bill was born to William H. and Madeleine M. Joy in Worcester, MA., followed by 2 sisters. He acquired his strong work ethics early in life from his father who worked 7 days a week on the railroad during the Depression and 2nd World War.

He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force serving in Japan and Korea as a Norden Bombsite Mechanic and Aircraft Engine Mechanic on B-29's during the Korean War. After honorary discharge, he attended Worcester Jr. College for 2 years going on to earn his college degree in petroleum engineering at Univ. of Oklahoma. He worked a time in the Texas Oil Fields, ultimately hiring on with Travelers Insur. Co. in Nashville, TN as a petroleum engineer. Later joining their fire protection engineering program which took him to assignments in all the states and Canada. After 29 years he retired in 1988 from Travelers in Seattle as Manager of the Seattle Engineering Dept. He then began his 2nd career, self-employed as a fire protection engineer consultant, primarily to Plum Creek Timber, Co. which he continued till his death.

He married Janet Gelinas, also from Worcester in 1958; they had 4 children and were transferred several times between Nashville and Seattle by Travelers. In 1987 Bill married Nancy (Newman) Near and they lived in La Conner prior to moving to Birdsview in 1991 where they built a home, raised beef cattle and hosted a menagerie of 4 footed friends.

Bill's life experiences and stories never ceased to amuse, entertain or inspire. He gave praise to St. Jude for a healing deliverance from alcohol 4 plus decades ago. There was no limit as to what he would do to assist or show compassion for those in need. He humbly served as facilities person, Lector and Minister of Communion to the sick both at St. Paul's at Swinomish and St. Catherine's in Concrete.

The many lifelong friendships he forged with coworkers at Travelers and Plum Creek were still celebrated with visits and BBQs right through this past summer.

Besides his parents, Bill was preceded in death by brothers-in- law, Carl E. Newman, Phil Wrightson, John Cronin; sister-in-law, Beverly Chapman.

He is survived by loving wife, Nancy; beloved sons and wives, Bill Joy, III and Robin, John Joy and Carrie, Mike Joy and Stephanie; daughter, Tricia (Naomi); grandchildren, Matt, Andre, John, Maddie and Alex; numerous nieces and nephews; sisters, Connie Cronin, North Andover, MA and Sr. Madeleine Joy, SP, Westfield, MA; sisters-in-law, Connie Wrightson, W. Yarmouth, MA, and Louise Newman, Mount Vernon, WA.

Words can only begin to express the appreciation of those in the UGH Peace Health system who were so compassionate and accommodating through Bill's journey with pulmonary fibrosis.

A time of visitation and reciting of the Rosary will be held at 10:00AM followed by the Funeral Mass on Friday, December 30, 2016 at 11:00AM at St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Concrete followed by interment at Forest Park Cemetery with military honors.

Share your memories of Bill and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com.