Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1938
DIED
2020
William Gerrior Obituary
Creative, irreverent & generous, Willie was a pilot, a fisherman, and a winemaker, and it was clear he never met a stranger.
Will Gerrior was born in Boston on December 5, 1938 and died at home on Vashon on June 3, 2020. He was diagnosed a few weeks earlier with advanced pancreatic cancer, and spent his last days with his loving family on his farm on Vashon.
At the age of 18 he joined the Air Force as a mechanic, but learned to fly at a private flight school. He turned a part-time gig flying crop-dusters into a career with the airlines, retiring in 2000 as Captain with Delta Airlines. In 1986 he and his wife Karen started Vashon Winery, which they sold after 25 years, having won several awards for their Washington grown wines. He met Karen in 1968, when he was flying the Alaska-Seattle route for PNA, and running a somewhat illegal side-gig of bringing frozen crab in on his flights and selling it - just to friends, of course. She agreed to look the other way if he would supply her with a box, and he was smitten.
Fly-fishingwas among his many passions, and he stocked a trout pond on his property where he taught countless children how to fish. He was a volunteer fire fighter and EMT, past President of the Vashon Sportsman's Club, and was an airport Commissioner for the Vashon Municipal airport.
In addition to his wife, he leaves behind his son Chance (Lisa), grandson Gerald, sister Marianne, brother Gerald, and many nieces and nephews. We will miss his stories at family gatherings, wondering how he managed to survive his childhood. Just when you thought you'd heard them all, he'd surprise you with a new one.
No formal services will be at this time but donations can be made to the Vashon Sportsmen Education Association or to your favorite outdoor organization.
Please sign William's online guestbook at www.Legacy.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Gerrior
Sponsored by The Family.
Bob Lakshas
November 24, 2020
He was a great friend and teacher. Learning to fly with Will was one of the most enjoyable times of my life
Anja Sheerer
August 20, 2020
Hi uncle Willie, this is Anja. I really love and miss you. Auntie Karen, I would love to come back to the farm sometime and help around.
Love, Anja
bill freese
June 29, 2020
will, the bread is ready, bring some wine, I've got some cheese and sprats
Roger Berens
June 25, 2020
Willy was truly a gentleman, a fine aviator and a jolly good fellow. I especially regret never having the opportunity to fish together - especially on the upper St. Joe which we discussed often. We also commended one another on having the good taste to marry a Karen! Will was definitely a renaissance man and is missed by all who knew him. Condolances to the family and may he rest in peace
Curtis and Lana Vangstad
June 24, 2020
Willie was a most interesting man I was never too busy were you wouldnt stop and visit with you. My 10 years on Vashon Island Were made memorable by the stories he could tell: He could tell you volumes on a sip from a single bottle of wine, of the exotic woods he would purchase from old lumber yards, his MG in several boxes to be rebuilt, run ins with King County over his island kingdom (where he prevailed) and teaching my 3 girls to fish. He will be missed but never forgotten. Rest now dear friend.
Marilyn (Mardi) And Paul Portteus
June 23, 2020
I will miss his company, his laugh and his stories. His annual visits, bringing Karen here to the vineyard were life giving. We are going to miss you, old friend.
Kathy Codorniz Gregg
June 23, 2020
Willie was such a unique man. Funny, charming, a great lover of all creatures and a good friend. We had many fun times together. I remember when ever we would fly through sea Willie would head up to the ticket counter to find Karen. He was so in love with her.
Bob Mabray
June 22, 2020
I have such happy memories of Will! As wine manager at Vashon Thriftway from 1992-2006, I saw Will often in the store and at the winery. I will always remember his big smile and sparkling eyes that you knew he was always thinking good and fun thoughts! I remember when he and Karen came by to say they were going to Belize! Bobby you wont believe how beautiful it is! You gotta come down!! Such a nice man. Cheers Will!
Dick Welsh
June 22, 2020
Will was a great pilot and fun to fly with. He will be missed by many.
James Mills
June 22, 2020
Karen sure sorry to hear about Willie my best Jim Mills
Jerry and Pam Hart
June 22, 2020
What an amazing person we lost when Willie died. He was larger than life, and so very generous. He had stories to regale us with and he had a million of them. We'll miss him so very much. RIP, Willie.
Frank Doherty
June 22, 2020
One of the most enjoyable people to be around, and a wonderful person with whom to share a cockpit. I got to introduce him fly-fishing while he was laying over in Spokane, where I lived. We brought lobsters back from Boston to a layover in Butte. Lobsters were creatures the bartender had never seen. We gave him the extra one we had. Didnt buy a beer for the rest of the night. Wiiie and Karen recovered injured birds for the Audubon Society. I asked if he had a peacock. When the peacock died he froze it feathers and all, and shipped in via Western in a battered old red suitcase, to Spokane. I still have the dressed skin and have been tying flies with those feathers for over thirty years. Will did a lot of things. Was interested in a lot of different things. He knew so many different things. Isnt that the definition of a renaissance man? I think it is. This world is a better place for his bing in it. Will gave us who knew him a great gift. The gift of himself. Fly safe, Willie. Fly safe.
Donna Latrell
June 21, 2020
Best wine, bar none, and a wonderful pilot to fly with. Condolences to his family.
Glenis Richardson
June 21, 2020
Sorry for your loss. My husband, Tony Richardson, always enjoyed his company. My daughter loves on Vashon. Wish I had known he was there. Condolences to the whole family.
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in William Gerrior's name
Memorial Events
for William Gerrior
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William Gerrior's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
