William Victor McKinley
William McKinley of Hinsdale, Illinois passed away peacefully in his Salem, Oregon home on December 10, 2021 with his family by his side. Over the last several years of his life, he battled Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer's with grace, never losing his sense of humor.
Bill graduated from Hinsdale Township High School in 1963, Utah State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1969, and a master's degree of History from the University of Nevada - Las Vegas in 1976. Bill was a true history buff, USU Aggie football enthusiast, and film connoisseur. He loved flying his Piper J-3 Cub airplane around the Pacific Northwest, collecting historic memorabilia, and spending time with his family and friends. He was a charismatic, fun-loving soul, incredible father and friend.
Bill will lovingly be remembered by Barbara, his wife of 50 years, his daughters Corri and Maryah, sons-in-law David and Ben, and grandchildren Victor, Ethan, Cameron, and Sydney.
A celebration of life will be held this summer in Salt Lake City, Utah with additional details to follow. Updates and memories can be found and shared here:
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/williammckinley In lieu of flowers for those who desire to make a memorial donation in memory of Bill, please consider the
Wounded Warrior Project (
https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate). A special thank you to the friends of the family and the Brighton Hospice team for their amazing love and support. Assisting is Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.