George "Bill" Fenter

George 'Bill' Fenter

Bill Fenter of Snohomish, WA, born June 30, 1937, died June 2, 2010 after complications from a minor outpatient surgery performed on April 29, 2010. His family loved and supported him through this very difficult time.
He was a lifelong resident of the Snohomish area, graduating from Snohomish High School in 1955 with a great interest in music - he enjoyed playing the saxophone. He went on to Western Washington College, majoring in music, and then served in the U.S. Coast Guard.
He married Susan Shanks on May 25, 1957. Together, they had three children, Cindy, Rick and Scot.
Bill worked in construction, owning Aldercrest Homes. He was a volunteer fireman for Fire District 7, where he was involved in building several small fire stations. He also served as Fire Chief and went on to be the first Snohomish County Fire Marshal, later becoming a Reserve Deputy with the Snohomish County Sheriff's Deptartment. Bill was a member of the Board of Directors for the Cross Valley Water Association and was an instrumental part of bringing water to the Clearview, WA area.
In 1973, he moved to private industry by going to work for Bayliner Marine. He worked there for 25 years, retiring in 1998. During his time there, he worked in both local and international sales. He supported and created many successful dealerships, creating life- long friends.
Bill married Debbie Johnston on May 10, 1977. They had one daughter, Jenifer.
While Bill worked at Bayliner, he also supported and guided his children in a family-owned towing business; Ace Towing, Inc. was in business for five years, covering all of Snohomish County. He and Debbie invested much time and effort into this venture. He was a long-time member of the Washington Tow Truck Association, the Eagles, and of Club 170 in Everett, WA.
He greatly enjoyed riding his Harley, making six trips to Sturgis. He took numerous day trips with family and friends.
Bill came out of retirement the first time to work with the U.S. Coast Guard. He hauled their new boats from the factory to the Navy base. He often did this with Debbie by his side. Sadly, Debbie died of advanced undetected colon cancer in 2004.
Bill came out of retirement a second time to work with his daughter Cindy and son-in-law Ernie at Everett Floral. He provided excellent business advice as well as floral delivery. He was not one to sit around. He liked to be busy all the time. It was difficult to get him to take a day off. He worked at the flower shop for three years. It was a fun time and we will miss him every day.
He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Eleanor Fenter; and his wife, Debbie. He is survived by his children, Cindy (Ernie) Frederickson, Scot (Tricia) Fenter, Rick (Bee) Fenter, Jenifer (Jacob) Smith, all of Snohomish; and by grandchildren, Logan (Abbey), Hanna, Brandon (Tiffany), Dylan, Cody, Timberly, Tony, Karisa (Marcus), Dakoda, Danica, Miranda, Gavin, GraceLynn; as well as great- grandchildren, Mason and Aubrey. Also, sisters, Bitzi (Bert) Baxter of Waitsburg, WA, and Susie (Jim) Butler of Sedro Woolley, WA. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Bill was a kind, intelligent man who loved his family very much. His loss is devastating to all of us. We must have faith that God has a greater plan for our Father, Grandpa, Great- Grandpa, and exceptional friend.
A Celebration of Life potluck will be held Saturday, June 12, 2010 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. at 14031 State Route 9 SE., Snohomish, WA (360-668-1234), the home of Bill Fenter and Cindy and Ernie Frederickson. This will be a time of celebration and conversation about a very interesting and diverse man. Plants, flowers, or contributions for final expenses would be very much appreciated.