William Ray Lancaster

Willam Ray Lancaster, or "Bill" as his friends called him, died peacefully of heart failure on May 16, 2024. He was 85 years old.

At the time of his death, he resided in Seal Beach, California, but as a world traveler he called many places across the globe his home.

Bill was born May 7, 1939, in Burley, Idaho, to Orvil and Sylvia (Willis) Lancaster. He was the youngest of three children who were all raised in Burley. He revered his older brother "Digger" and adored his older sister Donna Faye. His was a typical, small-town childhood in the 1940s and 50s: building fast cars, chasing pretty girls, and ducktail haircuts.

He left Burley to serve his country. In 1958, he enlisted in the U.S. Army but realized he preferred sleeping in beds not the ground, flying in planes rather than jumping out of them, and opportunities for regular showers. In 1966, he started his career in the U.S. Air Force. From childhood he was known for fastidiousness, particularly around hygiene, and this made for an excellent fit in his job as an environmental technician ensuring the safety of military facilities and food supplies.

He enjoyed traveling and always sought overseas assignments that allowed him to see the world. He served in Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, Philippines, and Spain and at bases in Florida, California, and Utah. He captured beautiful photographs and immersed himself in local cultures.

He also reveled in his role as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer. It meant he still worked for a living but gave him the authority to say that "he might not always be right, but he was never wrong." A self-view he made clear to his children.

Stationed at Taipei Air Base in Taiwan, he met the love of his life, and on November 5, 1971, he married Chin Yu Lin with whom he spent the rest of his life. His honesty, a trait that he valued and embodied, almost prevented the marriage. When asked by his future father-in-law to promise that he would always take care of Chin Yu, he answered that no one could predict the future; fortunately, Chin Yu's sister translated his answer as "of course."

Bill was proud of his career and service but retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Master Sergeant in 1987. Curious by nature and a voracious reader, he tried his hand at college, but he missed working and was drawn back to the very office he had retired from, but this time as a civilian. He later worked for the Internal Revenue Service.

Bill's temper was legendary, and he raised his children with the philosophy that children should be seen and not heard, but the birth of his granddaughter showed the world a different side. He was never cross with her and never tired from joining her toddler ballet performances or holding the cape of her royal dresses. She brought him great joy and allowed him to show his tender heart.

His loved ones will miss his singing of the birthday song he learned from a 1950s radio show. We know that when we find him with our Lord, Bill will finally be the one in the room "smiling and happy", as the song he always made time to sing to his loved ones goes.

He is survived by his cherished wife, Chin Yu; their sons Darrin of Sunset, Utah, and Arlen (Staci) of Lander, Wyoming; and a beloved granddaughter, Gracie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and sons Kelly and Les.

Bill will rest at a national cemetery, and his family will honor him for his life and military service.