Bill Lee Pen

Bill Lee Pen was born in Lynden, Washington to Irene and Frank Pen on Tuesday, January 28th in 1936. He weighed just two pounds.

Bill was raised North of town and attended school in the Lynden School District alongside sister Bonnie and brothers Allen, Jack, Keith and Gregory.

When Bill was 19 years old, he met the love of his life, miss Shirley Pritchett, at the Lynden Skating Rink in 1955. The two were married at the Pritchett residence in Sumas, Washington, on April 1st in 1956. The following day, they left for Seattle, Washington, where Bill was drafted to serve his country by driving truck for the GoodWill Donation Pick-Up Center. Bill and Shirley's first son was born and after serving two years in Seattle, Bill moved his family home to Whatcom County and they welcomed their second son and two more daughters. Bill and Shirley purchased their home in 1962, where they would love for more than 60 years. Bill became a baptized member of the Everson Kingdom Hall Congregation after moving home from Seattle.

Bill first worked in potatoes before becoming a fabricator for Ershig's in Bellingham, Washington, where he worked for more than 30 years.

Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing and family camping trips. Bill and Shirley often went on road trips with his sisters in-law and brothers in-law, spending long weekends visiting in Eastern Washington. After retiring at 65, Bill enjoyed the challenges of his favorite golf courses and assumed the responsibility of apartment building maintenance. Bill was a meticulous craftsman, skilled in all trades and spent many hours in his workshop. Bill enjoyed riding around in his best friend's 1929 Model A car, putting it on display in local car shows and parades.

In 2016, Bill and Shirley celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary. Bill enjoyed taking Shirley to the casinos where they often claimed winning tickets and shared many meals with family and friends. Bluegrass music was a favorite of Bill's, especially when he could take Shirley and listen live. Bill loved having his home filled with family and he cherished every one of his 18 great grandchildren.

On the morning of January 15, 2026, following eight days with family gathered at his side, and only 13 days before his 90th birthday, Bill entered the kingdom of Heaven and now rests peacefully with our Lord.

Bill leaves his devoted wife of 69 years, Shirley, and their children, David(Tami) Pen, Duane(Cheryl) Pen, Alane(John) Klopfenstein, Janet Pen(Rex Cunningham), and his grandchildren, Fawn(Kazz), Donny, Duane(Samantha), Jessi(Jesse), Amber(Jacob), Jessica, Justin(Courtney), Whitney(Allan), Nicholas, Barrett, Cheyenne, Taylor(Jake), and Amanda

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.