William Bill Jacobson

On February 7th, 2026, William "Bill" Jacobson, loving husband and devoted father of two, peacefully passed away just shy of his 80th birthday. Bill was born on February 28th, 1946, in Oakland, CA, to Paul and Agnes "Leo" Jacobson. He married Kathleen Johnson on February 9th, 1974, and shortly thereafter moved to the Pacific Northwest, where they were blessed with two-not perfect, but at least "pretty good"-children, Gregory and Amanda.

His past 38 years were spent living in West Linn, OR, where he and Kathy made their home. Summer adventures with family and friends often brought them to Lowman, Idaho, where he and his wife designed and built a cabin along the South Fork of the Payette River. That cabin lives on as a standing memorial to his legacy-a special place where Bill found much solace after Kathy's passing in 2019.

He grew up in a house on 82nd Ave in Oakland, where he attended Bishop O'Dowd High School. He was a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, with a degree in mathematics. He was a decorated Army veteran who served in Vietnam. He worked for more than 30 years at Ash Grove Cement as a distribution/marketing manager before his retirement.

Bill was knowledgeable and gifted in many things, and he was equally humble about them. He was a modest gastronome who loved good food and drink, especially when shared with friends and family; Bill also believed that quality things didn't need to demand exorbitant prices, and he delighted in finding a good deal on anything from wine to windbreakers.

His affable charm and absurdist humor made him easy to befriend, and he was happy to hold a conversation with just about anyone, no matter their walk of life, and no matter the subject-Bill was always approachable. He loved to share time, jokes, meals, stories, advice, and joy.

He loved to create with his hands. He loved to be in the sunshine. He loved his backyard. But above all else, he loved his family and his friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy; his father, Paul; his mother, Leo; and a few classic British sports cars.

He is survived by his son, Gregory (and his wife Tessa); his daughter, Amanda (and her husband Nick Guidice); his grandchildren-who he was particularly proud of-Peyton and Carter Guidice; his sister, Judy Blue; as well as several cousins, nephews, nieces, and a garage filled with every tool known to man.

He will be deeply missed but not forgotten; his words, actions, and humor will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Services will be held on Thursday, March 12th, 2026, at 11 a.m. by Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church at Christ Church Episcopal Parish, in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

In lieu of flowers or donations, it was Bill's wish-and that of his family-that you take a loved one out to dinner and offer a thought, or better yet, a toast in his memory.