William Patrick Sharkey Jr

Bill passed away peacefully in his home in Manson, Washington surrounded by family. He was born to William Patrick and Frances Gretchen (Deery) Sharkey on June 6, 1937 in Hoquiam, Washington. While his father served in World War II, they lived in Seattle near the base. After the war, they moved to Portland where he routinely visited grandparents and cousins who lived within a few blocks of one another. He attended elementary school at Cathedral School and was the last graduating high school class of Columbia Prep in 1955. He went on to the University of Oregon (1955 – 1958) in the Air Force ROTC program and studied Geography and Geology. He had many adventures with friends and classmates during this time.
In 1958 he moved to Joseph, Oregon and began ranching. He also ran a pack and guide service in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. During this time, many younger cousins would spend the summer working for him or jobs he would find for them, guiding them and building skills for them in adulthood. He would spend his summer patrolling Wallowa Lake for the Wallowa County Sheriff's Department where he grew to love Sea Ray boats. He had the fastest boat on the lake with a 100 hp Evinrude outboard. He married Esther Elaine "Lonnie" Akes October 14, 1961. They had four children; William Patrick III 1962, Philip Edward 1964, Kevin Charles 1965 and Frances Elaine 1968. They later divorced in the early 90's. He built a pond on their property so the kids could fish in the summer and ice skate in the winter. His love for boats and the water continued for his lifetime.
In 1973, the family moved to Boardman, Oregon to pursue trucking, farming and excavation work. He was an active member of the community serving on the Park Board (1975 - 1998) Cemetery Board (1978 – 1999), City Council (1977 – 1985), Port of Morrow (1985 – 1993) and the Alumni Board of University of Oregon (1988 – 1992). He donated his time to the volunteer fire department making sure their equipment was ready to go. He was a reserve deputy for Morrow County in the 1970's. He was a mentor to many kids in the community, providing jobs or guidance in life. During that time several cousins would spend their summers driving truck or taking care of the hay field. Sunday summers were spent boating to Crow Butte on the Columbia River with other local families, water skiing and enjoying the water and sun.
In 1998, he moved to Manson, Washington and started a jet ski and boat rental business and then a snowmobile guide service in the winter. He was a regular attendee of the Echo Ski Hill Board meetings and supporter for the addition of the tubing hill. Additionally, he helped the Manson Park Board in obtaining lifeguard chairs. He served on the Peterson Waterfront and Wapato Point Ellowee Boards. He taught a snowmobile skills class at Manson High School for several years. He nurtured and mentored many youths in the area; many whom he loved and thought of as family. He loved his weekly gatherings with locals at the Rio Vista Cabin and later at Navarre Coulee, of course sharing his pistachio nuts. He enjoyed and looked forward to his drives with his good friend Harry Taylor (and sometimes Chris Harrison), checking out the latest construction happening around the lake. He enjoyed this to the very end. Evening booze cruises on the lake with friends and watching the Storm, Seahawks, and Reign along with Notre Dame and U of O football were amongst his many interests. Don't forget you didn't dare call at 1 O' clock as that was Gun Smoke and he scheduled his day around watching Matt. He looked forward to visits from his grandchildren and great grandchildren; which he could count on for Winterfest, 4th of July, Labor Days and many long weekends.
He would spend much of March at Eagle Crest Resort snowmobiling Mt Bachelor and the surrounding areas for 25+ years. He made many friends wherever he would travel. He spent a life time of volunteering and donating to the communities in which he loved helping to solve problems. To the end he was planning, making sure the snowmobiles were ready for this coming winter season.
He is proceeded in death by his sons Kevin and Philip. He is survived by his children Patrick (Lisa) Sharkey and Fran (Ken) Horn, and his daughter in-law Lora Sharkey. Six grandchildren KT Sharkey, Patrick (Andrea) Sharkey, JohnPaul (Ellie) Sharkey, Kayla (Jake) Potter, Kimber Sharkey, Will (Jessica) Sharkey and 18 great grandchildren aged 12 to 9 months old. On a side note, his cat Charlie accompanied him on his last ride to the funeral home.
Funeral arrangements by Precht Rose Chapel, Chelan, WA.
Service at St Francis de Sales Parish, 215 W Allen Ave, Chelan WA 98816
October 17, 2025 viewing 1:00 PM, rosary 1:30 PM, service 2:00 PM
He will be laid to rest at Riverview Cemetery Boardman, Oregon October 31, 2025 at 1:00 PM
In lieu of flowers please make donates to:
The Lake Chelan Ski Club/Echo Valley 501(c)3 – Snow Making Machine
P O Box 1955 Chelan, WA 98816