William Claude Tomlin

William (Bill) Claude Tomlin, 98, of Spokane, WA, passed away on November 13, 2025 at Rockwood South Hill, his home for the past 19 years. Born on January 5,1927, in Soperton, Wisconsin to Claude and Lillian Tomlin, Bill grew up with his older sisters Katherine "Katie" and Theora "Teddy" in a close knit and hard working family. The Tomlin family lived in both Canada and the United States, eventually calling Spokane home in 1940.

Bill was the quintessential lifetime learner. He graduated from Lewis and Clark High School, later studying engineering at Montana State University in Bozeman, then transferred to Stanford University to continue the ASTP, or Army Specialized Training Program where he trained to be a pilot. A proud American, Bill was eager to defend his country, although the war was coming to an end as he was stationed in Guam.

Bill's quest for knowledge had only just begun. After being discharged from the Army, Bill studied law at Gonzaga University. He was ever-curious, absorbing every little thing along his path. Even in his last days, Bill told stories of his long and fascinating life that were filled with detailed accuracy, wise insight and sharp wit. He always reminded his grandkids and great-grandkids that "Education is the most important part of life!". His personal interests were wide, varied and deep, to include world travel, astronomy, huckleberry picking at Priest Lake, coin collecting, whale watching, and, of course, dogs (he reminisced about his beloved border collie, Tristan until the end).

Bill was the comptroller and director of the physical plant at Fort Wright College. He then went on to Goodale and Barbieri Company as the Director of Property management and engineering services. Bill culminated his career as the Director of Property and Operations for Farm Credit Banks of Spokane, retiring in 1990. Throughout his career, Bill was generously involved with the United Way and Spokane Chamber of Commerce, among many other organizations.

Baptized at St. Aloysius in 1948, Bill was a deeply spiritual person, and remained very involved in the religious community. Bill's profound love for the Lord found its clearest expression in his dedicated service to the church. For many years he served on the chapter of St. John's Cathedral and, more recently, on the vestry of Christ the King Anglican Church, where he eventually spent 6 years as a Senior Warden. Whether stewarding finances with meticulous care, overseeing building maintenance and renovations, or offering godly counsel to his friend Fr. Jerry Cimijotti, a relationship that spanned two decades. Throughout his life, Bill poured countless hours into the church with quiet faithfulness and joy.

Bill leaves behind many loving friends and family. Niece Sandy Claytor and her sons Ryan, Michael & Donovan, nephews Mike, Mark and Pat, his "kids" Mark, Todd, Brian and April, their spouses Dee, Angie and Katie, grandkids Derek, Damon, Drew, Dalton, Jessie, Ava, Vivienne, Ana and Felipe, along with Evan, Dillon, and Corlyn, as well as his 7 great grandchildren. Close surviving friends include Jim & Ruth, Gene & Bonnie along with Father Jerry Cimijotti. The family also offers gratitude and thanks to everyone at Rockwood South Hill for being there for Bill, in particular Wilma, Natalie and Carl.

A memorial service honoring Bill will be on Friday, December 5th at the Rockwood South Hill Community Center at 1pm. Located within the Rockwood South Hill campus at 2105 S. Forest Estates Drive, Spokane WA 99223. Funeral services will be arranged by Cheney Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: ASPCA.org

Or

The Benedict House in Moscow, Idaho: thebenedicthouse.com