Bill Van Pelt

VAN PELT, Bill Age 72, of Clearlake Oaks died at his home Sunday, March 14, 2004 of natural causes. Bill was born in Thief River Falls, Minn. on January 22, 1932. Growing up he spent most of his youth in Washington and Alaska. He graduated from Ft. Bragg High School in 1950. Bill married Beverly Ward on March 31, 1953 in Reno, Nevada. He served his country in the Army during the Korean War and he retired from military service as a staff sergeant in 1954. He was an entrepreneur who started his own logging business in 1955 at age 23. He also had his own commercial fishing boat, the "Yankee Girl". He later owned and operated his own rock quarries in Kelseyville, Clearlake Oaks and Lower Lake. His final years he developed a beautiful vineyard along Cache Creek. He could often be seen watching the wild elk, with his trusted dog Duncan. Bill was committed to restoring the natural beauty of his properties. Bill is survived by his wife Beverly Van Pelt, his sister Pam Engel of Ukiah, three sons: Garth Van Pelt and his wife Dinnah, Dana Van Pelt, Don Van Pelt and his wife Margie and one daughter, Alison Murray and her husband Doug. Bill also had nine grandchildren: Bradley and Ashley Van Pelt of King City, CA; Kyle and Katelyn Van Pelt of Clearlake Oaks; Katie, Jack and Billy Murray of Millington, NJ; Michael and Beverly Anne Van Pelt also of Clearlake Oaks. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 20, at 11:00 a.m., at the Camp Van Pelt campgrounds at his Cache Creek property on Highway 20 in Clearlake Oaks. During his life Bill supported several youth organizations; in keeping with that spirit; in lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to Clearlake Oaks Community Support Network. P.O. Box 818, Clearlake Oaks. (Please specify Youth Committee) or a youth organization of your choice.