William Henry Bernfield

William Henry Bernfield

William (Bill) Bernfield passed away Monday, January 21, 2013. He was born July 7, 1925 in Seattle, WA to Henry and Lillian Bernfield.

Bill served in the Navy in WWII on the South Pacific island of Peleliu. After the war Bill married Margaret Weeks to whom he was married for 20 years. They had two children, Carol and David.

In 1968 Bill married Wanda (Chase) whom he met at Boeing. They enjoyed many adventures enjoying the outdoors hunting, hiking, jeeping, and snowmobiling. After retirement Bill and Wanda traveled around the U.S. for several months. An old small home in Roslyn, WA became their home base.

In 2008 Bill and Wanda bought a new home in Ellensburg in the Rosewood Community. In 2011 they moved to the Evergreen Retirement Center in Renton to be nearer family and health specialists. Bill had several health issues but rarely complained. He loved to talk and joke with everyone.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, children Carol and David, and two younger brothers, Terry and Mike Riley.

Bill is survived by his wife of 44 years, Wanda; his sisters Kathleen (Eldon) Green and Margaret (Sam) Windle, his brother Tim (Susan) Riley, step-daughters Donna (Ted) Moore, Coral (Dave) Fife, and Laura (Bill) Hansen. Grandchildren, Brett and Christopher Hanson, Raina (Carl) Pierce, Jessica (Ben) Southwell, William Henry Bernfield III, Kari (Bruce) Bjorklund, Tracy (Teesha) Moore, Nathan (Katie) Hansen, Shane (Ali) Hansen and numerous great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Memorial Donations can be made to Smile Train, Bill's favorite charity which provides surgery for children born with cleft palates.

A memorial service is planned for Tuesday, February 5, 1:00 p.m. at Tahoma National Cemetery. Reception following at the Valley Church, 16431 S.E. Renton-Issaquah Road, Renton, 98059.