WILLIAM RUSHFORTH

William (Bill) Rushforth Bill passed away peacefully in his sleep from natural causes on October 14, 2009 just short of his 92nd birthday. He was born in Nanaimo, British Columbia November 1, 1917 of parents Rex and Rhoda (Harper) Rushforth. The family shortly afterward moved to Washington and settled in Kapowsin. They moved to Tacoma when he was 16. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1936. After high school he spent time in Nome, Alaska working in construction and also working for St Paul & Tacoma Lumber Company logging and living in Camp 5. In 1942 he enlisted in the US Navy. He spent some of his time in the Navy rebuilding and test flying Stearman bi-planes, but when he decided the overseas war effort needed him he asked to be transferred to the US Marines where he participated in battle in the Pacific theater. He was very proud of the fact that that he was in the third wave of soldiers landing on Iwo Jima and that somehow he was one of two Marines that survived in his platoon. He was always very proud of his service to his country and remained a patriot to the end. In 1944 while stationed in Memphis, Tennessee when attending a USO dance, he met the woman he would court and marry in the next six weeks, Nita Jeffords. She was the love of his life and remained so until her death after 56 years of marriage in 2000. He never got over losing her. They traveled all over the world, seeing 34 countries over 20 years, golfing (his second love) in most of them after his retirement. He tried several attempts at partnerships in business but found he was much better not answering to a partner. In 1951 he struck out on his own and started Rushforth Construction Co. Together he and Nita built the company from a two person company with a pick up truck building custom homes to a well respected commercial contracting company that operated throughout the northwest. His nickname was "Wild Bill". The company continued its growth after his retirement and fortunately he was able to watch the company grow more successful and work throughout the western US. He had a reputation for being an honest and ethical, no nonsense businessman who did what he said he would do and gave his clients a quality product. He was also very proud of his family. He and Nita had two sons, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Some of his favorite times were camping and fishing with the kids growing up and later, family get togethers and keeping up with the accomplishments and activities of everyone. He is survived by his sons Randy (Karen) and Dennis (Barbara), his grandchildren, Bryan, Troy (Cortney), Jason (Melanie), Amanda, Scott (Heidi), Kristin Ritzau (Nate) and five great grandchildren. He was predeceased by brothers Roy and Jim and his wife Nita. His family and many friends will miss him greatly, but he is now reunited with his loving wife and we know he is in a better place. He had a deep faith in God and was a member of the Church of Christ for over 50 years. He was always positive that he had a guardian angel that watched over him and kept him from harm. We think he probably did. Services will be held on Friday, October 23, 2009 at 11:00 AM at New Tacoma Cemetery, Chambers Creek Chapel. Please sign our online guestbook at www.newtacoma.com