Charles "Bill" Dunbar

1938 - 2022

Charles "Bill" Dunbar
June 2, 1938 - May 23, 2022
Richland, Washington - Charles "Bill" William Dunbar passed away in the early morning of Monday, May 23rd, 2022 after a battle with cancer.
Bill was born on June 2, 1938 in Bremerton, Washington. He was the eldest son of Charles and Minnie Dunbar. His parents moved him to Long Beach, CA where his younger sister, Carol (McGarvey) was born in 1941. Finally, in 1946 the family settled in Garden Grove, CA where Bill graduated from Garden Grove High School in 1956.
Bill graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering in December 1960 from California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo in December 1960. After graduation, Bill joined then joined the Army where he was a Lieutenant from February 1961 through February 1963.
After the military, Bill spent his entire career at Westinghouse Electric Company beginning March 1963. There he worked as an Engineering Manager in several nuclear facilities. Between 1963 and 1977 Bill worked in Idaho Falls, ID., W. Mifflin, PA and finally landing in Richland, WA at the Hanford Nuclear Site. Bill retired from Westinghouse Hanford Company in August 1996. During his career Bill designed complex nuclear high pressure vessels and pressurized water test facilities, supervised scientists and engineers who provide field support for testing nuclear fuels and materials in the test reactors.
Bill married Kathleen Schnell in 1961 and had three children; Charles (Chuck), Caroline and Laura. After divorcing in 1979, Bill met the love of his life, Collene Showalter in 1980. They married in 1984 and have been by each other's side for 39 years.
In his free time Bill enjoyed bicycling and golfing with friends. Bill also volunteered at the Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice House since 1999. He would make fresh baked cookies every Sunday for the residents and staff. He found real purpose in volunteering with the residents, family and staff. The Hospice House and especially Jana, took wonderful care of Bill during his last days.
Bill was proceeded in death by his father; mother; and sister.
Bill is survived by his wife, Collene; son, Chuck and wife, Debbie; daughter, Carolyn; daughter, Laura and husband, Ed Zimmerman; step-children; David Showalter and Diana Ortiz; grandchildren; Madison, Zoey, Carson, Otto, Gretchen, Trevor and Tyler.
Services will be held on Sunday, June 5th, 2022 at 3PM at the St. Paul's Episcopal Church located at 1609 W. 10th Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99336