Bill began his Rotary experience with the
Lacey club in 1973. He gives credit for his initial inspiration and
enthusiasm for Rotary and its programs to his sponsor-mentor-"rotarizer",
Chan Sogge, a charter member of that club. Because of that inspiration he
has served in every club capacity except Secretary; something he plans to do
in the future when he "retires" and returns to his home club. He served as
President of the Tumwater club in 1985-86, District Governor Representative
for then Area 8 1996-1997, Assistant Governor for Area 9 1997 through 1999,
and District Conference Chair 2000. He has over 30 years perfect attendance,
is a Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary Benefactor, Foundation Sustaining Member,
and a member of the Bequest Society.
His spouse, Karen, is also a Rotarian with over 15 years of service. She has
served as club President, District Conference Secretary 2000 & 2001, is a
Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary Benefactor, Foundation Sustaining member, and a
member of the Bequest Society.
Bill is a graduate of the University of Santa Clara, in California, and
holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of
Southern Illinois, Edwardsville.
He has had multiple careers beginning with a tour of duty as a U.S. Army
Military Police Officer from 1969 to 1973, a custom home builder until 1979,
manager of a commercial construction firm until 1982, Records Administrator
for the City of Olympia Public Works Department until 2001, and currently as
a principal in Answers, Inc a computer consulting firm were he works with
two of his sons.
In 2001, Bill was featured in an article of the Olympian Newspaper as a
"Pacesetter" of Thurston County. He was quoted as saying "…volunteering is
who I have become." He has served as a Scoutmaster, Soccer coach, and School
Booster Club President. His extended service in the community includes
having been the President of the Olympia Area Master Builders; a member of
the board of the Puget Sound Records Managers Association, the Volunteer
Center of Thurston-Lewis-Mason Counties, the Family Support Center of
Olympia, Morningside (an organization providing employment opportunities for
persons with disabilities) , and the United Way of Thurston County.
In 2002 Bill was again featured as a "Pacesetter" following his return from
Ethiopia where he participated in National Immunization Days as part of
Rotary's Polio Plus Program
Though he dabbles in Golf and enjoys camping and hiking, serving the
community is his favorite endeavor.
Bill has been honored for his community service with the Norman A. Paulsen
Award from the Olympia Master Builders Association, the City of Olympia
Spirit Award, and the Tumwater Rotarian of the Year. His greatest rewards,
however, have been the caring, loving, & loyal support of his spouse of 33
years, their four children, and six grandchildren.
