William F. Kenwisher

WILLIAM F. KENWISHER 94 formally of Sutherlin, Oregon passed away Friday August 14, 2009 at Sheldon Park Memory Care where he had resided for the past month. Prior to that he lived at Sheldon Park Assisted Living for four years. Bill lived in Sutherlin for 60 years and was involved in the logging industry most of that time. He first owned a logging truck and in the early 50's bought logging equipment from the Leisinger Brothers. Bill was one of the last successful "Gyppo Loggers" in Douglas County sometimes working 16 hours a day. He was no stranger to hard work. Bill's early education was in Olney, Oregon where he was born to parents Christ and Bertha Kenwither, the 5th child of 8 in the family. His parents immigrated from Poland and Germany and homesteaded farm land in the Astoria area. He later joined the CCC's as a cook and then began operating heavy equipment in the logging industry. Bill married Doris Malone in Stevenson, Washington in February of 1938. They were married 53 years until Doris passed away in 1991. He later married Julia Neimi of Chinook, Washington and she also preceded him in 2000. Bill, in his younger years, enjoyed bowling, golf, hunting, and some fishing. In his later years he made many trips to the nearest casino continuing his life-long interest in gambling. He also enjoyed a good game of Cribbage beating most everyone with whom he played. His son, daughter, and son-in-law can attest to this. He and Doris made Yuma, Arizona their winter home for many years joining friends from the Astoria area. They both enjoyed the sun and fun in the area. Bill was even able to find a few casinos along the way. "Wild Bill", as he was sometimes called, (and we know why) is survived by daughter Janice and her husband Dave, son Ronald and his wife Carolyn, and daughter Eileen and her husband Rick; 7 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Bill was also preceded in death by all of his siblings. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 1:00 pm at the Sutherlin Chapel of the Roses 311 E Central. Interment will follow within the grounds of Valley View Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to either the American Cancer - Oregon Division, the Diabetes Association of Oregon or Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation, att: Hospice, P.O.Box 10905, Eugene, OR 97440. Please sign our online guest book and send condolences to the family at www.chapelofthefirsfh.com . Sutherlin Chapel of the Roses is in charge of arrangements.