Obituary: Kelley, William Douglas “Bill”
Age 67
Raised in Polson, Montana, Bill was active member of his community, a trait that he would retain for the rest of his life.
Through organizations such as scouting, masonry, church, and other service organizations, Bill always strove to give back to those around him.
While attending the University of Montana, Bill left to enlist in the Navy.
He completed three tours in Vietnam and garnered a number of commendations.
Afterwards, he returned to Montana to finish his degree, he then returned to the Navy with his officer’s commission.
Bill would spend a 28-year career in the Navy that took him all across the globe.
Highly-decorated across a number of assignments, perhaps his proudest achievement was writing the Amphibious Warfare and Special Operations Planning Guide, a text that even today is still used to train military officers.
Bill retired from the Navy at the rank of Commander.
After his Naval service, Bill moved to Spokane with his family and began a second career as a professional project manager.
He headed a great number of projects at organizations such as Gonzaga University, Eastern Washington University, Datatel, the General Services Administration, the Washington State Fire Training Academy, and Avista.
In his off hours, Bill continued to dedicate himself to community service, and he also enjoyed the beautiful outdoors of the Pacific and Inland Northwest.
He finally retired in the spring of 2013.
Bill passed away from lung cancer on December 26th, 2014.
He is survived by his wife, Cindy, and his sons Doug and Ryan.
Bill will be remembered as a caring husband and father, a giving neighbor, and an accomplished patriot.
Funeral Services will be held for Bill at the Country Homes Christian Church, 8415 North Wall St. on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at 11 am.
Military Honors to follow at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery, 21702 West Espanola Rd., Medical Lake, Washington.
Please visit Bill’s Memorial page at www.Hennesseyfuneralhomes.com to leave Bill’s family messages of condolences.