VIA, William G. September 16, 1933 - December 31, 2013 Our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather passed away surrounded by his family on December 31.

Bill was born September 16th, 1933 to Joseph and Emilia Via in Spokane, Washington.

He attended St. Patrick’s School, Gonzaga High School and was a graduate of Gonzaga University.

Bill married Marilyn (Valley) on November 29, 1952 in Spokane, WA .

They raised their family in Hillyard where he was the self-proclaimed “Mayor of Hillyard”.

Bill started his teaching career in 1955 in Tekoa, Washington and then he was one of the first groups of teachers to open Shadle Park High School in 1957, where he remained until his retirement in 1995.

Bill was remembered by many on the wrestling mat as a Referee as well as on the baseball field as a high school and college Umpire for numerous years.

He enjoyed spending time at “Their Place at Priest Lake” entertaining family and friends.

Bill is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marilyn and his 5 children; Cindy (Gene) Sackman, Tim (Shiela), Tony (Jeanne), Gina Via and Joe (Kim).

He has 13 grandchildren; Craig, Kyle, Danika, Nick, Timmy, Toby, Anthony, Gabe, Sophie, Joey, Jake, Jonny and Josh.

He also has 6 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Saturday, January 4th from 12:00 to 4:00pm at Hennessey Funeral Home on North Division.

Rosary Services will be held Sunday, January 5th at 4pm also at the Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 6th at 1:00pm at St. Patrick’s Catholic Parish, 5021 N. Nelson with burial following at Holy Cross Cemetery.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hospice House of Spokane, 367 E. 7th Avenue, Spokane, WA 99210 or Rogers High School Wrestling program c/o Rod Tamura at 1622 E. Wellesley Spokane, WA 99207.

The family would like to give special thanks to the 3rd floor and ICU nursing staff at Holy Family Hospital as well as the Staff at the Hospice House of Spokane.

To view Bill’s online memorial, please visit www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements entrusted to: