Obituary: Mcgough, William B.
Born February 22, 1949 in Walla Walla, WA to Mary and Gordon McGough.
Bill is survived by his Sister Julie Drischel (McGough) and Brother Jim McGough, both living in Walla Walla; Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, Linda Bennett McGough, and many friends.
Bill grew up in Walla Walla, graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1967.
He attended Central Washington University.
He then moved to Liberty Lake Washington to help build a pottery business.
Wanting to study agriculture, Bill attended Oregon State University.
After leaving O.S.U.
he traveled to Alaska to become the ship’s cook on a fishing boat.
Finding the pay amazing but the risk high, he continued his travels to Hawaii from 1984 to 1989.
Bill returned to Walla Walla in 1989 to be near family.
Remaining in Walla Walla he worked as a farm hand and combine driver through harvest summer harvests.
A farmer at heart he continued working until the summer of 1991 when he sustained a permanent spinal injury.
Once released from the hospital he moved to Spokane to continue his rehabilitation.
It was here that he planted his roots, becoming an advocate for affordable, accessible housing for people with disabilities.
Bill played an instrumental role in the development of the first fully accessible, affordable apartment housing for people with disabilities in Spokane.
One of his proudest moments was having the honor of attending the ceremonial ground breaking.
One year later Eagle Crest Estates opened its doors in 1997 and it became his home for eighteen years.
Bill spent most of his spare time preparing special food dishes (with the help of his care-givers, Stacy and Sonya) sharing with tenants, neighbors and friends.
He was very protective of Eagle Crest and the neighborhood.
An avid sports enthusiast Bill followed closely Golf, Baseball, Football and College Basketball.
He never missed a Gonzaga basketball game, often watching with his friends Heather and Goran.
During the NFL season Bill was seen at “Dave’s Bar and Grill” going over fantasy picks and talking sports with his fantasy team mates Bob Kruzenga (Kruzer) and Bob Mesler (The Governor).
Bill kept in touch with all his family and friends by phone and email..
He always ended phone calls with any of the following “Go Cougs”, “Go Mariners”,” Go Hawks” and “Go Zags”, Love you… Good Bye!
No longer needing a wheel chair Bill is now walking with the Lord on a golf course shooting for par!
Peace be with you our dear Brother and friend, we will miss your generous nature and sense of humor.
Until we meet again rest peacefully and as “Skinny” would say “Good-bye”!
A small gathering of Eagle Crest residents and neighbors will be remembering Bill at Eagle Crest’s community room Saturday, October 3, 2015 from 1 PM to 3 PM.
Any donations may be made to the “Union Gospel Mission”