Thorvald “Bill” William Cowley, 83, of Sweet Home passed away Saturday. He was born in Durban, South Africa to William Robert and Thelma (Thorvaldsen) Cowley.

Bill grew up in Durban, South Africa. He immigrated to the United States in 1983 and lived in Blackfoot, Idaho until retiring to Sweet Home in 2004.

He was a member of the Christadelphian Church and had a very strong faith in God his whole life. He was always eager to discuss the bible and encourage others to study Gods word, praying always.

Bill enjoyed tinkering with electronics since he was a kid. He graduated with an electronics degree and worked as an electronics design engineer and project leader at Racal Electronics from 1961 – 1983. After moving to the United States he worked as a Biomedical Equipment Technician for GE as well as owning his own electronics repair company.

Square dancing was a favorite activity of Bill’s. He served as the president of the Squarenders Square Dance Club in Sweet Home. Bill enjoyed puzzles and games. He was always up for a card game or a puzzle. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren who he adored. Advice that Bill always gave “Read your bible every day.”

In his younger years Bill enjoyed camping, exploring Idaho and fly fishing. He loved woodworking his whole life, and built his family home in Idaho himself.

Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sylvia Cowley of Sweet Home; daughter Mary Cowley Hendrix of Alsea; and three grandchildren, Luke, Bethany, and Ryan, that are the light of his life.

Bill donated monthly to Agape in Action – a charity focused on supporting the physical and spiritual needs of families living in extreme poverty. He would be honored by any donations made.

A Burial took place at Lewis Cemetery.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. www.sweethomefuneral.com