William (Bill) George Birdsall, 89, of Sweet Home, Oregon passed away Friday, August 4, 2017. He was born in Veblen, South Dakota to Leslie and Ella (Beling) Birdsall, the fifth of six children.

He lived in North Dakota until his family moved to Sweet Home, Oregon in 1937. Those early years in North Dakota helping with the farm made a big impact, instilling a strong work ethic that continued throughout his life. He often spoke of these vivid memories; being barely big enough to ride a horse.

As a young boy Bill accepted Jesus Christ as his savior and remained a strong Christian.

From 1943-46, Bill was active in Sweet Home High School leadership, serving as class president his sophomore, junior and senior years. These activities and the participation in theater and various service clubs occurred in addition to his job at the local mill. In Sweet Home High School, Bill excelled in athletics; “lettering” in baseball, basketball and football.

Bill married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Andrews. They were married 60 years prior to Joyce’s passing in 2007. They raised four daughters together. Throughout their marriage, Bill and Joyce were very active, participating in family activities centered on travel, music, gardening, camping, fishing, and snowmobiling. He was a softball coach, taught Sunday school, and served as an Elder in the church. Travel highlights were a missionary trip to Asia and a 50th wedding anniversary Mexican Rivera cruise with Joyce and their four daughters.

After fifteen years of apprenticeship at Willamette Industries & Larson’s Lumber Company, Bill embarked on his own, creating Northwest Moulding in Lebanon, Oregon, a producer of a full line of high quality pattern moulding wood products. In 1976, he sold his business, which gave him new opportunities for growth and adventure. His work took him to Ivory Coast in West Africa and California. Bill and Joyce retired to Sun City, Arizona, where he enjoyed year-round sunny days and entertaining family and friends who came to visit.

Bill was such a kind and easy going person throughout his life; a true gentleman and an inspiration to his family and his many friends.

Bill is survived by his brother, Leslie Birdsall; daughters and their husbands: Connie and Ron Womack, Marilyn Nist, Janet and Jack Godard; five grandchildren Jason (Charlette), Shane, Kelley (Jason), Bryson (Paris), Brina (Christian); sixteen great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; brother Wilbur Birdsall; sisters Vera Palmer, Pearl Kimball, and Florence Robeson; daughter Kathy Birdsall, and grandson Steven Womack.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 12, at Cornerstone Fellowship; 1234 Long Street, Sweet Home, Oregon.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements.