William "Bill" Sidlow, BHS 1953

William "Bill" Sidlow, BHS 1953

William Sidlow, "Bill", a longtime resident of Glenrose peacefully passed away at home with his wife Alice and daughter Stacey by his side on June 1, 2011.

Bill was born in Chicago, IL to Edward and Ida Sidlow on November 1, 1934. They moved to Burbank, CA when he was 8 years old. He graduated from Burbank High School and entered in the Air Force, serving 4 1/2 years. He earned the National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Air Medal and Air Crew Members Badge.

He was stationed in Japan for 3 years, transporting wounded servicemen. When he came home, he was sent to Fairchild Air Force Base. It was at a USO dance that he met his future wife, Alice Farrell. They were married August 24, 1956 and had 55 years together. Their union produced 3 children: William K. (Linda) Atlanta, GA; Suzanne Larson (Damion) Tampa, FL; Stacey Unruh (Shawn) Bothell, WA. His pride and joy were his 3 grandchildren: Alexandrya Matthes, David Sidlow and Sara Harmon.

He is survived by his wife Alice, his 3 children and 3 grandchildren; a brother Sheldon Sidlow, and sister Carol, both of CA, and nieces and nephews.

Bill was a natural gas controller for Pacific Gas Transmission Co., for 26 years. He was the controller on duty when the gates were opened at Kings Gate, Canada and the natural gas started flowing to CA. Bill loved to camp and fish and he was always puttering around his 10 acre farm. When the kids were growing up, he raised cows, horses, sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks, rabbits, assorted dogs and cats. He even had a milk cow for awhile, until she got in the way of fishing and he sold her.

Bill was noted for his sense of humor and the jokes and stories he could tell. He always said, that if he had a head stone it would read: "HE MADE ME LAUGH."He was a member of the Glenrose Association and the Spokane Southeast Lions. He looked forward to working at the Spokane Interstate Fair each year in the Lost Children's Booth.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Moran Prairie Grange on July 16th at 11AM. Donations can be made in his name to the Boys & Girls Fund, care of Spokane Southeast Lions, 1327 E. 43rd, Spokane, WA 99203, or to a charity of one's choosing. If you knew Bill, please come and celebrate with us.

Published in Spokesman-Review from June 8 to June 9, 2011