I first met Bill "Willy" in 1975.  He was a referee and friends with  my elk camp partners and he joined our camp that year.  Over the years he became one of the pillars of our camp.   We shared a common interest in that he was a renowned grower of crops in the Columbia Basin and I was a fertilzer peddler for Cominco American.  Over the years we shared a lot of interesting conversations about the business in general.   Willy not only had a positive influence on my life but was a true mentor for my two sons, Brian and Brandon who both joined our camp as they grew older.  In camp he had a lot of nick names,  such as, Bill, Willy, Onion King, Watson,  Joe National Geographic ( a nickname you will have to ask me about for a full explination) and Magic Man.  I will never forget the time he brought his two grandsons, Steven and Robert up to Brians to hunt Wild Turkeys.  You will have to ask them about the hillarious outcome of that hunt.  He was also a model of inspiration for my grand kids as they learned the importance of farming because of him and they always knew that come harvest time Mr. Watson would make sure that had some freshly harvested apples, pears, potatoes and onions to share, as well as a story about the harvest to share with them.  

Willy, you will be missed by all and I offer my heartfelt condolences to your entire family.

To All: Please remember the Old Dakota Saying  "We Will Forever Be Known By The Tracks We Leave".

Willy left some pretty big track behind to be followed, but if we follow them our lives will be for the better.

God Bless you Willy

Steve Tregellas  (aka Malone)

Spokane, WA