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William Martin Nielsen, lovingly known as “Billy,” “Bill,” or “Papa Bill,” a resident of Mill A, Washington, passed away on the evening of Sept. 6, 2024, at Providence Portland Memorial Hospital after a brief battle with kidney cancer. He was 68.
Born on Jan. 10, 1956, in White Salmon, Washington, to Fred and Marie Nielsen, Bill grew up in a large, close-knit family. After graduating from Columbia High School in 1975, he began working at SDS Lumber Co. at the age of 20, eventually becoming the lathe supervisor.
In 1977, Bill married his first wife, Veronica Smith of White Salmon, with whom he had three sons. In 1985, he married Lori (Gilderhus) Nielsen, and together they built a life filled with shared adventures and cherished memories, raising their blended family of six children.
Bill retired from SDS in 2019 after 43 years of dedicated service, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, craftsmanship, and integrity.
A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Bill took a special interest in his family and friends’ lives. Whether attending ballet recitals, gymnastics meets, taekwondo tournaments, or archery shoots, he was always there, deeply involved in supporting his children and grandchildren. Known for his quick wit, Bill had a knack for making people laugh with his quirky facts and dad jokes. He loved family gatherings and was famous for making smiley face pancakes for his grandchildren. His ability to nap through even the noisiest gatherings became a constant source of amusement. Bill was also known for his great hugs — anyone who walked in the door was greeted with a big “Bill hug,” making everyone feel welcome and part of the family.
Bill had a passion for fixing up old cars and attending car shows with his sons, brother-in-law, and friends. A talented trombone player, he was a member of the White Salmon Jazz Band for 41 years. He also enjoyed archery, wood working, and was always finding new house projects to tackle. Camping trips were a favorite for Bill and Lori, who were always planning their next adventure together.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Lori Nielsen, and his six children, Steve Nielsen and wife Julie of Clarkston, Washington, Brandon Nielsen and wife Jenni of White Salmon, Mark Hanna and wife Colleen of Battle Ground, Washington, Ron Hanna and partner Chantelle of Vancouver, Washington, BJ Nielsen and wife Laurel of Eugene, Oregon, and Brie Goodman and husband Jacob of Boulder, Colorado. He is also survived by his 17 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and his siblings Penny Murphy and Pat Schuetz of Reno, Nevada, Beth Hogan and husband Tom Judd of Mill A, and Sandi Russell and husband Bill of Scappoose, Oregon. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Freddy and Rich, and his sister, Sue.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at the Underwood Community Center on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friends, family, and all who knew Bill are invited to attend. Arrangements are under the direction of Gardner Funeral Home, White Salmon. Visit www.GardnerFH.com to leave a note of condolence.
To plant a tree in memory of William Nielson as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
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