William Owen Gillespie

Bill was born in Bremerton, Washington, on November 29, 1949, to Thorvill and Joan Gillespie. He died on March 23, 2024.   Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Larry; and niece, Stacy.  He is survived by his wife, Pam (Maguire) Gillespie; daughters, Amy and Katie Gillespie, Kristy Gillespie Brodersen and her husband Bret and two grandchildren, and Alyssa and Grant Brodersen.  He is also survived by his brothers, Merle Gillespie and wife Jan of Clatskanie, Oregon, Mark Gillespie and wife Karen of Port Orchard, Washington; as well as his brother-in-law, Bill Maguire and wife Colleen of Olympia.  He is also survived by 14 nieces and nephews and 17 great-nieces and -nephews. 

Bill graduated from West Bremerton High School in 1968 and Central Washington State College in 1975.  He then went to work for the Bell System in 1977 and retired from AT&T after the breakup of the Bell System in the early ‘80s. From there, he went to work for the State of Washington and retired in 2017. 

He married his wife Pam on August 24, 1974, and was just short of 50 years together. Bill was a great “Girl Dad,” raising three wonderful, accomplished, strong, loving daughters that he believed in completely.  A great accomplishment.  Bill loved being a Grandpa and spending time with his grandchildren and supporting all their activities. 

Bill was a longtime volunteer for Thurston County Search and Rescue and Washington State Search and Rescue Volunteer Association Council, where he served as president for many years.  He was appointed to the Washington State Emergency Council to represent Search and Rescue.  He also volunteered or served on committees for the Red Cross, the Washington Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters, and Pierce College Center for Excellence. 

His passion was being a husband, father and grandfather.  He loved camping, the ocean, country music (especially Willie Nelson), and road trips.  His favorite holiday was Christmas, especially his lights.  Bill would want his legacy to live on by seeing people volunteer in search and rescue.  He truly believed in the motto of serving so others may live. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to donate to your county search and rescue in Bill’s name.

Please join the family in a Celebration of Life on Sunday, July 28, 2024, 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Lacey Community Center, 6729 Pacific Avenue SE, Olympia, WA 98503.

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