William "Bill" Lewis Love

William Lewis Love

April 22, 1939, ~ January 21, 2025

William (Bill) Lewis Love, beloved husband, dad, papa, brother, uncle, friend, teacher, and coach passed away on January 21st at the age of 85. 

Bill was born on April 22, 1939, to Lillian and Roy Love in Portland, Oregon and shared his birthday with his older brother, Roy Love Jr. He attended a one-room schoolhouse in Woods, Oregon, just outside of Pacific City where he had fond memories of fishing, clamming, and crabbing with his brother and father. His family later moved to Portland, Oregon to live with his grandmother, Maime, a special person in his life. He attended Sellwood Elementary School. Bill enjoyed Sellwood Park throughout his life, whether it be the countless hours he would play ball, swim, and explore when he was young or the many walks, he took there after retirement. 

Bill attended Cleveland High School and was a left-handed pitcher on the baseball team. He received a 4-year baseball scholarship from the University of Portland and graduated in 1961 earning a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education. Upon graduation, Bill joined the US Army National Guard, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class and was later honorably discharged from his duties in 1967. 

He met the love of his life, Fran, in 1962 and they were married in August of 1964. Bill started his lengthy teaching career substitute teaching in Portland Public Schools and then taught at Duniway Elementary School for 4 years. In the fall of 1967, he began teaching and coaching in the Beaverton School District at Highland Park Junior High where he taught Physical Education and Health while also coaching both baseball and football.  Bill went to school evenings and summers to earn his Master of Science degree from Portland State University in 1969.

Bill and Fran welcomed their first daughter Michelle in 1970 and then Marcy in 1974.  Bill took a teaching position at Aloha High School in the Fall of 1974, where he eventually became the head of the department. Bill was the head junior varsity football coach and later a varsity assistant football coach. He coached junior varsity baseball for 2 years and eventually took over the Warrior’s head varsity baseball coaching position where he enjoyed 22 years. He retired from Aloha High School in 1996 after 33 years in Oregon Public Education, continuing to give his time as an assistant coach at Wilson, Beaverton, and Aloha High Schools. 

Bill was a natural coach and leader who loved reconnecting with former players and colleagues. He helped establish the Aloha High School Baseball Alumni Association. The AHSBAA raised money for the school’s baseball program and served as a way for former students and players to remain connected.

Bill was inducted into the Oregon High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame (1999), the Aloha High School Hall of Fame (2001) and the Cleveland High School Hall of Fame (2004). In 2022, the Aloha High School baseball field was renamed “Bill Love Field,” as a dedication of all the time, effort, and contributions he made to the school, players, and facility.

Although Bill had many life accomplishments, he would be the first to tell you that his biggest one was the family that he and Fran created. He had an undeniable soft side that was such a gift to us all. Bill loved his family and was always there to support his girls whether it was a soccer game, cheerleading competition, or encouraging life talks. He was one proud papa to his grandsons, never missing their games or anything that was important to them. They thought their papa hung the moon. 

Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Roy. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Fran, his daughter Michelle and son-in-law, Rob, his daughter Marcy and son-in-law, Tim and his grandsons, Ty and Cal. 

Bill will be deeply missed. His love for his family, baseball family, students and friends was unmatched. He was a competitor until the very end and now is cheering us on from above. A celebration of Bill’s life will be scheduled and shared at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Aloha High School Baseball Club. 

https://www.alohabaseballclub.com/fundraising.html