William John Vermeer

William John Vermeer March 6, 1951 – May 17, 2013 William was born in Centralia, Washington, to parents Herman J. Vermeer, Jr. and Alma Grace Hardcastle. He is survived by his wife, Cristina; four children; ten grandchildren; one great grandson; one brother; seven sisters; and his beloved dog, Jollie Bee. His greatest passion in life was spending time outdoors fishing and hunting with his family and friends. He loved music and enjoyed dancing and singing, as well as playing piano, guitar, and harmonica. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged August 6, 1971. Most of his life, he worked as a woodsman, Oglhock Engineering Technician. Following is a poem he wrote: Woodcutter’s Prayer To wake up the next morn healthy and swell, Thank God for a new day, and pray all goes well, For the truck to start up, and run like a clock, No hammering or banging, not even a knock, For a heater that works good to put him at ease, To take the chill from an early morn breeze, Eager and anxious to get out there to work, Again pray to God that he doesn’t get hurt. To be on the clear cut just after dawn, And possibly see a deer—buck, doe or fawn, Just one of nature’s beauties he might possibly see! Of all that exist there pretty and free, Hoping his saw will start up, that the pull rope won’t break, So his day can be healthy, wealthy, and great! To come in after working so hard that day, To find his customer smiling happily, then accept his pay, Go home to his family, house, dog, or affair, Find everyone happy, his spot empty, his chair, Enjoy a dinner set before him with love, Say a blessing, and thank God the Good Lord above, For a beautiful day that has just been a success, Sun, snow, rain, and mother nature’s sweet caress. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Providence Hospice. Please leave memories of William or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.