William Palmer

Bill Palmer, one of the good guys, died too soon. He was born to Mary and Ted Palmer in Downey, CA, December 22, 1949. In 1954, the family moved to Bellingham, WA. Bill lived the idyllic life that we think about for a child growing up in the 50s. Plenty of lasting friendships, sports and annoying his older sisters and their dates. The 60s brought high school graduation, college at Western Washington University, war protests, more sports, and proud Rambler ownership. Student teaching followed in 1971 in Sequim. Not only did he find the profession that he would say was more than life itself--teaching, he would find his wife, Kaye, a Montana girl. The 70s brought the Palmers to Bellingham, Cusick and Tacoma where Bill continued to refine and grow his teaching skills. A daughter, Carrie, was added to the family. This daughter grew into a woman who made her dad proud. In the 80s, the Palmers returned to Bellingham where Bill completed his Masters of Education Degree at Western. During those two years, he continued to teach but this time it was college students going into education. With a Masters Degree in hand, Bill was back in the classroom at Columbia Elementary where he would remain until retirement. He taught kindergarten through grade 5. And it is here that the U.G.L.Y.s were born (Unusually Gifted Learned Youth). Class after class moved through Room 12 and left prepared for middle school. Bill retired in 2010 after 38 years in the classroom. Retirement gave Bill the time to spend with family in Montana and frequent fun-filled trips to Boise to be Jiji (Grandfather). He played, taught and learned from his two grand kids--Mia and Max. This was a magic time for Bill. In December 2016, Bill announced to Kaye and everyone else, that it was time to move to Montana to enjoy retirement at a slower pace. And, move they did, arriving in Red Lodge in June. Bill was suddenly taken ill and died 5 days later on September 12. He leaves behind family and friends that are stunned by the suddenness but strong with love. He leaves fun and loving memories for: wife, Kaye; daughter Carrie and son-in-law Justin Hall, granddaughter, Mia; grandson Maxwell; sisters Jane Palmer, Nancy McKinnon and Carol Kruckeberg and their husbands respectively, Warren, Doug and Walt. There are nieces and nephews who looked to Uncle Bill as a role model and friend. And many friends who are feeling the emptiness created by this sudden loss. A celebration of Bill's life will be held Friday, October 6, at 3:00 pm at Northwood Hall, 3240 Northwest Avenue, Bellingham. Montana family and friends will have a private gathering. Thoughts can be shared at billpalmerweb.wordpress.com. In his final hours, he delivered his last lecture....”I have one dream for you, very simply, to have you reach your fullest potential. You will fly and you will be successful and I will do everything to help you realize your dream.” Memorial tributes may be made to Bellingham Childcare and Learning Center or a children's charity of your choice. Bill, you earned an A+.