William (Bill) Vernon Schwarzwalter

William (Bill) Schwarzwalter, beloved father and friend, passed away August 27^th. He was 84 years old. Bill was born in Almira WA, lived most of his early life in Cowiche, built a career in Yakima and California, later moving back to the Tri-Cities.

Bill spent 50+ years in the agricultural business at Treetop, Tastee Apple, Douglas Fruit, and Orchard Supply Hardware. Bill operated independently as grower, buyer, and agricultural advisor over large regions in Washington, and as a liaison between independent growers and warehouse executives. He advised ranch managers on crops and harvesting methods while overseeing company-owned ranches. He scheduled seasonal harvests, transportation, warehousing & storage, and worked as a quality control expert monitoring harvested crops and testing cold storage products.

Bill was an Army reservist who loved his country but had become quite concerned in recent years. He followed politics closely. He was outspoken and had few filters, but he was master at keeping possible offending banter just out of earshot. He was a friendly, energetic, fun-loving “people person” who made others feel comfortable and made friends easily, whether they be many years older or half his age. His friends always laughed at his quick wit and hilariously dry one-liners.

Bill is survived by his five kids who he’s been heard to say are his pride and joy: Cheryl, Dana, Gregg (wife, Christie), Diane and Mark (wife, Salisa). When recently together and recalling stories and anecdotes about their dad, the place was roaring with laughter and the party went well into the night.

Bill was an avid softball and poker player as well as a devoted bowler and golfer; always teaching the golf swing to anyone who would listen! He coached T-ball, baseball, softball, basketball, football, bowling, and tennis to his five kids. Gregg remembers reviewing the game with his dad on the field after every high school football game, making him the last one in the locker room and the last one out. Mark remembers while in a hitting slump, Bill reminded him to “stop trying to get a hit and just hit the damn ball.” He hit a home run next at bat. True story. Cheryl and Dana remember their dad consistently coaching them, “don’t swing like a girl!” He taught little Diane how to pitch even though she had no interest.

Bill was known to wear his hat high and enjoy a nightly glass of wine or two. “Wild Bill” was a good dancer who wasn’t afraid to be crazy and have a good time. He loved his supplements (magnesium and vitamin D were recent favorites) and would scour the internet for healthy tonics. He would often sneak out of the room for a power nap and never understood why he didn’t sleep well at night.

Bill enjoyed traveling by car, and his goal was always to make good time, stopping only when absolutely necessary, and stops were quick! On an early family trip, after their mom had fallen asleep in the front seat, the kids would quietly cheer him on, until the speedometer hit 100mph (but don’t tell anyone!).

Bill was a skilled handyman, mechanic and home improvement guru which would bring out his most colorful vocabulary. Bill always had the nicest lawn and garden on the block. He wasn’t afraid to “prune the shit out of anything” and would do whatever necessary to rid his lawn of crabgrass (think Bill Murray in Caddyshack!).  Bill had beautiful blue eyes, Popeye arms and calves, a sly smile, and when you made him laugh, you KNEW you’d just said something very funny.

The kids will continue to honor Bill’s legacy by living their lives to the fullest. They ask that you do the same, and those of you who knew Bill, that you raise your glass in a toast to your fondest memories of him. He’s not gone, he’s just gone on ahead.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Please click the Guestbook tab above and share your comments, stories, and memories of Bill.