William Joseph Charles Monforte

William Joseph Charles Monforte was born on July 4, 1939, in Cleveland, Okla., to parents William G. and Fern C. (Tomkins) Monforte, and joined his beloved Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on March 8, 2007.

William attended Wayland Baptist College and Oklahoma State to study music. He then served in the Army during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

William came to the Northwest to direct a choir, and vowed to return when he had the chance.

In 1964, he moved to Issaquah where he met Linda K. Brown, whom he married Jan. 22, 1966. William worked as quality control manager for Nye Systems in Seattle, and owned a Phillips 66 service station in Portland, Ore. He worked for Boeing of Portland and Everett and moved to Whidbey Island in 1989. In 1990 he was Boeing’s Quality Assurance Employee of the year. He retired in 1995.

William loved the Lord and served Him faithfully as choir director, worship leader, Sunday school teacher and in a country gospel band. William loved the ocean beaches and most family vacations were spent exploring the Oregon Coast.

William is survived by his wife of 41 years, Linda; sons Matthew (D’arcy Grenz), Todd (Heather); daughter Carrie; and grandson, Kyle Monforte, the light of his life. He is also survived by his sister Carol Carmichael; his brothers Terry, David, and Mike Monforte and their families, and preceded in death by his sister Neoma Hickson. He will be dearly missed.

There will be a memorial service for William at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, at the Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Langley. Remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society.