William Webber Locke passed way during the night of April 11, 2009. He was in his own bed in his lovely view apartment in Langley. Daughter Victoria and sons Richard and Michael were near.

William was born in Peoria, Ill. on May 12, 1916. He joined his sister Virginia, and four years later, his sister Margurite was born. William’s father Walter was tragically killed in a mining accident just outside of Harrisburg, Ill. It was Walter’s task to examine the mine with four other inspectors. The collapse left William’s mother Lois a widow, leaving her to raise the three siblings alone.

Lois made a fine life for her family. She became an educator in the town of Harrisburg. William thrived as one of her students. All three siblings later graduated from the University of Illinois.

William took tremendous pride in his military service, which began in 1941. Initially, he served as a general’s aide at Camp Polk, La. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he was sent with a group of 100 men as an advance party to Northern Ireland, near Belfast. He was later sent to a military operation in South Wales. During this time, he met his future wife, Doreen Louise Falconer. Doreen was born in Swansea, and was active in the Women’s Volunteer Service at the time of their meeting. The picture shows William and Doreen as they pursued their courtship in Torquay, England.

William was instrumental in the D-Day invasion at Normandy. It was his assignment to aid in securing the area, and to establish a communication station during the first wave of the attacks. It is believed that he was the first soldier to land on three of the beaches. The Normandy invasion was the height of William’s military experiences and remained foremost in his memories.

After the war, William returned home to Harrisburg. He began his studies at the University of Virginia Law School.

Shortly thereafter, Doreen joined him with her young son Michael.

Marriage followed, as did his completion of law school.

William moved his young family, now including son Richard, to Portland, Ore. Upon passing the bar exam, he began a long and satisfying career with Crown Zellerbach Corporation as manager of the land and tax division in Portland. Daughter Victoria completed the family.

A move to Washougal followed, as William and Doreen fell in love with a turn-of-the-century farmhouse on seven acres.

William continued to live in Washougal after Doreen’s death in 1985.

He began to travel extensively, meeting countless people along the way. India and Australia were among his favorite destinations.

Later, William moved to Edmonds to be near his grown children and enjoyed that time of independence.

After five years, William moved to Langley to be near his daughter Victoria. Together, they spent a good deal of time enjoying the scenic beauty of the area. Here he remained until his death, 13 years later.

William had an extremely quick wit, and a warm and gracious smile which he shared with many people in his journey through life.

William is survived by daughter Victoria (Craig), son Richard (Tracey, sons Andrew and Bill), and son Michael (Annie, son Ian and daughter Elizabeth).

He is deeply missed by all, but the goodness he brought to the family will indeed carry on.

A special thank you to Home Health and Hospice, particularly to Pam Miller and P.C. Cable, to Dr. Tom Harris and to William’s main caregivers, Gayene Corbett and Jodi Parker.

Together you all helped him find his way home in peace.