William Birdsall
Nov. 12, 1927 – Aug. 4, 2017.
William (Bill) George Birdsall, 89, of Sweet Home, died Aug. 4, 2017.
He was born Nov. 12, 1927 in Veblen, S.D. to Leslie and Ella (Beling) Birdsall, the fifth of six children.
He lived in North Dakota until his family moved to Sweet Home, Oregon in 1937. Those early years in North Dakota, helping with the farm made a big impact, instilling a strong work ethic that continued throughout his life.
He often spoke of these vivid memories; being barely big enough to ride a horse. As a young boy Mr. Birdsall accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior; he remained a strong Christian throughout his life.
From 1943-46, he was active in Sweet Home Union High School leadership, serving as class president his sophomore, junior and senior years. These activities and the participation in theater and various service clubs occurred in addition to his job at the local mill. At Sweet Home he excelled in athletics, lettering in baseball, basketball and football.
Mr. Birdsall married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Andrews. They were married 60 years prior to her passing in 2007. They raised four daughters together.
Throughout their marriage, the Birdsalls were very active, participating in family activities centered on travel, music, gardening, camping, fishing, and snowmobiling. He was a softball coach, taught Sunday school, and served as an elder in the church. Travel highlights included a missionary trip to Asia and a 50th wedding anniversary Mexican Riviera cruise with Mrs. Birdsall and their four daughters.
After fifteen years of apprenticeship at Willamette Industries & Larson’s Lumber Company, Mr. Birdsall embarked on his own, creating Northwest Moulding in Lebanon, a producer of a full line of high quality pattern moulding wood products. In 1976 he sold his business, which gave him new opportunities for growth and adventure.
His work took him to Ivory Coast in West Africa and California.
The Birdsalls retired to Sun City Arizona, where he enjoyed year around sunny days and entertaining family and friends who came to visit.
Mr. Birdsall was a kind and easy-going person throughout his life; a true gentleman and an inspiration to his family and his many friends.
He is survived by his brother, Leslie Birdsall; daughters and their husbands: Connie and Ron Womack, Marilyn Nist, and Janet and Jack Godard; five grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Birdsall was preceded in death by his wife Joyce; brother Wilbur Birdsall; sisters Vera Palmer, Pearl Kimball and Florence Robeson; daughter Kathy Birdsall, and grandson Steven Womack.
A celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at Cornerstone Fellowship, 1234 Long St.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.