William Goodrich Bellman, 90, a former longtime South Whidbey resident, died April 14, 2003, in Poulsbo.

He was born July 31, 1912, the third child of George H. Bellman and Grace Wolf Bellman. He grew up in the Montlake neighborhood of Seattle. According to family, he loved his childhood in Montlake, where he attended Montlake Elementary and Garfield High School. Late in life he wrote a book about his boyhood, which can be read online at www.montlake.net.

As a young man, he sailed to Japan, China and the Philippines. In the summer of 1937, he fell in love with Charlotte Elizabeth Peabody and they eloped that Christmas Eve. They had a beautiful marriage and raised five children while following work around the state. He loved his work in the grocery business and managed supermarkets for years, mainly in the Tri-Cities. The couple retired early, moved to South Whidbey in 1963, and lived here for 25 years. He worked in real estate and she had a small antique shop. Their home was noted for its charm and hospitality, and the raspberry cordial. They moved to the Poulsbo area in 1990. Mrs. Bellman developed Alzheimer’s Disease. They had been married 58 years when she died in 1995.

Mr. Bellman loved to travel and he enjoyed oil painting, something he continued until recently. He loved to laugh, to cook, to eat, to celebrate with friends, and to entertain with stories about his life. He lived on his own until moving into the Martha and Mary Care Center in Poulsbo in late 2002.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte; a daughter, Diane; a brother, George Bellman Jr.; and a sister, Barbara Klinefelter.

He is survived by his children, Geoffrey Bellman of Seattle, Penelope McKean of Hillsboro, Ore., Stephen Bellman of Scottsdale, Ariz., Randlynn Youngblood of Silverdale and Claudia White of Fruitvale, Idaho; 14 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

He will be buried in the Langley Cemetery in a private family ceremony. His life will be celebrated in a gathering of his family and friends on May 18. Call 503-628-2376 for information.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be sent to the Montlake Elementary School PTA, 2409 22nd Ave. E., Seattle, WA 98112.