William D. Sherod, 83, of Whidbey Island, died Dec. 31, 2002, at Virginia Mason Hospital, Seattle.

He was born April 18, 1919, in Kirkland and was a 1938 graduate of Franklin High.

He worked in construction most of his life. He headed a barracks construction crew during World War II in Alaska. The highlights of his later construction career included the Hat and Boots landmark in South Seattle, the Yarrowood Condominiums (where he was commended for preserving the trees on site), Oak Harbor High School, and Camp Sealth, where he was a volunteer builder for the Campfire Girls. He was a site superintendent for SDL Construction for many years.

In the late 1950s, he built a swimming pool next to his home in Magnolia. When the green flag was out, the neighborhood kids were welcome.

In 1980, he bought forest on Whidbey Island and developed it into his dream, The Wood Farm, where he raised Scottish Highlander cattle, llamas and other farm animals. He lived life to the fullest and was a great teacher for all. He had a green thumb for his garden and loved his farm animals.

Mr. Sherod was a longtime supporter of South Whidbey Youth Center, Whidbey Waldorf School, Greenbank Farm, South Whidbey Parks and Recreation, and Island County Senior Services.

He is survived by two sons, William Neal and Charles Van; a daughter, Debbie Sherod-Clyburn; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Y. and Crete, and his spouses, Velma and Arbutus.

Funeral services were conducted Jan. 7.