William “Bill” Edward Maesner, Jr., was born in Tacoma, Washington on Feb. 22, 1937 to William and Winifred Maesner and passed away on March 26, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. He was raised in Satsop where he attended a one room school and in Shelton on a dairy farm where he learned the work ethic that would be a guiding characteristic throughout his life.

After graduating from Irene S. Reed High School in 1955, he proudly served in the United States Navy and then began his career in the aerospace industry, working first at Boeing, then Pacific Electro Dynamics and finally Eldec. He began his career as an electronics technician before discovering his special talent as a salesman. While he enjoyed sales, his real gratification came from building and remodeling, which he pursued whole heartedly in retirement. He also built or remodeled every house his family ever lived in. His love of the outdoors guided how he enjoyed his leisure time, boating in the San Juans and Desolation Sound, fishing in Yakutat and hunting, fishing and snowmobiling in Winthrop. 

The family who he loved and who loved him so dearly would like to thank everyone connected with the University of Washington Lung Transplant program for giving Bill the gift of the last five years of his life. He was able to continue fishing and hunting (every one of those years), go on many great trips, celebrate 50 years of marriage and enjoy life on Whidbey Island. Bill became a fixture at Freeland Park with his twice daily walks with Buddy who insisted they go because he knew that his special friends awaited him with lots of treats!

Bill is survived by his wife, Jean, daughter Cindy, sons Mike (Dawn), Jim (Jennifer), his brother Bob and sister Karen and nine grandchildren, Brian, Erica, Dakota, Elijah, Justin, Mathew, Luke, Kaitlynn and Wyatt. We and all of his family and friends will miss him.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to: Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis, 10866 W Washington Blvd #343, Culver City, CA 90232 or the Lung Transplant Program Training and Education Fund (LUNGTR) at the University of Washington.

We are going to celebrate Bill’s life with a reception on Saturday, April 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Fireseed Catering, 6051 Coles Rd, Langley, Washington.

Bill will be laid to rest in many of his favorite places with private inurnment at Tahoma National Cemetery at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by Visser Funeral Home in Langley, Washington.