William C. "Bill" Humphrey

On the evening of March 7, 2026, our beloved Bill Humphrey died, surrounded by family. He had blessed us with his love and care for 78 years, and his mischievous grin, twinkling eyes, and big, warm hands comforted us almost to the end.

He was born on March 1, 1948 in Port Huron, Michigan, to Paul and Dorothy (Davis) Humphrey, joining his sisters Judy, Dottie, and Karen. When Bill was four years old, they moved to Washington, eventually settling in Bellingham’s York neighborhood. Paul's father lived with the family and taught young Bill about all things mechanical or electrical.

Bill attended Carl Cozier Elementary, Whatcom Middle School, and Bellingham High School. During his sophomore year, the family moved to Oroville, California. Bill greatly enjoyed his teenage years in California. He graduated from Oroville High School in 1966, then moved back to Washington. On July 3, 1970, Bill married Cathy Moran and they settled in Bellingham.

Bill and Cathy have two children, Rachel and Matthew. Bill was a gentle, affectionate father. He loved teaching his kids about tools and how to make things. This continued into their adulthood, when he would take on big projects with them. It was wonderful time spent together, with the finished project as a bonus.

For many years, Bill and Cathy danced weekly with square and round dance clubs around Western Washington and British Columbia, building wonderful friendships. Bill especially loved round dancing with Cathy and was very light on his feet.

They lived for 28 years at the top of Yew Street Road, then built a house next to Bill’s aging parents near Lynden. While Bill’s Mama still lived in her little house, he visited her every day, supervising her needs and keeping her company. He always tried to make her giggle.

Bill was a highly skilled industrial electrician, dedicated to his craft. In 1968, he entered the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers apprenticeship, following his grandfather, father, and uncle, and turned out as a journeyman in 1972. He worked construction at the pulp mill and oil refineries in Whatcom County. He served as a union steward and as a member of the IBEW Local 191 Executive Board. He especially loved his last few years of work, when he could focus on special projects and mentoring younger electricians, passing on his deep knowledge of the work and workmanship. Throughout his career, Bill spoke up whenever, wherever, and to whomever to demand safe and fair working conditions. After retiring in 2010, he continued telling stories of his close work buddies. He was very proud that his nephew followed him into the trade.

In his younger days, Bill spent a lot of his free time working on house and car projects for friends and family, which he did as an expression of love. As he aged and his health issues advanced, Bill could often be found drinking a cup of coffee on the porch, in a favorite chair he had made, listening to the birds or talking by phone with his sister Karen. Until recently, he played bocce with the Lynden Senior Center team, winning the county championship twice, once from a wheelchair. He loved to visit Matt and Rachel at their homes for a house project, a cup of coffee, and some stories. He loved going out to breakfast with Matt, or sitting with his grandson Elliot and talking about life.

Bill loved his family and friends immensely, and his fatherly care extended to younger family members and his children's friends. Rachel asked him at the end what is important in life. He answered: “People, and the time you spend with them.”

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, his parents-in-law, his sister Dorothy Frost, and his brothers Leonard Crutcher and Ronald Neidecker. He is survived by his devoted wife Cathy; his adoring children Rachel, Matthew, and Colleen; his treasured grandson Elliot Fleet; his loving sisters and brothers Judy Crutcher, Karen and Richard Sanders, Cindy Moran Neidecker, Casey and Toma Moran, and Chris and Erika Moran; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

We are grateful to the kind nurses at St. Joseph Hospital and the wonderful folks at Whatcom Hospice House for their support in Bill’s last days. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Whatcom Hospice Foundation or the Lynden Community Center in memory of Bill.