William (Bill) Denholm, beloved husband, father and grandfather, died suddenly on Nov. 15, 2020. He was born on Nov. 13, 1944, to William and Eva Denholm in Seattle, Washington. He went to school in Kirkland and graduated from Lake Washington High School in 1962.
In 1963 he married his high school sweetheart, Tonny Artz. He went on to attend and graduate with his master’s degree in Education from Whitworth College on a scholarship. Bill was an educator in the true sense of the word. His first job was at Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane, Washington. He was the head wrestling coach and football assistant coach. From here he went to Colville as a teacher, counselor and head football coach. In 1978 he moved his family to Montesano, Washington, as the new principal and later became the superintendent. Montesano became their permanent home to raise their three sons.
He was involved in many activities including Kiwanis and the Festival of Lights. He loved the town of Montesano and all the people he worked with, met in passing and had the pleasure of calling his close friends. Along with Ron Bennett he will forever be remembered as one who brought “Monte Pride” to M.H.S.
During their 57-year marriage they both loved to snow ski as well as water ski, play golf and take their boat out on the water. He also liked fishing and hunting.
After 25 years of living in Montesano they decided to retire to their vacation lot on Legacy Golf Course. His greatest joy was his sons and their families.
He is survived by his wife Tonny and two sons, Bob (Tracey) Denholm of Marysville, Washington and Rick (Angela) Denholm of Montesano. He will be missed forever by his four grandchildren; Dawn, Michael, Elaine and Lauren. He is also survived by his sister Pat and two nephews, Brian and Kevin.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his son Mark.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to MHS (memory of Bill Denholm), MHS Attention Bookkeeping, 303 N Church Street, Montesano, WA, 98563. This money will be used to help purchase one or more defibrillators for the students and fans at M.H.S
“Monte Pride”
