William Farrell Bonney, a lifelong Hoquiam resident, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2024, at Harbor Regional Health, surrounded by loved ones. Bill was born in Seattle on September 2, 1956, to parents Mike and Jean (Waples) Bonney.
The Bonney family moved to Hoquiam in 1959, where Bill attended local schools and graduated from Hoquiam High School in 1974 (Go Grizzlies!). He went on to study Economics at Grays Harbor College and the University of Puget Sound, then returned to the Harbor and joined the family business, Most Western Laundry, eventually taking over as General Manager. Following a fire that destroyed the business in 1994, Bill went onto work for the State of Washington, but ultimately transitioned to real estate, where he continued to build strong community relationships, helping Harbor families and businesses alike.
Bill was a true Harborite and always found ways to make a difference, supporting various programs, people, and community initiatives. Grays Harbor Relay for Life was an important cause to Bill, who worked tirelessly to fundraise for the American Cancer Society to support close friends and family affected by cancer. Bill built many long friendships through the Hoquiam Elks, Hoquiam Lions, Hoquiam Boosters and Grays Harbor Country Club memberships, giving both time and contributions to help support these worthwhile organizations.
Bill had such a tenacious spirit! He loved sports and was a diehard Husky fan and avid athlete throughout his life! As a young man, he enjoyed baseball, wrestling, golf, and both water and snow skiing. As he aged, he enjoyed boating on the harbor and at Mason Lake with his family, clam digging at the local beaches, coaching hundreds of kids in the area, rooting on daughter Graci in a myriad of team sports and cheering on his beloved Hoquiam Grizzlies and UW Huskies! He was a life-changing coach/mentor, and proud Dad, on and off the sidelines.
Despite his diagnosis of ALS in 2023, Bill’s fiery spirit and dedication to those he loved shined in his commitment to be present. He was motivated to support his daughter Graci on and off the field and fought a tough battle until the very end, continuing to pepper in his unique humor along the way.
Surviving relatives include his daughter, Graci Marie Bonney-Spradlin; bonus daughter Hope Hunderfund-Reyes (Easton & Isabella); sisters Karen Hake-Santana (Ron) of Renton, Janice Carter (Michael) of Richland, and Linda Bonney of Shelton, plus extended family, including numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncle. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed!
A celebration of life will be held June 1st, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Hoquiam Elks. Please wear your Husky/Grizzly pride in honor of Bill. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Hoquiam Booster Club or the ALS Association, in memory of Bill.
A private committal service will be held at Hoquiam’s Sunset Memorial Park. Arrangements are being made by Coleman Mortuary of Hoquiam. Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the online register at www.colemanmortuary.net
