GREGERSON, WILLIAM C.
William C. Gregerson, 77, of Alderwood Manor, passed away on November 8 [1999] following a long battle with throat cancer. He passed peacefully in the comfort of his home with his family by his side.
Bill was born on July 20, 1922 in St. John, North Dakota. Bill is the oldest of 10 children. His mother and father, Ole Gregerson and Gertrude Givens-Gregerson moved from Scoby, Montana in 1926 to a 20-acre parcel in Monroe where they became one of Snohomish County’s first homesteading families. The homestead was lost during the Great Depression.
To help the family during the tough times of the depression, Bill joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1939, where he worked with the Fort Lewis CCC District, as a camp cook. His earnings were sent home to care for his family.
In October of 1942, Bill joined the Marine Corps and was sent to the South Pacific with the Marine Corps [1st] Raider Battalion, 4th Marines, 6th Division. He served in Guadalcanal, New Georgia, Guam, and Okinawa. He was also involved in the occupation of Japan in Yokosuka after the war ended.
In the spring of 1946, he returned to the Seattle area and spent time in Seattle, where he met Donna Mae Backman. Their whirlwind romance culminated in marriage on May 10, 1946 in Seattle. The two lived in Bremerton until he was discharged from the Marine Corps in November of 1946. The couple has four children, who live in Snohomish and Skagit Counties.
Bill’s lifework was cabinetry. He started at U.S. Plywood, then worked at Atlantic Richfield, but opened his own cabinet shop in 1966, REBCO, which he operated from 1966 to 1969. He also made custom cabinets for Cruise-a-Home, Inc., and finally, at Pete’s Cabinets in Everett. Today, his son, William R. Gregerson carries on the expert woodworking skill passed on from his father at Pete’s.
Bill’s passion was first, his family, and second, salmon fishing. Those who know and love Bill will remember family fishing trips into Possession Sound, getting up at 3:00 a.m., and going down the boat ramp at Norma Beach boathouse for Silvers and Kings. Those days are gone, but dad and the memories he gave us will live forever.
Survivors include Donna, his wife of 53 years, and four children; Ellen Stoddard of Anacortes (Steve Stoddard); Connie Smith of Machias (Sandy Smith); William R. Gregerson of Mukilteo (Jill Gregerson); and Susan Gregerson of Edmonds (Larry McSay). Grandchildren include Stacey Gregerson, Jesse Stoddard, Jennifer and Annie Gregerson, and Kellen McSay. Great-grandchildren are Austin and Jordan Mack.
Bill is preceded in death by his father and mother and his brothers Keith and Arthur. His surviving siblings are Ruby VanNatta of of Lake Stevens, Cecilia Feller of Lake Stevens, Ann Harwood of Copemich, Michigan, John O. Gregerson of Vista, California, Kenneth Gregerson of Granite Falls, Leonard Gregerson of Winnsboro, South Carolina, and Albert Gregerson of Victorville, California.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 13, 1999 at 11:30 a.m. at Purdy and Walters of Floral Hills in Lynnwood.