Willard Bruce "Bill" Brockway Jr.
April 10, 1940 - January 26, 2024
Obituary
Bill was born in Lake Charles, LA, the second of eight children. He is survived by his wife, Carol Hodgen; son, Timothy Brockway (Beth); stepson, Stephen Hodgen; granddaughters, Lindsey Salud (Alex), Laura Brockway, and Kelsey Johnson; sisters Dianne Abels (J. A.), Bette Ota (Dr. David), Beth Bockes (Roger), Cheryl Ford (Stephen); brother Ed Brockway (Pam); brother-in-law Rev. Delmar Meester, and sister-in-law Susan Swanzy (Joe). Bill is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, W. Bruce and Eugenia Mae Steadman Brockway; his first wife, Jeanne Kaushagen Brockway; his older sister and brother-in-law, Elsie Jean and Everett Wilson; and his younger sister, Linda Meester.
Bill attended university in Iowa before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1960 and serving until 1963. He worked as an HVAC technician and instructor throughout his life, until retiring in 1995 from Boeing. He continued for many years in the field after his retirement, working at the King County Library system and teaching HVAC at North Seattle Community College.
Bill was a survivor and a testimony to God’s grace, mercy, and healing power. Throughout his lifetime, he served his local churches in many capacities; from deacon to music to building and facilities committees. He never met a stranger, and loved telling interesting life stories. His love of sports fueled his interest in the Seattle Mariners, Seahawks and college athletics. Over the last weeks of his life, Bill enjoyed many walks down memory lane with his family, recounting adventures, humorous times, and God’s faithfulness in his life. He is dearly missed by them all, but they rejoice in the fact that Bill is now in the arms of his Savior.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 1 PM at John Knox Presbyterian Church in Normandy Park, WA.
Psalm 73:23-26, 28
Yet I still have you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel. You lead me to a glorious destiny. Whom do I have in Heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail and my spirit grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever. But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.
Bill will be solely missed. He loved to tell his stories and knew all the latest sports scores. I shall remember many hours spent on his back porch eating and drinking wine. Bill taught my son, Chris, how to parallel park since I am not a great parallel parker. Chris and I were getting ready to come say goodbye to Bill when we found out God had already called him home. Bill is happy in Heaven where we shall see him once again. I know God the Father welcomed him with these words “Welcome home, my hood and faithful servant.”
Bill was a cherished family member and will be so very missed. He always had a story to tell or a wisdom to impart and was our trusted consultant on any subject related to plumbing. He was kind and knew almost everyone he encountered. Bill was also generous with his time and was willing to lend you any tool from his vast collection. We love you Bill and will always carry you in our hearts.