William S. Mar
May 31, 1918 - December 16, 2010
Obituary
Lieutenant Colonel William S. Mar, Ret.
William Mar peacefully passed away in his home on December 16, 2010, with the love of his life for 64 years, Mary K. Mar, at his side. Bill was born 92 years ago on May 31, 1918 in Seattle, and is also survived by children Bill Mar Jr Anna, Deanna Mar, Kathy Miyauchi Richard and Sharon Mar, grandchildren Michael Miyauchi deceased, Allison Miyauchi King Dave, Laurie Miyauchi and Jasmine Mary Mar. Bill was a lifelong resident of Seattle, graduating from Franklin High School, University of Washington and Seattle University. He served in the US Army, and was stationed during World War II in the Philippines and Korea. After the war Bill was an active Reservist for 32 years, and an instructor at the Army Command and General Staff School, where he was enrolled for several years. Upon retirement from Paccar as as Mechanical Engineer for 28 years, Bill and Mary were footloose and fancy free, traveling to all 7 continents and over 60 countries. Bill/Dad/Gung Gung/Uncle Bill was an extraordinary man and a positive role model for his children, grandchildren, and countless Chinese community youth. All of us have become successful in our lives, with much credit to his guiding words and thoughtful mentoring.
A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held on Wednesday, December 22, 2010, 11:00 AM at Bonney-Watson, 1732 Broadway, Seattle, 98122. Inurnment at Sunset Hills at a later date. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to The Michael Miyauchi Foundation or the Northwest Kidney Center.
Please share your stories and wonderful memories of Bill at www.bonneywatson.com
Uncle Bill was the “QUET” uncle who helped me in so many ways as I was growing up. He taught me how to drive and park a car to pass my driver’s test on the very first try! He was the uncle that was soooo patient in explaining math assignments and more importantly he was the uncle that did not stress out when I called him the night before a big math test to help give me a “crash” course to be able to get a passing grade. He never lectured about me waiting until the last moment, I think he understood how math was NOT one of my favorite subjects.
As a drill team father/chaperone, he always “just took care of things without needing any fanfarir or attention to all the work he was doing” As I mentioned at the memorial—he was great as a trip chaperone because we knew we were safe because Uncle Bill was watching over us. I will miss him and happy I was one of his favorite nieces!
P.S. I am glad he had a MAR sense of humor about theaffic flags/ saran wrap incidents
Dear Bill,
First and foremost, I truly want to thank Lt. Colonel Mar for his service to our Country. I am from the Philippines, came to the US and worked at PACCAR where I met and have known Captain Bill March I have not had any interaction with Bill after PACCAR. But let me share some of the happy and memorable time with Bill. Bill likes to fish, I have taken him fishing several times in the Puget Sound in the 80’s. One of our fishing trips, with a friend and Bill at Possession point. I hoped Bill does not mind me telling this story, but honest to God this is true story. Bill hooked a Salmon, the fish kept jumping and the fish so happened to jump in the well of the boat, the first reaction Bill is to grab the fish, Bill hesitated, and the fish had jumped back in the water and needless to say no fish….Bill was so stunned we cannot talk to him for several minutes. For me these are precious moment with friend like Bill. Bill you will always be my Friend and you will be missed.
Dear Bill,
As you set into the sunset I want to reflect on the wonderful and memorable moments you shared with us. Thank you and your family for making us a part of your life.You have been a great model, a wonderful mentor and a caring person. You have contributed a lot in my career and personal life. You and Mary are truly great friends. I am most impressed by your generosity and character. Your help and guidance made me a better person. We have tons of good memories, laughters and enjoyable moments. For all of that I am deeply appreciative and immensely proud to have known you and your family.
My dear friend, we’ll terribly missed you. May your legacy last forever.