The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

 Lifelong Cathlamet resident, William “Bill” Swift, 66, passed away at his home on December 3, 2012.

 Bill was born in Longview on April 11, 1946 to John and Verna (Malakowsky) Swift. He graduated from Wahkiakum High School in 1964. He married Betty Jackson on October 23, 1970.

 Bill was employed over the years by several Logging Companies including Crown Zellerbach, Wirkkala Logging and DeBriae Logging and was well loved and known as a hard worker. He enjoyed his family time. His grandchildren were the light of his life. He loved to cruise on his scooter, visiting his many friends, spreading smiles, walking Hornstra beach and cutting wood.

 Bill is survived by his wife Betty, a son George Swift, three daughters Jennifer Swift, Veronica Swift (Rex Gilbertsen) and Theresa Benjamson (Tyler), three brothers, David “Pete”, Michael and Ken Swift, and a sister, Barbara Raubuch, 10 grandchildren, Brittany, Trygve, Rafael, Christopher, Miranda, Alexander, Bethany, Coral, William and Zachary and many nieces and nephews.

 He was preceded in death by brothers, Joe and Robert Swift.

 A potluck celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, December 15, at 2 p.m. at JA Wendt Elementary School in Cathlamet. Dowling Funeral home is in charge of arrangements.