William ‘Bill’ Oliver

            Bill was born March 20, 1952 in Hollywood, California. He, his sister Joan, and parents Jim and Jeanette spent the next 14 years periodically moving up and down the west coast, as Jim pursued his career with Hyster lift trucks. 

            Bill’s childhood included frequent trips to grandmas’ houses in Mitchell, Nebraska and Portland. The family camped and hiked, helping Bill earn his cub scout and boy scout badges. Moving from school to school had the effect of bringing out Bill’s gregarious nature, as he made friends everywhere.

            The family settled for good in Portland the day before Bill started high school at Wilson. He tried football, but enjoyed skiing and soccer much more. One summer trip to Nebraska, Bill happened to hear the banjo being played on his grandmother’s radio, which started his life-long love for music of all kinds.

            He followed in his dad’s footsteps and many of his friends at Oregon State University by joining the SAE fraternity. There’s where he met quite a few of his tried and true friends. His degree and certification in elementary education launched him on a 32- year career as a teacher.

            Bill taught elementary classes, mostly 4th grade. Along the way, he participated in coaching a number of sports and also outdoor school. That whole time, he played his music for the children. Many of his students have stayed in touch with him since his retirement and still tell stories about their memories from Mr Oliver’s class.

            Bill’s love of music continued to grow throughout his adult life. Whether playing banjo, guitar, ukulele, Irish harp, or steel guitar, audiences were always captivated by his lively & heartwarming performances. He especially enjoyed playing for children, whether solo in his classroom, or professionally as part of the T&O Railroad band.

            His first marriage lasted 7 years. After a break, he met Terri. While participating in the school district’s drownproofing program for third graders, they began talking afterwards one day, and one thing led to another. They were married in 1985 and Claire came along December of 1987. Bill, Terri, and Claire enjoyed wonderful years together. Favorite activities included annual trips to Hawaii, motorcycling around the U.S., Winterhawks hockey games, and many trips to Vancouver to support Claire in her academic pursuits. Bill was so proud of her.

            Bill’s life includes many diverse circles of friends: his co-workers from N. Clackamas School District, his many music-playing friends, the guys he played poker with for over 40 years, college buddies, former students, friends from the neighborhood, and friends he met from trips to Kaua’i, his favorite place.

            June 2018 he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He endured many rounds of chemo, a bout with sepsis, and a Whipple surgery. Until his passing, he fought hard and had a positive attitude. He benefitted from skilled and compassionate care and his many friends were with him every step of the way.

            He is survived by his wife Terri, daughter Claire, sister Joan Oliver Brody, niece Rose Hooten, and nephew Ben Brody. Memorial donations can be sent in his name to Oregon Public Broadcasting.

            A memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 11am on 10/19/19 and a celebration of life open house will be held at Kennedy School from 5:30-10pm on 10/20/19.