William 'Bill'  E. Farrell, 97, passed away peacefully in Vancouver, WA on September 6th, 2025.

Bill was born on September 8,1927 in Washougal, WA, in the same bedroom he shared with his two older brothers, Eugene and Richard. His parents were Edward and Ethel Farrell. He attended the University of Portland Prep and graduated from Washougal High School. Bill served in the Marine Corps during World War II, playing trumpet in the Marine Band. He was stationed in Japan for the majority of his service.

Bill joined the Clark County Sheriff's Department in 1949. This was where he met his beloved wife, Mary, who was the dispatch for the Sheriff's Office. Their primary form of contact was over the telephone or radio until they literally ran into one another on the steps of the Clark County Courthouse - Bill was running up the steps, and Mary was walking down with an armful of documents. During the post-collision paper clean up, they realized that they had already had many conversations. After Bill proposed, he had just enough money for them to celebrate their engagement at the Spic-N'-Span burger on Washington Street. They were married in 1950 in Vancouver.

Bill began working for the Vancouver Police Department in 1951, retiring in 1984 as a Lieutenant. He was a fixture of community policing, spending many evenings keeping a watchful eye on local teens while they "cruised the gut" on Main Street between the Dairy Queen and Burgerville. He also moonlighted as security at the Trapadero Club and at the annual St. Joseph's Sausage Fest. He was a Driver's Education teacher for the Vancouver School District and taught traffic school at Clark College as well. Despite his nickname being Wild Willy, he was known for his even-keeled disposition and calm insight and served as a mentor to many new police officers in the department.

Bill was a longtime member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and spent many years volunteering with the Knights of Columbus and St. Vincent de Paul. Prior to the eruption of Mount St. Helens, camping at Spirit Lake was an annual family event. Bill and Mary also took many road trips, including traveling in their VW camper van to Washington DC, to the Carolinas to visit family, and to Eastern Canada. Hobbies included fishing and flyfishing, model trains, and woodworking.

In later years, Bill connected with family friend Patricia (Pat) Lattanzi. Bill greatly enjoyed their trips to the coast, sharing dinners, celebrating events, and he and Pat's nightly calls to chat. Bill's life was brighter and fuller because of Pat's love. He treasured their companionship and spending time with the Lattanzi family.

Bill was preceded in death by Mary, his wife of 62 years, and their sons, James and Barry. He is survived by his daughters, Ellen (Les) Jonsson and Ann (Jaime) Cedeño; five grandchildren, Jaleah (Chris), Breann (David), Charlie (Tanya), Melisa, & Julián (Alexis); five great-grandchildren, Kaeley, Madhi, Eloise, Milo, & Marciel, and sisters-in-law Shirley Marie Hopfe, Jean Hodgson, and Carol Hodgson.

A funeral service will be held on September 24th, 2025, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church at 11am followed by a luncheon reception and graveside service at Mother Joseph's Cemetery at 1:30pm.