We are heartbroken at the loss of Bill T. Brumsickle, who died Nov. 27 in Centralia at the age of 89.
Born in 1935 in White Salmon, Bill grew up in Camas and studied at Centralia and Clark junior colleges and Western Washington College of Education. He worked in education and public service for the rest of his life. He married Mary Ann Bailey in 1958 and they had four sons: Bill, Dave, Steve and Dan. After Mary Ann’s death in 2007, Bill married Doris Wood in 2014.
A tireless proponent of education excellence in the state of Washington, Bill taught for many years beginning in Montesano, then Tumwater. He completed 30 years in public education by serving in the administration of the Centralia School District as principal and assistant superintendent. He represented Lewis County in the Washington State House of Representatives for four terms and served as chairman of the House Education Committee.
A renowned and respected community leader, Bill’s service included five years as planned giving coordinator for Centralia College Foundation where he successfully raised over $1million and launching and supported Centralia High School Dollars For Scholars. Bill also served on the Educational Service District No. 113 board, Lewis County Flood Control Council, Washington State Public Disclosure Commission, Twin Cities Chamber of Commerce, Centralia Rotary, Stillwaters Foundation board and many more. One of Bill’s last volunteer activities was with the United Way of Lewis County, including the United Way Reading Buddies Program.
When he had spare time (did he?), Bill greatly enjoyed hiking, traveling, woodcarving and, most of all, time with his family.
To everyone who knew Bill, he was kind, principled, devoted and unforgettable. His students of many years prior hailed him with warm memories. Bill had a marvelous sense of humor and a quick wit, always able to find the humor in a situation and lift spirits. Bill was open to everyone and did not know a stranger.
After retiring four times, Bill enjoyed a life full of family, friends and travel with Doris.
Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Ann, and brother, Allen. He is survived by his wife, Doris; brother, Gary; sons, Bill (Henny Regnier), Dave (Irene Shemaria), Steve (Winnie Brumsickle) and Dan (Catherine Conzatti); grandchildren, Aidan, Corrina, Tate, Wilsey, Isaac, Gracie and Bailey; and great-grandson, Hugo.
A memorial service is planned for 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Washington Hall at the Corbet Theater at Centralia College.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Centralia High School Dollars for Scholars: CHS-DFS, P.O. Box 1104, Centralia, WA, 98531.
