William “Bill” Charles Faas passed away peacefully at his home in Centralia on Sunday, May 26, 2024. He was 92 years old. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved Mary Ellen, a granddaughter and a great-granddaughter.
Bill was born April 4, 1932, in Seattle to William and Freda Faas. At the age of 4, his parents closed their jewelry store and moved to the family homestead in Cinebar, Washington. He graduated from Mossyrock High School in 1950 and attended Washington State College.
Bill married the love of his life, Mary Ellen Harris, on June 26, 1956, in the Cardston, Alberta, Canada LDS Temple. Bill and Mary Ellen eventually moved to the land he purchased in Centralia the year before they were married and built the home where they raised their six children. Bill had an extremely strong work ethic, taught to him by his parents. He took immense pride in sharing and instilling that work ethic in his children as well.
Bill was known from an early age for his leadership and integrity as well as his keen sense of humor. He always had a hammer in hand, bugling a tune or singing while he worked. In addition to his chosen career, he enjoyed gardening, fishing, hiking and serving in countless positions in his church. He was a master carpenter, building countless homes and church buildings across Lewis, Thurston and Grays Harbor counties, not to mention Northern California, Phoenix, Arizona, and Bermuda. He was also known for his years of service to the Boy Scouts of America, serving as Scoutmaster to Troop 319 for over 25 years. He spent his vacation time each summer leading scouts on their annual 50-mile hike through the Olympic Mountains.
Bill is survived by his children, Mark Faas, Stephen Faas, Rachel Redmon, Esther (Gary) Longshore, Andrew Faas and Nathan (Kelly) Faas; and his sister, Annamarie Hidell, of Lynnwood, Washington. He has 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. June 22 at the LDS Chapel at 2801 Mt. Vista Ave., Centralia.
