William B. “Bill” Morrice passed away July 18, 2010 at the Mount Baker Care Center with his family at his side.

Bill was born May 15, 1918 in Seattle, Wash. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Violet R. Morrice; parents, William and Ester Morrice; daughter, Sharon Blake; son, Charles Grant Jr.; and grandsons, Dale Grant and Charles Grant.

Bill graduated from Lincoln High School and attended the University of Washington prior to his service in World War II. His active duty service concentrated in Alaska with the U.S. Navy Air Transport. His unit established the Navy’s Petroleum Reserve Arctic supply lines, where he flew in both Douglas DC-3s and DC-4s. After Standard Oil of Ohio’s flag was flying over the reserves, Bill served in “The Thousand Mile War,” supplying the Aleutians and flying air surveys over Northern Honshu, Japan.

After the war, Bill began a long and successful career in the maritime industry. He was employed by Washington State Ferries for 30 years, the last 12 years as manager of Traffic, Advertising and Public Relations. After retiring from the ferry system, he was recruited to return to his much-loved Alaska as traffic manager with the Alaska Marine Highway System. Bill’s career in Alaska continued as regional manager of Alaska Steamship with his final executive position as the City of Valdez’s port director during construction of the Alyeska Pipeline.

Bill and his wife, Violet, retired on San Juan Island in 1977. Bill and Vi embraced their nearly 30 years of island life, generously sharing the abundant gifts of fish, crab and the island countryside with family and friends. As an avid outdoorsman and horseman, Bill loved to hunt, fish and photograph the wonderful scenery in Washington and Alaska. He raised horses while in Seattle and continued riding as a recreation on his many vacations in Arizona. His life stories, teachings and sense of humor are legendary among family and friends.

Bill was happily married to the love of his life, Violet, for 50 years. Their marriage served as an example of a true and loving partnership, their bond admired by all who knew them. As they approached the end of their mutual journey, Bill and Vi vowed to join each other back on their precious island. Bill passed not of a broken heart, but triumphed in his goal to be with his beloved Violet.

Bill is survived by daughter, Marilyn Bozich of Gig Harbor; son, Richard (Connie) Grant of Bellingham; granddaughter, Ronia Blake of Austin, Texas; grandsons, John (Kari) Bozich, Jim (Melissa) Bozich, William (Lisa) Grant; great-granddaughter, Sofia Walzer Grant; great-grandson, Maddox Blake; brother, Robert (Betty) Morrice; nephew, Rob (Karen) Morrice; niece, Susan (John) Morrice Walker; and many other loving nieces and nephews.

You may share your thoughts and memories of Bill in the online guest book at www.molesfuneralhomes.com

Give our love to Mom. We love you Dad!

— Family of William B. “Bill” Morrice