Bill Hamel, born Oct. 18, 1936, passed away Oct. 5, 2010 in Ellensburg, Wash., while traveling to Arizona.

He was born in Plattsburgh, N.Y. and moved to Orcas Island with his wife in 1985. He came to the Pacific Northwest through his employment with Boeing.

He worked on several projects in the Midwest and then settled in the area while working on the 747. After Boeing discontinued the Super Sonic Transport project, he went to work for International Mill Service, a steel mill service company. He started his own steel mill service company in the 1970s. In 1989, he and his wife purchased property on Orcas Island and developed the Eagle Ridge community.

Bill had many interests, including sailing, developing properties, making wine, and football. He was a member of the Orcas Gun Club and the Boeing Employees Wine and Beer Club.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Lillian Hamel; a sister, Elizabeth (Serge) Triau of Derwood, Md.; three daughters, Elizabeth Harrison of Anacortes, MaryLynn (Mike) Behrens of Payson, Ariz., and Tracy Uptain of Orcas Island; one son, Bill Hamel, of Bellingham and Orcas Island; 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Bill’s life is being planned for a later date.

— Family of William G. Hamel II