Isadore “Ike” Williams passed away on Sunday, April 27, 2014. He was born on March 30, 1941 in Vernon B.C. to Edward Joe Williams and Lucy Kinbasket from Enderby B.C.

Ike was born in Canada and lived there and went to Indian Residential Schools until age 13 when he moved to Washington with his father and attended Oroville High School. In 1964, he met Bernice (Bunny) Williams and they moved in together on her 18th birthday. A year later they started their family with the birth of their oldest son, Richard Williams. They married in Reno, Nevada in 1968 and had their second son, Gary Williams in 1970. They raised their two sons in Oroville, in which they called “home.” Bunny and Ike were married for 47 years and were together for 51 years.

Ike was always a hard worker, working every day until he retired. He worked for David Buckmiller from 1970 until1989. In 1990 the family moved to Kent, Wash. where he worked for Continental Hardwoods as a Fork Lift Driver. He later worked for John Biele Orchards in Oroville from 1990 to 2006 when he semi-retired. Ike remained active and continued working in the orchard, harvesting, picking apples and driving tractor. That is what he liked to do.

Ike valued his family and was a proud father, husband, grandpa and friend. He was an all-around provider, hunting, salmon fishing, hard worker and encouraged Bunny and his two sons to get all the education they could.

In California, he took heavy equipment operator training but he loved working outdoors so he always went back to the orchard. He was such a caring person that he opened his home to many including Janice Marcellay and Claude Marcellay who he raised until they graduated. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, Sky Lockheart (Richard and April Williams), twins Braden and Jaden (Richard and Leisa Day). His son, Gary Williams worked for WMs Gaming, installing Slot Machines and did not have time for a family. Ike would tease Gary and would always ask, “When are we going to hear the Pitter Patter of Feet running around?” Gary would laugh and say, “No, later… too busy

working.”

Ike never missed any of the boys’ games, whether it was baseball, hockey or wrestling. He was always there cheering them on. When the kids grew up and were gone, the couple looked at each other and said “what do you want to do?” and each responded, “I don’t know what do you want to do?” That is when they decided to start playing pool again. They had put pool on hold for several years while their kids were growing up.

Ike was very supportive of Bunny in everything she did. When she chose to further her education and return to Wenatchee Valley College and Eastern Washington University to get her Bachelors Degree. He would cook, clean, take care of the kids, all while remaining employed himself. His dedication to his wife was endless, he would drive her to work in Manson, Wash. and sit throughout her night shift and drive her home. Even during his illness, he would sit co-pilot and wait patiently for her.

Ike was a trickster, he was always teasing and telling stories.

Ike’s passion was playing pool. He played snooker when he was young and throughout the years, he continued to play pool. Ike and Bunny enjoyed the sport together. They would travel to Lincoln City, Ore. for Regional Pool Tournament every year and play Scotch Doubles and Singles and Team events. They would compete in the Nationals in Las Vegas in July of each year and played in BCA League for four years and played every Monday.

Ike was a very proud man and didn’t say much, but when he spoke, things got done. Before he died he gave his last words to his sons and told Bunny she is the Boss and for the boys to listen to her. We will all miss him daily but we all know that he will always be by her side.

On the night before he died, Bunny grabbed him by the shoulders and told him, “I love you” and he said, “I love you too.” So they said their good-byes and she stayed by his side until 3 a.m. when she went home to get some rest. Ike must have been content with that because he began his journey home as soon as he knew she had made it home safely. Ike has earned his wings and will always be her co-pilot in spirit…