Obituary of William Douglas Oliphant

William Douglas Oliphant, known by his friends and family as Bill, died while at work on Wednesday, September 26, 2018, in Olympia, Washington, at age 65. He will always be remembered by his family and friends as a caring and generous person.

Bill was born the youngest of four siblings on July 9, 1953 in San Diego, California to Dr. Charles "Jim" Romig Oliphant and Claire Elizabeth (Canavan) Oliphant. He graduated from Point Loma High School in 1971 and then, at age 19, became owner and proprietor of the Karmacy Leather Shoppe in Hillcrest, where he met his wife to be, Esther L. Mickley. Bill and Esther were married in Presidio Park on June 24, 1973 and had two children before selling the business and moving the family to Chewelah, Washington, where Bill worked as a machinist.

After his marriage ended, Bill returned to San Diego with his kids and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from National University in advance of opening Sports Arena Woodworking, his custom carpentry shop. At the time of his death, Bill was Channel Operations Manager at Thurston Community Media in Olympia, Washington, where he was much appreciated and respected by his co-workers. He worked his way up from production assistant, having filmed and edited numerous programs for the TV station over the past two decades. During his early years at TCTV he met and fell in love with Paula, his “sweetheart” of 18 years.

Bill loved acquiring and learning about the latest consumer technology products. He had a lifelong passion for working with his hands, and also enjoyed riding motorcycles, camping, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends. Bill is survived by his partner, Paula K. Schouviller; his son, Osiris R. Oliphant; his daughter, Isis L. Albert, and his son-in-law, Devin; brother and sisters and their spouses, James R. Oliphant (Sandy), Catherine R. Boldrey (Ed), and Mari G. Hauser (Jim); and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Memorial Service will be on Saturday, October 13, 2018, 2:00 p.m at TC Media, 440 Yauger Way SW, Suite C, Olympia, WA 98502.

In lieu of flowers, please direct charitable donations to Providence St. Peter Foundation, 413 Lilly Rd, NE Olympia, WA 98506.