Obituary of Wilbur J. Bolender

Wilbur "Bill" Bolender Wilbur (Bill) Bolender lived 84 years; working and enjoying life throughout the Northwest. He and Letha were married 61 years. Early in their marriage, they built their first home on the “Ranch” in Olympia. In 1958 Bill and Letha moved to Hood Canal where they raised their family. Bill loved horses. As a young man, he took his horse, “Tony,” and went on many hunting trips with his uncles. Growing up in a trucking family, Bill lived his dream of hauling logs. He and Letha bought a 1956 Mack LT, “Old Red”. It became a central part of Bolender Logging Company, which they started in 1963. In 1983, Bill and Letha joined with John, Nancy, and her parents to form a twenty year partnership; establishing a Christmas tree farm in Shelton. After spending much of his professional career harvesting trees, Bill gained tremendous satisfaction planting and cultivating thousands of Christmas trees. Bill loved the water where he spent many hours skiing, fishing, and boating. He realized another dream when he and Letha purchased a yacht. They spent many summers with their children and grandchildren cruising in the San Juan Islands, Canadian Gulf Islands, and Desolation Sound. One of Bill’s favorite spots was Princess Louisa Inlet, in the upper reaches of Jervis Inlet. Bill touched many people over the course of his long life. He put his family first and showed tremendous sensitivity toward those less fortunate than himself. Everyone who knew Bill speaks of his integrity, ethics and sense of compassion. Bill lived to high standards and was respected by all who encountered him. He loved his flowers, and became an enthusiastic gardener, tending flowers, berries, and fruit trees around his home. Music was also a big part of Bill’s life. He sang many songs learned in his youth and spent hours playing the piano by “ear”. Bill was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His experiences and joys live on with his wife, Letha; children, Kathy Hemlock (Bruce) , Wendy Bolender, Dan (Kris), Dave, and John Bolender (Nancy); and grandchildren, Matt Hemlock, Matt Bolender, Kelsey Froehlich (Allen), Jesse Froehlich, April Kern (Alex), Katie Forsman (Andrew), Tyler, Erin, Shannon, Kerry, and Juli Bolender. To leave a condolence for the family, please click View Guestbook below.