William Sylvester Pine

William Sylvester Pine, 83, of Elma, Wash., passed away Wednesday, June 21, 2017, from Alzheimer’s. William was born Jan. 9, 1934, to Leroy and Helen (Hamilton) Pine in Gowanda, N.Y., the youngest of four children. He graduated from Gowanda High School in 1951.

William served in the Army during the Korean War in military intelligence. During this time he met his future bride, Pierrette Dionne, and they married in 1959, in Gowanda, N.Y.

William enjoyed athletics. In high school he excelled in football, basketball and baseball. He also qualified for the New York state championships in cross country. He attended Cleveland State University where he played baseball. William was employed by Carling Brewing Company in Tacoma, where he was in charge of marketing. William and Pierrette combined their professions in owning and operating nursing homes in Montesano, Wash. He was a life-time member of the Eagles Club, a founding member of the Elma Wrestling Club, an Elma School Board member, and Grays Harbor County Commissioner.

William enjoyed playing cards, fantasy football, watching his children compete in sports, and socializing.

William is survived by his wife, Pierrette; daughter, Gisele (Fred) Hernandez of Elma; sons Michael (Gerri) Pine of Monroe, Patrick (Meley) Pine of Olympia, Phillip (Marilyn) Pine of Elma, and Kevin Pine of Las Vegas, Nev.; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; brother, Thomas Pine. William was preceded in death by his parents a sister, Betty Young and a brother, Leroy Pine.

Mass Offerings were held on Sunday, June 25, 2017, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Elma, Wash. at 9:45 a.m. with Father Michael Wagner officiating. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Elma Eagles Club on July 1, from 1-3 p.m. The Eagles Club asks for those attending to bring a salad or dessert.