Bill Zimmerman of Kennewick died March 29 at the age of 95.  He was one of five children born to Commodore Guy and Lydia Lucille Zimmerman of Caldwell, Idaho.

After graduating from high school in 1948, Bill remained in Caldwell to attend the College of Idaho where he played football and baseball.  While attending college, he not only earned his Bachelor of Arts and master’s degrees in education but also married Lella Lyon, his high school sweetheart who remained his life companion until her passing in 2020.

In 1957 Bill’s career in education took him from Middleton, Idaho, to the Tri-Cities where he remained a school administrator in Burbank, Riverview, and Warden School Districts until retiring in 1983. Bill and Lel raised their four children in Pasco.  Bill made lifelong friends at Pasco Muny where he honed his golf game and eventually logged more than 20 holes-in one at various courses played throughout his lifetime.  Treks to the McCall Amateur became a summer tradition where friends and families from Tri-Cities converged with Bill’s childhood pals from Idaho. He was all about friends and fun. Bill liked nothing better than hosting large gatherings, whether they were pizza parties at the house or fish fries in McCall.

During retirement years, Bill remained a sports fan with college basketball at the top of his list.  He loved spending time with his grandkids, teaching them to golf, fish, and play cards.  Along the way, Bill imparted to each of them important lessons about competing honorably, trusting wholeheartedly, and loving implicitly. He also developed a knack for making caramel corn, peanut brittle, and fudge that were generously shared during the holidays.

Bill is survived by his children and grandchildren: Jim (Judy) Zimmerman of Richland; Julie Million of Brasilia, Brazil, and daughter Janae; Janet (Ted) Tucker of Edmonds and sons Spencer and Casey; JoJo (Mark) Sullivan of Pasco and children Morgan, Patrick, Molly, and Keegan. Additionally, Bill leaves behind eight great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his siblings Dorothy Lakey, Jim Zimmerman, Marguerite Lipella, Barbara Arms, and his wife Lella.

Bill will always be remembered for his take charge approach and sharp wit which he maintained until his very last days. He was truly one of one. He will be missed.