William “Bill” Thomas Scrimsher

William “Bill” Thomas Scrimsher, age 83, a longtime resident of Colville, Wash. area passed away on July 25, 2025 at his home, surrounded by family. Bill was born in Spokane, Oct. 2, 1941, to Corey and Jacoba (Tromp) Scrimsher. He joined his brother, Roger, and two sisters, Nancy and Martha.

The family lived on a large ranch at Idaho Falls. By Bill’s fifth birthday, his parents had separated. Bill and Martha lived primarily with their mother in Idaho Falls for a short period and then they moved to Walla Walla, Wash., where Bill attended public school Kindergarten through grade 12. There he graduated in 1959. After completing 12th grade, Bill joined the Navy’s Kiddy Cruze, Sept. 1959-1962. He enjoyed seeing the world and serving his country on the USS Wilhoite. He was discharged a few weeks early so he could begin his studies of Animal Husbandry at the U. of I.

Bill married Gladys Crane in Lewiston, Idaho, on July 11, 1964. After the Oct. 1964 harvest was completed, Bill was hired by the Winchester, Idaho lumber mill. In Feb. of 1965, Bill began a 35-year career with Washington Water Power utilities, now Avista, working in both Lewiston and Kettle Falls, Wash. He worked in several departments and retired in 2000, as a Journeyman from the Kettle Falls steam plant, which he helped construct. Bill and Gladys have owned a little farm in Culdesac, Idaho since 1967. Their great-grandchildren enjoy the family farm to this day.

Following his retirement, Bill and Gladys furthered their volunteer missionary work in various countries including: Venezuela, Papua New Guinea, Haiti, and several years in Vanuatu. Bill enjoyed hunting, including bear, and fishing locally and on the Oregon coast. In recent years, he learned pickleball. He enjoyed keeping up his one acre yard in Arden, Wash., and traveling in the U.S. which included working on missionary projects. In the spring of 2025, Bill quickly became very ill and was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma and other serious health problems. He was at peace and knew his future was secure in his Savior’s love.

Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Roger Scrimsher and one sister, Nancy Freeman.

Bill is survived by his wife, Gladys Scrimsher, of Colville, Wash.; three sons, Brian Scrimsher (Tamara) of Sandpoint, Idaho, Bryce Scrimsher (Mindy) of Culdesac, Idaho, and Todd Scrimsher (Rachel) of Colville, Wash.; daughter, Kristine (Nat) Baker of Colville, Wash., 21 of grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; one sister, Martha Jones (Johnny) of Spokane, Wash.; several nieces and nephews; Bill and Gladys also helped raise Gladys’ younger brother, Rick Crane, two foster sons, Alan and Dan, and a bonus daughter, Hono of Vanuatu. Together this family has grown to 45 people!

Bill’s hope was you would find his funeral clearly explaining God’s plan for salvation. Please join us for Bill’s funeral service at First Baptist Church, 915 South Cedar St., Colville, WA beginning at 9:30 a.m., on Thursday, July 31. Everyone is also invited to attend the military service at Normal Hill Cemetery ,1122 7th St., Lewiston, Idaho, on the same day at 3:30 p.m. Danekas Funeral Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.