Bill Stricker passed away in September 2024, at his home. Bill is the son of Edwin and Rose Marie Stricker, born July 1958, in Aberdeen, Washington. He is survived by his friend Tina, son Christian Kain, two grandchildren, Elizabeth Green and Hannah Kain: brothers Joe, Mark and Doug and sister Hedy (Gene) Schlaht. He is proceeded in death by his parents and a brother, Ken. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Bill and his family all grew up in Aberdeen. He continued his education at Eastern Washington University. He also started a business called the Out of the Blue Seafood in Aberdeen, where he imported and exported fish.

Bill later married the love of his life, Tina Mintyala, making their home in Olympia. Bill’s first teaching job was at Maple Lane in Rochester, Washington. He worked at Chinook Middle School in Olympia, Washington and then at Henry Foss High School in Tacoma, Washington. He retired from Miller Junior High in Aberdeen, Washington in 2020.

Bill left a mark on every student he taught during his teaching career, kindness, compassion and generosity guided his life. Be it hosting food for a teacher’s strike, taking kids to a camping and fishing event, or cooking a turkey for a staff lunch, Bill was always one to lead the charge and get people together for a fun event. Bill taught many at-risk and special needs students and managed to fuse many important relationships. Bill also realized that many students had a difficult time at home and came to school hungry. He kept popcorn, hot dogs and other snacks on hand. He opened his room for students to bring in their lunches and play games. He would also cook and bake for his students. He was among the most popular teachers in the building with good reason. His classroom was always buzzing with activity and students were rewarded with a movie or food.

Bill was an avid fisherman and loved being on the water looking for his next fish. He fished all the rivers around Grays Harbor along with trips out of Westport and Neah Bay. He also did a little crabbing and clam digging. Numerous trips to Mexico happened with his brothers Mark and Joe. Later, he took his good friend, Brandon Hall and brother-in-law, Gene Schlaht, to Alaska and Mexico. His retirement was filled with scheduled fishing trips north and south.

His heart belonged to the love of his life, Tina. They had a friendship that was unbreakable. His generosity and love of people were very evident in the way he lived. Bill will be missed.