In Loving Memory

William Thomas "Bill" Ridley III

William Thomas "Bill" Ridley III, age 70, passed away unexpectedly in Colville, Washington in the early hours of May 27, 2022. Bill was born to William T. Ridley Jr. and Betty L. Ridley on November 24th 1951 in Seattle, Washington.  The firstborn, much beloved son, he was followed by sisters, Rhonda, Judith, Deborah, and brother Andrew.

Billy followed in his father's footsteps picking up the carpentry trade.  He built homes and did work remodeling at a variety of large and small worksites.  Bill would go on to become a master finish carpenter. Bill was married once to Terri Williams, and while that relationship would not last, he had a longtime partnership with Pam Carroll, with her son Mason being like a son to him. In the early 2000's, bill moved closer to parents in Eastern Washington, moving to Inchelium for a short time.  He was able to do lots of carpentry on the Indian Reservation, before settling in Kettle Falls.

Billy loved people, loved having family and friends around him. In younger years, he had many interests and hobbies, including collected butterflies and moths. He loved fast cars, especially his 1966 Corvette, in which he patiently gave his siblings rides. He loved parties and playing pool eventually joining a pool league, where he would go on to win many tournaments. He was fun and fun loving; an old friend called him "A walking adventure"…

Bill Loved nature, water, the great outdoors, loved to fish and hunt. He loved to turn off on a dirt road, just to find out where it went. He once drove a vehicle, in winter, from Puyallup Wa, and since it's windshield got damaged, he kicked it out, and continued driving.  Upon arrival, his hands were nearly frozen around steering wheel; he was so cold he could barely speak, but that was Bill…

After moving to Eastern Washington, he met Gerry Knichels, and the two became fast friends, bonding over their ability to teach each other their trades. Gerry was a farmer, who lived on, and owned, his family farm. Gerry taught Bill how to plant and sow wheat, run farm equipment, and harvest their huge garden, and Bill built him a small house. They were the best of friends, caring for, and company to, one another.  A favorite pastime, they drove for miles, chasing the elusive garage sale finding many "treasures".  They loved to go out for breakfast. As Bills health declined, Gerry patiently helped him, and built daily fires, until he himself died suddenly.

Late in his life, Bill fought to stay at his home, stubborn in his refusal of better housing and care.  His younger brother Andy, made multiple trips, to fix plumbing, visit, and make his life more comfortable, handling a Miriad of issues, making his final wishes come true. His loving assistance enabled Bill to stay in his home longer than he would have been able to.

Bill loved his son, Mason Carroll; his siblings, Rhonda A,Ridley, Judith I Ridley, Deborah S.Ridley, and Andrew S. Ridley;  his nieces and nephews, Nathan Reiswig, Nick Reiswig, Sarah Nelson, Haley Ridley, Layne Ridley

We loved him so much, happy he is at peace, no longer prisoner of failing health. He will be greatly missed!

Bill is preceded in death by his father and mother, William T.Ridley and Betty L. Ridley; his baby sister, Deborah S. Ridley; and Nephew, Nick Reiswig.