Bill Hinchliffe

Bill Hinchliffe was born on May 25, 1926, to William and Olive Hinchliffe on the family ranch in Kahlotus, Washington. He grew up helping his family farm 1,800 acres of dry wheat land alongside his parents and his five older sisters. Bill attended elementary school in Kahlotus in the close-knit community that molded his early years.

During his 7th-grade year, Bill's family faced a significant change when his mother passed away, and they sold their cherished farm. He then moved with his father to the small town of Waitsburg, Washington.

In 1943, as he approached his senior year of high school at the age of 17, he felt the call to serve his country and registered for the Navy. He found himself at the US Naval Training Station in Farragut, Idaho, embarking on a journey that would shape his future.

After completing basic training, Bill was assigned to Bremerton and then to the Fletcher Destroyer, the USS Hart (DD-594). It was aboard this ship that he served as a radioman, diligently deciphering and copying critical codes. Throughout his years of service, Bill demonstrated remarkable dedication and resilience, confronting the challenges of military life with a strong sense of duty and courage. He served in the Pacific Theatre during key battles at Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

When the war ended, Bill married his sweetheart, Frances Mae Foster, sealing their bond on December 18, 1948, in Dayton. The couple moved to Cheney, WA, where Bill studied education, and Frances pursued music, playing for dances to support the family. After graduating in 1950, Bill took his first teaching job in Washtucna, where he taught for two years before taking a year off to run the Grain Growers of Washtucna. During the summers, Bill continued to pursue his education earning his master's degree and principal's credentials from Eastern Washington University (EWU).

They started their family in 1954 with the birth of their son, Raymond Dean Hinchliffe. After moving to Othello, the family expanded with the arrival of their daughter, Cheryl Lynn Hinchliffe (Steberl), seven years later.

Bill was hired as the principal of Hiawatha Elementary School and lived in Othello for 11 years, where he also coached basketball and baseball. Afterward, he was elected as the principal of Jason Lee Elementary School in Richland. In 1978, he was chosen to help design and became the first principal of Tapteal Elementary School in West Richland. He retired in 1981, having spent a total of 31 years in education.

After retirement, Bill embraced a new chapter as a crop adjuster for a few years. Bill and Frances returned to Waitsburg in 1990. One of their most cherished passions was growing asparagus that he delighted in sharing with friends and neighbors. Bill and Frances's love story unfolded over an incredible 68 years together until Frances sadly passed away in 2016.

Family was the heartbeat of Bill's life; he cherished every moment spent in the mountains with his friends and family at the cabin he lovingly built on the South Touchet. Bill found beauty in nature, joy in bird hunting, fishing, and gathering with friends and family. His enthusiasm for storytelling around the campfire was infectious.

Bill enjoyed community service and was an outstanding educator, earning numerous honors and awards for his contributions throughout his lifetime. He served as Vice President of the Eastern Washington University (EWU) Alumni Association in 1966 and 1967 and as President in 1968 and 1969. He was also the past President of the Washington Education Association (WEA). Additionally, Bill dedicated his time to his community as a volunteer firefighter, a member of the Waitsburg City Council, and an Elder at the Waitsburg Presbyterian Church. He held the position of President of the Ambulance Board and was involved with the Lions Club, Elks Club, VFW, and the Commercial Club of Waitsburg. In his later years, Bill served as a Docent Guide at the Wilson Phillips House, where he led tours and educated visitors about the history of the Spanish-American War. In recognition of his exceptional service to children and the community, May 25, 1982, was proclaimed Bill Hinchliffe Day by Dan Rosier, Mayor of West Richland. Bill is also listed in the book "Who's Who in American Education."

Although Bill achieved many remarkable milestones, his family's love always remained his top priority. He shared an extraordinary bond with his sisters and their families.

Bill took immense pride in his son, Dean, and his athletic abilities. He attended every game, always in the stands to cheer him on during baseball games. They enjoyed playing catch, hunting, fishing, and discussing sports.

Bill also had a deep connection with his daughter, Cheryl, and held her husband, Mike, in high regard. His heart overflowed with joy for his granddaughters, Sarah and Mikayla. He eagerly took them to the cabin and attended all their basketball games, swim meets, and school events, truly relishing each celebration of their accomplishments.

In 2020, Bill returned to the Tri-Cities, where he was welcomed by his daughter, Cheryl, and son-in-law, Mike Steberl, of Kennewick. Bill lived a fulfilling life and passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025, at the remarkable age of 99, surrounded by family and friends.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, June 27th at 2 p.m. at the Waitsburg Cemetery on 8th Street. Celebration of Life will take place immediately following at the Waitsburg Town Hall. Corbeill Funeral Home of Dayton, WA has been entrusted with arrangements.

Bill leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and kindness, along with many special memories to cherish. He is survived by his son, Raymond Dean Hinchliffe of Richland; his daughter, Cheryl, and son-in-law, Mike Steberl of Kennewick; granddaughters Sarah Steberl (Rory Eskeli) of West Richland and Mikayla Steberl (Izzy Aleman) of Las Vegas; great-granddaughter Ava Eskeli; great-grandson Owen Eskeli; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Walla Walla VA, Elizabeth Eaton-Gamsby, Samantha Hayes, Special friends Debbie Duran, Terra Newbrough, Tri Cities Chaplaincy and the many Home Instead caregivers, friends and family who supported us all through this journey. Online condolences may be sent to http://www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com