William Joseph Goodanetz

William Joseph Goodanetz

William Joseph Goodanetz (Bill) was born on July 11, 1926, to Russian immigrants in Aberdeen, Wash. On July 3, 2018, while in the arms of his devoted and loving wife Cynthia he slipped away into eternal rest. He will be greatly missed.

Bill was a true Renaissance man. He could build or create anything. He built several homes while working his career as an instrumentation specialist. A great artist. A Rotarian. He worked tirelessly and was more generous than anyone could ever imagine! He was an accomplished cook. He loved his Russian specialties and passed his culinary knowledge to his children and grandchildren.

He recently was blessed with a family reunion complete with all his favorite foods lovingly prepared by his family. He was a fabulous teller of stories and knew many. His favorites were of those idyllic days of youth on the New Mexico prairie at the time of the Great Depression. He recorded his life stories for his family. He loved animals and anything with Jack London.

World War II took his family to California where he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on the Antietam in the Pacific Theater. After the war he relocated to Petaluma, Calif., and met and married Phyllis Applequist. They raised four children together and developed Pine Tree Farm. He was well known in the community and had many friends. His unconditional love was a fortress.

“Annie’s Song” by John Denver best describes how he impacted my life: “You fill up my senses, Like a night in the forest, Like the mountains in springtime, Like a walk in the rain, Like a storm in the desert, Like a sleepy blue ocean, You fill up my senses, Come fill me again. Come let me love you, Let me give my life to you, Let me drown in your laughter, Let me die in your arms, Let me lay down beside you, Let me always be with you, Come let me love you, Come love me again.”

He was devoted to his family whom he loved dearly.

Bill is survived by his wife of 25 years, Cynthia; his daughters Deborah (Lynn) Souza and Andrea (Brandon) Thompson. He leaves his only son William (Judy) Goodanetz and stepdaughter Sara Cadra. Bill was proud of his grandchildren Amanda, Hailey, Jessica, Kaila, Larissa, Michael, Blain, Kent, Kali and Richelle. He also loved dearly his great-grandchildren Julianna, Nikolia, Griffin and Lucy. He leaves his only brother Eugene and many cousins, nieces and nephews. There was a special place in his heart for so many … Roberto & Rosina.

Bill was preceded in death by parents William Adam and Constance, both of Russia. Also, predeceased by his first wife Phyllis Applequist, grandson Sean and his daughter Julia.

In lieu of flowers a scholarship will be opened in his name for someone wanting to become a steam fitter/plumber. Donations can be mailed to The Bonner Ferry Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 1921, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805.

A celebration of life will be held in Cali-fornia at a later date.

Bill was deeply loved, honored and cherished just a promised.

Family and friends are invited to sign Bill’s online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.