William Truax

On Tuesday, September 29, 2020, William “Bill” Truax went to Heaven at the age of 89. He passed away at Mt. Rainier while having a picnic with the love of his life, his wife Kathy. Bill was born September 3, 1931 in Minot, North Dakota to Theodore and Florence (Lutgen) Truax. His family moved to Edmonds, Washington where he graduated from Edmonds High School. He attended University of Washington and received a degree in Forestry before serving two years in the Army.

Bill started his career in forestry in Steilacoom, WA at West Tacoma News Print. After his first year there, he married Kathleen “Kathy” Kinzner of Tacoma, WA, and they spent the next 62 years together raising a family, exploring the pacific NW, and generously opening their home to family and friends. His 37-year career took the family to Montesano, WA and Corvallis, OR. After retirement from Boise Cascade, he and Kathy returned to Washington state and had the opportunity to take several cruises and trips all over the world.

Family was everything to Bill. He enjoyed hosting gatherings and preserved these memories through pictures and home videos. He instilled a love for the outdoors in his children and grandchildren and was proud that many of them carried on his forestry legacy. He also enjoyed researching family genealogy, loved the hunt of finding treasures at garage sales, and always liked learning new things. Above all, he loved to pass on his strong Catholic faith.

Bill was full of life and energy until his last breath. Even in his later years, he remained physically fit and could frequently be found walking, gardening, and helping his children with projects.  He was an active member in the Knights of Columbus, a volunteer for the Saint Vincent DePaul Clothing Bank, a leading supporter of the Thurston and Mason County Republican Party chapters, and a recipient of the Golden Membership Award from the Society of American Foresters.

He will be remembered as a loving husband, a wonderful father, a close friend, an ardent Republican and a devoted Catholic.

He is survived by his wife Kathy and 7 children: Kathy Hall (David), Steve Truax, Doug (Julie) Truax, Paul (Teri) Truax, Laurie Kinney, John (Wendy) Truax, and Tim (Teresa) Truax. He is also survived by two brothers, David and Mike (Barbara) Truax, Jeanice Bly, and Elizabeth (Ted) Templeton, as well as 15 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, October 12th, 2020 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Olympia and can be viewed at noon at https://saintmichaelparish.org. Please leave online condolences at www.GaffneyCares.com.