William Charles Roberts

William Charles “Bill” Roberts, 75, entered Heaven peacefully at his home in Cle Elum on Saturday, January 15, 2022 with his loving family by his side. Details regarding a spring Celebration of Life will be announced.

Bill was born in Seattle to Mary Kay Watts and Lesly Danielson. He grew up in Lakeridge and graduated from Renton High School in 1964. He attended Highline Community College before serving in the United States Air Force. Upon returning from active service, Bill started his career in business management with Kmart. Bill had a wonderful career with McDonald’s Corporation spanning 17 years that started in Seattle and led him to McDonald’s headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. Longing to return to Seattle, he spent the next eight years owning and operating four of his own McDonald’s franchises in the Seattle area.

Bill married the love of his life, Debbie Brink, on April 17, 1971 in the Lakeridge Lutheran Church. They raised two daughters, Amy and Erin, who were the light of Bill’s life. Later he welcomed two sons-in-law, Tyler and Dan, into the family. Bill and Debbie were blessed with seven granddaughters ranging in age from 6-18 years old. Madyson, Lauren, Julia, Shea, Josie, Macy and Mackenzie brought immeasurable joy and life to Bill. Even during his battle with cancer, he enjoyed watching them grow, and he poured time, energy, and love into them.

In retirement, Bill and Debbie became snowbirds, spending the winters at their home in Arizona. Bill loved spending time there playing golf with all his beloved golfing buddies and socializing with his many friends. Life was good.

Bill was a son, husband, father, Grampie and a dear friend to many. He loved to be active playing golf, skiing, fly fishing, playing and refereeing basketball and baseball, and walking his beloved dogs. He also loved cheering on his girls during their amazing soccer careers and then all his granddaughters as they began to play sports.

Bill’s greatest joy and legacy was his family and his love of family. He did everything with a spirit of excellence and hard work. He valued people, had a great sense of humor, and looked for ways to impart wisdom and leadership to a younger generation, whether it was in business, raising a family or out on the golf course.

He, as Ronald Reagan said, “lived simply, loved generously, cared deeply, spoke kindly and left the rest to God.”

Bill is survived by his wife Debbie, their two daughters, two sons in law and seven granddaughters.

Rest in peace Dad. We carry you in our hearts forever. We will all be together again one day. We love you.

Memorial contributions in Bill’s honor are suggested to your local Humane Society, First Tee (www.firsttee.org/donate) or the Alzheimer’s Foundation (www.alz.org/donate).

Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Cle Elum has been entrusted with caring for Bill and his family.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com