William Maxwell Jenkins

88, died peacefully on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 at his home on Bainbridge Island, surrounded by his family and the land around him that he often referred to as "God's country." Bill believed that "the best of times is now" and daily lived that motto. Whether a member of his family, a friend of 60 years, or a new acquaintance, all enjoyed his grace, style, humor, and wit. Bill's indomitable presence and his ability to drink in life in big gulps charmed us all.Born in Sultan, Washington, the son of Warren and Louise Jenkins, Bill spent his early life in Everett, Washington and was a 1937 graduate of Everett High School. Bill graduated from the University of Washington in 1941, where, as he liked to say, "I majored in fraternity (Alpha Delta Phi) and crew." He received his MBA from Harvard University in 1943. Before Bill could don his graduate school cap and gown, he volunteered to join the U.S. Navy.During WWII, the Navy selected Bill to be a part of the Navy Combat Demolition Unit, a precursor to the Navy SEALs. Bill landed at Omaha Beach on D-Day. Under enemy fire, with the fearlessness he exhibited throughout his life, Bill and his unit cleared gaps on the obstacle-laden beach. For his heroism, Bill was awarded the Navy Cross and the Croix d'Guerre with Palm.Bill returned to the Northwest after the war to begin his banking career. In 1945 he married Betty Taber (now Bottler). Together they had seven wonderful children. Bill began his banking career as a trainee in the credit department of Seattle First-International Bank, or Seafirst, in 1945. He was Chairman of the Everett Trust and Savings Bank from 1956 to 1961. In 1962 he was named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Seafirst and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1982. Under his leadership, Seafirst became the dominant bank in the Northwest, eventually becoming one of the top ten most profitable banks in America.Embracing retirement with characteristic passion, optimism, and love of life, Bill married Ann Ramsay-Jenkins in 1987. Together, they traveled the world, played tennis, and boated in the waters of the Puget Sound and beyond.During Bill's banking career and during retirement, he served on the board of directors of many corporations, among them, United Airlines, Pacific Northwest Bell, Safeco, and Scott Paper. Additionally, he was a past-President of the Association of Reserve City Bankers, an association comprised of the nation's top 400 bankers. Bill was a lifelong Husky football fan and also delighted in his membership in many social clubs, among them, the Rainier Club, the University Club, the Seattle Tennis Club, the York Harbor Reading Room, and the Thunderbird Country Club. Bill was also Chief of Tribe of Soyp for 21 years.Bill also generously gave of his time and his money to many charitable causes, including the 5th Avenue Theatre, where he was a catalyst for the theater's renovation and served for many years on its board of directors, and Children's Orthopedic Hospital, where his fundraising prowess set fundraising records. He also served on the board of directors of Everett General Hospital and supported the Seattle Repertory Theater, the United Way of King County, the Seattle Symphony and Book-It Repertory Theater.Bill is survived by his wife, Ann Ramsay-Jenkins, his children: Cordy Beckstead of Wenatchee; Ann Rohrbacher of Goldendale; William Jenkins of Seattle; Karen Olanna of Nome, Alaska; Peter Jenkins of Bethesda, Maryland; David Jenkins of Lantana, Florida; Barbara Jenkins of Shoreline; and Ann's son, Adam Cornell of Edmonds.He is survived by 20 grandchildren: Blake, David, Laura, and Philip Rohrbacher; Sarah Knoop; Lee Nowogroski; Brooke Jenkins; Kyan, Brons, and Charlie Olanna; Tonya Robb; Turner and Gib Jenkins and Patrick and Liam Donovan-Jenkins; Robert, Chris, and Nicole Jenkins; and Tomas and Tovar Sanchez. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren with three more on the way.At the request of the family, remembrances may be made to the William M. Jenkins and Ann Ramsay-Jenkins Endowed Scholarship Fund, College Success Foundation, 1605 NW Sammamish Road, Suite 100, Issaquah, Washington. The foundation provides college scholarships and mentoring to low-income, high potential students.A reception will be held on Monday, July 16, 2007 from 4-6 PM at the Men's University Club, 1004 Boren Avenue, Seattle, WA. (map). A private interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery.Arrangements by Cook Family Funeral Home.