William Chalmer Nance

On April 14th, 1936, Bill Nance was born to Chalmer and Frances Nance in Spokane, WA. He and his brother Bob grew up playing football and other sports, as well as spending many summers working on farms in Montana. It was here he developed his love for hunting, fishing, and the outdoors.

After graduating High School and a short stint in the US Army, he moved to Yakima, WA where he met his wife Marvalee. They were married in 1960. Shortly afterward he joined the Yakima Police Dept. where he served for 20 years as a Patrolman, Detective, and his favorite, a Motorcycle Officer. After retiring, he went to work for the US Marshall's Service as a Court Security Officer in both Yakima and Portland, OR.

Having worked outside in Montana as a youth, he decided to try his hand at orcharding. With his wife and brother Bob, they purchased a parcel of apples and pears in Selah, which they called "BMB Orchards", after the three of them.

Ranch life was good, but when grandchildren started arriving, Bill and Marvalee packed up and moved to Vancouver, WA, to be closer to their daughter Suzi, her husband Kevin, and their growing family. "Papa" Bill absolutely doted on his grandchildren, Maddie and Adam.

After many years, friends, and good memories, Bill & Marvalee and Suzi & Kevin all moved North to a property on Bainbridge Island. Suzi and Kevin (and the occasional grand-kid) in the large house. Bill and Marvalee in the carriage house just across the driveway.

Throughout his life, Bill was the consummate Armchair Outdoorsman. His "office" was packed full of duck and fish pictures, sporting trophies, and pocket knives.

But his real hobby was people. Like his father Chalmer, Bill had a gift for remembering names and details about those he met, and for always having a story to tell. Rather than online banking, mail-order prescriptions, or leaving a letter in the mailbox, he preferred to go down to the bank/pharmacy/post office to do it in person. So he could talk with the people there.

His passing at home was quiet and peaceful, as he wished. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marvalee, two younger siblings Lorri and Craig, his son Scott, his daughter Suzi Jones and husband Kevin, and two grandchildren, Madison and Adam Jones. 

Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA.