Person:William O'Neil (1)

    William J. O'Neil was born August 23, 1921, in Lynden, on the property that was homesteaded by his grandparents, Edward and Mary Jane O'Neil. He was the son of Everett Price and Etta O'Neil Price. His mother died when he was very young and he was raised by his grandparents and later adopted by his aunt, Grace O'Neil.
    William graduated from Lynden High School in 1939 and was enrolled at Western Washington College of Education from 1939 to 1942, when he was called to military duty. William served as a first lieutenant and discharged as a Captain. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and European Theater Ribbon, with four campaign stars. He was a captain in the National Guard for several years after returning home. In 1942 William married his high school sweetheart and they were able to spend several months together in California before his battalion was called for active duty. 
    After release from the Army, he returned to WWCE to complete his Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1946 and his Masters in Education in 1953. William completed course work and examinations for a PhD in Educational Administration at Washington State University from 1954-1955, while teaching at the University of Idaho. (No thesis) He taught in the Lynden Public Schools for two years before becoming Whatcom County Superintendent of Schools in 1948. William joined the staff at WWCE and served in a variety of administrative roles, including Admission's Officer, Registrar, Vice Provost of Academic Administration, and Director of Summer Session. His retirement was in 1978.
    William was involved in community activities including: former member and past president of Bellingham Country Club, member of Veterans' of Foreign Wars, Board Trustee member of Whatcom Community College, and Board member of St. Joseph's Hospital.
    After retirement, William found special joy identifying the birds that visited his many backyard feeders. He was entertained daily by the acrobatic feats of the squirrels as they jumped from branch to branch. He and his wife enjoyed traveling with friends, purchasing Santas from different countries to add to their collection.

WWII USO tour of Bing Crosby

Luannis Taylor and William O'Neil wedding photo