William "Bill" Imholt III's Obituary
William “Bill” Imholt III (AKA, Billy, Boomer, Boy) was born July 30th, 1954 at Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, California To William “Bill” Imholt Jr. and Carol “TD” Blackmore Imholt. The young Imholt family had a dizzy few years of moves from California to Maryland where his little sister Mandy was born 17 months after him, then back to Palo Alto, Ventura, San Marino to Philadelphia, and back to San Marino, again, then Alamo, California. The one bonus was that Bill could recycle his book report on “PT109” many times. He had a magnetic personality and was able to make friends easily with each move. His ease at making anyone a friend was something that stayed with him through his entire life. Settling permanently in Lakewood, WA, the Imholts were able to finally build roots. In fact, Bill only owned three homes in his lifetime, each mere blocks from the other.
Bill had an idyllic California boyhood, having adventures with his maternal grandparents Gib & Carolyn Blackmore in Colusa, CA where they introduced him to shooting sports, duck hunting and their pack of hunting dogs, solidifying his love for dogs at an early age. He loved that ranch and any time he was able to spend there. He also spent fun times with his paternal grandparents William “Duke” and Maurine Imholt in the Bay Area, as well as his aunt Holly and his favorite cousin Margy.
His teenage years in Lakewood were spent on Steilacoom Lake at his family home, driving the boat to Junior High at Hudtloff Junior High School, waterskiing shenanigans with his friends, and many parties at the Imholt house while in High School at Clover Park. He loved all lake activities: swimming, boating, waterskiing and waterskiing competitions. Bill was happiest on the water. Some Bill-legends include driving a motorcycle through the Clover Park Pharmacy doors and knocking over the Leggs pantyhose display, a beer keg set on a waterbed in his bedroom causing a flood of water through the house, an outboard motor being rebuilt in that same bedroom, and his dad yelling “down ten, boy” when the noise of partying teenagers became too loud. He had a gift for storytelling and swearing, and his parties were legendary, the music was impeccable (shout out to the Marcus Pond band), and the friendships formed would last a lifetime. His high school antics worried his mother so much that when it was near graduation time (Class of ’73), she paid a visit to the principal to make sure he was going to graduate. The principal’s response “Oh yes, Mrs. Imholt, we don’t want him back.”
Bill attended WSU (Go Cougs!) but would make the journey home every weekend to work at the Safeway in Lakewood, but only after stopping in Idaho to pick up Coors Banquet Beer for resale to prominent Lakewood parents, who shall remain anonymous. He loved working from an early age and much preferred that to sitting in a college lecture. He started his long career in the grocery industry as a food broker which led to spending nearly two decades at the Keebler Company. He was a talented salesman and manager and spent the last twenty years in the HVAC Industry. He loved his teams and his customers and they loved him. It wasn’t about the industry or the product, it was always about the people. Again, more lifelong friendships were formed.
Bill’s grandfather, Gib Blackmore started a family tradition of taking the entire family to Hawaii each year, starting in the late 70s. While the kids were in the pool or ocean, Gib and Bill were happiest on the range turning clay pigeons to dust clouds for The Makaha Indian Gun Club. Bill was even the High Chief one year. Maui was his favorite island, having recently visited in January to celebrate his 30th wedding anniversary with his wife, Doreen. There were also annual camping trips where Bill, his kids, His brother-in-law and nephews, and his Dad traveled to the four corners of Washington state, among other destinations. He always had a playlist planned out or freshly purchased CDs for the drive; Doobie Brothers, Neil Young, Poco, Little Village, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Allman Brothers, Beach Boys, Huey Lewis and the News, Eric Clapton, Robin Trower, Brian Auger and the list can go on forever. He loved to drive and always wanted to be the driver. After years of only being able to drive company cars, he was so excited when he was finally able to buy a Ford truck, which he loved. He valued time spent with his buddies, on the water, in the backyard, or just some random place, it really didn’t matter as long as they were together (you know who you are and he loves you.)
Bill was a loving and devoted husband of thirty years, a proud father of five and “GB” to 5 grandchildren, and cat dad to Lulu. He was a dog lover all his life, with a particular love for Labradors, but he had a special place in his heart for his cat.
Bill was a loyal friend and was the guy you wanted in your corner. He’ll be remembered for his “Billy hugs”, quick wit, great laugh, and for being unapologetically himself. Bill loved well and will be loved by all who were lucky enough to have known him. Beer or bourbon can be consumed in his honor. His loving family includes his wife, Doreen, sister Mandy Candler (Catfish), his Children: Tricia Parsons (Brian), Jennifer, Andrew (Liz), Teresa King (Ross), Paul (Jasmine) and grandchildren: Natalie & Maura Imholt, Paul & Rita King and Amelia Imholt, cousin Margaret Holiday (Deborah) Nephews & Nieces: Paul, John, & Sally Candler, Laura Haynes, Carissa & Drew Peters. He is also survived by a tremendous wealth of friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tacoma Humane Society.
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