Obituary

William Franklin Filbert passed away on June 13, 2023. Bill was born June 30, 1949, in Bellingham, WA to parents Wilda and Benjamin.

He was raised in Deming, WA until he graduated from Mount Baker High School in 1967. Bill especially enjoyed the FFA program, through it he learned how to work on and run many types of equipment, igniting the passion that would lead to many careers.

After graduation he worked at Uniflite for a short time before moving to the Quinault area to begin his career in the logging business. He next moved to Alaska to work in the log camps as a log truck driver. This made Bill want to have his own trucks, so he moved to Chimacum WA and began his own company, eventually moving his business to Port Angeles WA. When the logging started to slow down on the Peninsula, he sold his business and moved his family back to Ketchikan to work in the log camps again, this time as a mechanic. Bill also worked at the shipyard while living there. In 1991 the family moved back to the family home in Deming. He worked mostly in Skagit County after moving back in many fields, mechanic, welder, fabricator, and dump truck driver.

In his off time, Bill enjoyed working on hotrods and muscle cars, shooting, hunting, riding his Harley, playing pool, being in the Corvette club and building cannons.

Bill is survived by his wife Cindy of 40 years, daughter Lynette Filbert-Chance(Ken), son Steve Hendricks, son Troy Filbert(Ashlie) and daughter Jessica Filbert. He also leaves behind seven granddaughters Felicia Stewart, Celina Cole, Jordyn Elling, Amanda Filbert, Ellie Filbert, Emma Filbert, one grandson Jaxson Filbert, as well as eight great-grandsons and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by sisters Rena Lockwood and Rhonda Teszeri(Jerry).

He is preceded in death by parents Benjamin Filbert, Wilda and Harold Lockwood, brother Ben and granddaughter April.

Each of Bill’s children have a special memory they wanted to share:

Steve’s was working in the log camp in Alaska and partying in Ketchikan with him on their days off.

Troy’s was when he said he couldn’t go to work with him but ended up taking him anyway. If it wasn’t for that he would not be the man he is today.

Jessica’s was their first father daughter date to the monster trucks.

Bill was a good friend to many and would help anyone in need. He was considered the life of the party; he always had a story or a joke to tell. Being a jokester was part of his personality. He will be dearly missed.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Bill on September 9th, at the Deming Logging Show grounds. Camping will be available, for more information please call 360-746-5431, 360-592-0739, or 360-592-5441.