Family wishes to announce the recent passing of William Benjamin Middleton at his home on April 12, 2017. He passed peacefully and comfortably amongst his immediate family.
Originally from Hendersonville, North Carolina, Bill (also Bud or Red to family and friends) served two years with the U.S. Navy at the conclusion of World War II then moved west to Washington not long after leaving the service. He held different jobs while living in Aberdeen, Seattle and for a short stint in Alaska, before marrying the former Mary Barber in October 1963 and settling in Whatcom County. Bill and Mary moved into and remained at their residence for more than 50 years, farming their 20-acre homesite, while Bill also spent more than 20 years working potlines at Intalco Aluminum of Ferndale.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife in 2010, his father Joseph and mother Goldie, his older brother Jake, and three younger siblings, Jean, Shirley and David.
He is survived by his two children, Michael Middleton and Kelly Sweitzer and their spouses, Stacy and David; younger siblings Robert, Kenneth, Donald and Brenda; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
A memorial service is planned for June 17 in Greenacres Memorial Park.
