William "Bill" Noah Whitlatch

William Noah Whitlatch, a spectacular man, took his final flight on Aug. 1, 2014. That flight was to heaven. Bill was born in Klamath Falls on Nov. 23, 1955, and was the third son of Barbara (Nyhart) and Paul Whitlatch. He graduated from Henley High School in 1974 with a full ride ROTC scholarship. However, Bill knew he wasn't one to conform, so ROTC was not to be. He attended Oregon State University in the forestry program and, because of his constant thirst to learn; he also attended Oregon Institute of Technology for many years in the winter months while working various jobs. He worked at the Weyerhaeuser Tree Farm, and in Woods and Plywood. But Bill had higher aspirations and on March 15, 1976, got his certificate as a student pilot. Later that year, on his 21st birthday, he received his private pilot's license. In 1977, he purchased a Taylor Craft airplane, rebuilt it and was off and flying. The next year, at 22 years old, he received his commercial pilot's license and later added his instrument rating along with numerous other endorsements. He apprenticed as a crop-duster for Howard Zweifel "Zeke," for one year and then worked for the Yancey family business Super Spray until 2007, when the company was bought by Macy's Flying Service, where Bill was working when he made his last flight. Bill did this job that he loved and was so skilled at for 35 years. While all of this flying was going on, he was matched up on a blind date by CarIa Yancey Sr. and her friend, Mary Rathbone. The match was set for Bill to meet Mary's daughter, Julie one fateful night in October 1987. The sales pitch to each of them was that it "would just be one date; how bad could it be." They both finally agreed and the movie "A Princess Bride" and dinner at Wong's afterward was the plan. Bill said that he knew after the first date that he was going to marry that girl and on March 18, 1989, with CarIa and Bob Yancey as witnesses and each of their parents in attendance, he did. Bill worked in the off season in California for many years and also in Australia twice a year for eight years. Julie joined him in Australia four times and in New Zealand once. They had a blast traveling, but both enjoyed being home together the most. He had many interests and talents. He was brilliant and strong. He loved cars and planes and was very instrumental in rebuilding a Corsair and Yak, both of which raced at The International Reno Air Races and other racing events. The first year Bill went to the Reno air races, he was 17 and he slept in his pickup instead of spending money on a room. He crewed on many planes and was the go-to-guy for many other participants. His standing in the racing community was more impressive than he would ever know. Many years, Bill and Julie attended lovely dinners with Moya Lear at her estate on the Truckee River. He went to the races every year for 41 years. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of history. He was an avid reader, often reading three books at a time. He built incredible rock walls that will stand the test of time. Probably most of all, Bill loved his wife and all of the pets they had over their 27 years together. Bill is survived by the love of his life, Julie; his mother, Barbara; brother, Dave; and nephews, Curt and Sam Whitlatch. He was preceded in death by his oldest brother, Dan Whitlatch; father, Paul Whitlatch, and grandparents. All of Bill's and Julie's friends are invited and encouraged to come to a celebration of his life on Friday, Aug. 15, at 10 a.m. in Merrill Civic Center at 365 Front St. in Merrill, Ore. Questions may be directed to Susan Petterson at 541-891-1223 or Carla Yancey at 541-891-8556. Donations may be made to the Klamath Humane Society, the National MS Society or the charity of your choice . Lastly, Julie, Barbara and Dave send a heartfelt thank you to the Tulelake Fire Department, Bob Kirby and Beth and Nick Macy for all they did for our Bill on his last day.

William "Bill" Noah Whitlatch

November 23, 1955 - August 1, 2014