Samuel W. 'Bill' Whitson, 84

Samuel W. “Bill” Whitson, 84, of Sandpoint, Idaho, died Sunday, April 11, 2010, at Bonner General Hospital.

He was born Dec. 18, 1925 in Stamford, Conn. He was raised on Long Island, New York, and following his schooling enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served as a submariner during World War II in the Pacific Theater.

Following his discharge he moved to California and for a time worked in the aircraft industry. He later worked as a fireman in the Glendale, Calif., fire department for 30 years retiring as a captain.

Bill was an avid baseball fan and had played minor league ball in the Dodger’s organization.

He married Juanita, his beloved wife, in 1962.

They lived in California until his retirement when they moved to Garfield Bay. In 2008 they moved into Sandpoint.

 Bill was a member of the Elks, enjoyed reading, and loved golf.

He is survived by his wife, Juanita; six children, Sharon (George) Clute of Seal Beach, Calif., Cynthia (Jerry) Pasco of Los Angeles, Calif., Debi (Bill) Moio, Doug ( Diana) Dishong, both of Sandpoint, Idaho, Zachary (Sherry) Whitson of Moyie Springs, Idaho, and Suzanne (Mark) Reynolds; and 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.

Private services will be held at a later time.

Family and friends are invited to sign Bill’s online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.