This weekend, at the Pumpkin Ridge Golf Course in North Plains, Oregon, a Hillsboro man will be lovingly remembered and his life celebrated. Not just any man but someone who was a local legend in more ways than one. As a local historian and journalist, I often make oral histories with people who have set the bar and can be looked to for what “the Hillsboro Way” means. When I asked a broad spectrum of residents a few years ago who should be the first person I met with, they almost all said Will Crandall. Now, those good folks sent me his way for many reasons. Some of the reasons I knew from my youth, where I had encountered Will as a local store owner. But by the time the interview we did was done, and the coffee we shared was gone, it all became clearer.
This man’s life and the family, businesses, and community he helped build were robust. From his early days in greater Hillsboro to the Navy in WW II to his family and kids and his many community leadership roles, Will lived one of the fullest lives ever! It would be easy to opine that this man was a giant. He was humble, fun, energetic, smart, loving, caring, supportive, and so much more. We even have a water reservoir named after him.
Will passed away peacefully in Hillsboro, Oregon, on May 29th, 2024, just after his 99th Birthday. It was a successful and incredible run around the bases he surely had.
By reading the Celebration of Life brochure below, you will learn more. If you knew Will, this is a gentle reminder of some of the things he did in his life. If you didn’t, you should! The Familly and Will invite you to his Celebration of Life.
The information is as follows:
- Will (Bill) Crandall’s Celebration of Life
- June 23rd, 2024, SUNDAY -3 to 5 PM
- Pumpkin Ridge Golf Course – 12930 NW Pumpkin Ridge Road, North Plains, Oregon (click for map)
- Refreshments served
Here are a few photos of Will Crandall to share with you all.
Thanks for the added praise of one great man. I worked for Bill during his Plaza V era, and remained in touch up until his last days. He taught me so much and helped me become a better person. Many people were pointed in the right direction with his friendship. Always a happy boss, and he made life fun. I will miss him dearly.
Thank you, Dirk. A very nice article that summarizes Will Crandall’s life and touches upon the unselfish way that he so lovingly lived. I also knew Will from a young age when we shopped at his store, and when he coached my sister’s softball team. The Henningsen children and grandchildren were blessed to know him better after he married our Mom in 1989. He lived a full and happy life!
I am so sorry ‘girls’ that I can not attend your celebration of Bill’s life this Sunday. Please know that my heart is with you all. Bill and my dad were very good friends. He was even Best Man in my parents wedding and they played alot of baseball together, with my dad catching. I remember alot of get togethers with your family and mine when we were young.
Take care.
Linda Halvorson Wahlberg