ends, died April 20, 2006, two days shy of his 75th birthday. He was a long-term resident of Tahlequah.

Born in Montesano and raised in Centralia, Wash., Mr. Mish was a banker, real estate agent, president of the Vashon Island Golf and Country Club and the South End Community Club, a volunteer firefighter and a volunteer at the Vashon-Maury Island Community Food Bank.

He was a veteran of the Korean War.

Perhaps his most interesting accomplishment was as a water witch. More than 100 of the Island’s wells were placed by Bill. His Womish Water System still provides water to a number of Tahlequah homes. 

In college at Washington State University, Mr. Mish was president of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. He wooed, with his wonderfully deep singing voice, the President of Kappa Delta Sorority, Nancy Lee Reed. They were married in 1955 at the Episcopal Church on Vashon, following his graduation in general studies and hers in sociology. 

They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary shortly before her death in July 2005.

Survivors include two sons, Douglas Mish and David Mish, a grandson, Jesse James Mish and a former daughter-in-law, Judy Mish, all of Vashon. 

His parents, Natalie and William Mish of Centralia, died earlier.

A celebration of his life will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 21, at he South End Community Club.

Call 463-2274 for details.