William Reymer

William Reymer passed away on Feb. 25, 2017, in Columbus. He was born in Billings on Feb. 23, 1921. He began working in his father's machine shop, Reymer Machine, while in high school. He graduated from Billings High in 1938 and attended Gonzaga University for two years. Bill entered the U.S. Army in 1942. Basic training was at Camp Rucker, Alabama, with the 81st Division. Later, he was transferred to the 89th Infantry Division. He was a machine gun squad leader. His company was engaged in combat in Germany. After his service discharge in January 1946, Bill returned to work in his father's shop as the parts manager.

Bill married Genevieve Visser on April 17, 1956, in Great Falls. Having a desire to live and work in other parts of the west, Bill, Gen and daughter Suzanne moved to Denver in 1962, where he was employed by Hendrie and Boltoff, a large 100-year-old wholesale hardware. The family moved to Seattle in 1966 to work for Boeing. Instead, Bill found employment with another venerable wholesaler, Seattle Hardware.

Upon retirement, he turned his attention toward gardening and, like his father before him, grew beautiful roses. Another interest was helping the Matt Talbot Addiction Ministry. Bill and Gen took many trips during retirement, stopping at hot springs along the way. They enjoyed daily walks along the shores of Lake Washington. Bill also loved sports, especially Seattle Mariners baseball and University of Washington football. Over the years, daughter Suzanne provided Gen and Bill with much happiness and joy. In 2000, Bill and Gen moved back to Billings to be with their daughter, other family and friends. He took care of his wife as her health declined, until her passing in 2009.

Bill was always a giver. He was known for his Chex party mix at Christmas that friends and family waited for all year. In later years, he became the Candy Man. He always had a piece of candy for clerks, wait staff, pharmacists, nurses to brighten their day. Bill brightened the lives of everyone who got to know him.

Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 28, at Billings Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 2032 Central Ave.

Spouse: Genevieve (deceased)

Father: Otto (deceased)

Mother: Elizabeth (deceased)

Son: William Patrick (infant son deceased)

Brother: Otto, Jr. (deceased)

Sister: Elizabeth Kapinos (deceased)

Daughter: Suzanne Reymer

Sister: Pauline Mellon (Renton, WA)

Nieces: Pat Culver (Bozeman, MT), Christine Mellon (Seattle, WA)

Nephews: Mike Reymer (San Diego, CA), James Mellon, Jr. (Monroe, WA), Richard Mellon (Anacortes, WA)