William "Willie" Roy Scates Jr

William “Willie” Roy Scates Jr passed away at age of 88 at home surrounded by his wife June and son Neil by his side. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He will be missed by all.

Born at home in Spokane, WA to parents William Roy Scates and Hazel Zenna (Schwarz). Growing up with 4 sisters, attended Arlington Grade School and John Rhodes High, graduating in 1956.

He lived, loved, and worked in Spokane most of his life. He married his first wife Donna M Spitzer and had two children, Neil and Jaya (Relihan). He owned a service station on W Francis. He then moved to California for a new job offer in 1987 where he met and then married June (Rice) on June 5^th, 1993. He resided, made many friends, enjoyed life until he retired and moved back to the great PNW. The family settled in Deer Park on 29 acres where he and June enjoyed 23 years together until Alzheimer’s took him from us.

Bill’s passions were dirt biking with his son and friends in his earlier years, hunting and fishing, and working with a chainsaw. He enjoyed making friends, had a great sense of humor, and hanging out with his high school friends t the Spokane Eagles in the afternoon.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Orpha Jean, Maxine, Delores, and Linda, granddaughter Sunny and stepdaughter Debra. He is survived by wife June, son Neil (Shanna), Jaya (Pat) Relihan, stepchildren Teresa (Jeff) Newcomb, and Daniel (Marie) Rice, 13 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, several nephews and nieces.

The family would like to express their thanks for all the support everyone has shown us and who loved Bill.