Our beloved husband and father, Bill Pickerel passed away unexpectedly at the age of 65 while living life to the fullest surrounded by his wife and close friends.

Bill was born in Spokane, WA on December 28, 1956, to Jack and Betty Pickerel.  He was the second eldest of four children raised in Usk, Washington.  He enjoyed growing up on the family farm and developed a strong passion for the outdoors and whatever sport was in season.  A proud Cusick Panther, he graduated in 1975 as valedictorian of his class.  On September 25, 1978, Bill married the love of his life, Penny and they soon thereafter had their daughters, Nicole Mae and Shawnee Dawn.  An incredibly proud father, Bill spent countless hours supporting his girls' interests, whether in the gym, at the arena, or on the field.  And in turn, his family supported him traveling to basketball and softball tournaments all over the Northwest.  Playing for The Crossroads with lifelong friends, Bill acted as a leader and one of the driving forces behind a very long and successful run.  Bill worked his entire career as a lineman for the Pend Oreille County PUD#1 and retired after 30 years of service at the age of 50.  Retiring at such a young age gave him the opportunity to pursue his passions of spending time with his friends on the golf course and traveling with family.   Bill was a staple in the community, volunteering his time with the Rodeo Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Pend Oreille County Sportsmen's Club and coaching baseball, softball and golf.

Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Joe Pickerel, his father, Jess Pickerel, his brother-in-law, Curt Stewart and his mother, Betty Pickerel.

Bill is survived by his wife Penny Pickerel, his children Nicole Pugh (Scott) and Shawnee Lanphear (Levi), grandson Hank Lanphear, his siblings Carol Stewart and Jack Pickerel (Jen), nephews Jess Stewart, Burke Palmer, Lake Pickerel and Henry Thompson.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday February 12 ^th at 10am at the Priest River Event Center.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation or The Cusick High School Athletic Department.

Sherman-Campbell Funeral & Cremation Services in Priest River is in charge of arrangements.  Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at shermancampbell.com .