William “Bill” Hale Esselstyn passed away on Aug. 2, 2017 at the age of 89 in Medford.
Bill was born in Echo on Sept. 21, 1927 to Clifford “Brick” Harlow Esselstyn and Clydie E. Esselstyn.
Bill graduated from Echo High School and attended the University of Washington. He also served in the Navy during WWII and was stationed in San Pedro, CA. Bill was a physical education Teacher and football coach in the Medford area where he later became co-owner of Barco Supply. He also was a basketball and football referee in the PAC 8 conference.
Bill lived in Echo, Medford, Portland, Woodburn, and Jacksonville Oregon, along with Dallas and McKinney Texas.
He was married to Mary L. Birrer (1949-1969), Betty Jean Martin (1970-2004), and Darlene Rivas (2006 – 2014). He is survived by 4 sons, William Douglas Esselstyn (Veneta, Oregon), Clifford Dwight Esselstyn and his wife Denise Esselstyn (Klamath Falls, Oregon), John Bradley Esselstyn (Tucson, Arizona), and Stuart Todd Esselstyn and his wife Heidi May (Kirkland, Washington). He is survived by 1 step-son, Rick Martin (Henderson, Nevada). Bill has 5 grandchildren Chadwick Willard, Melissa Esselstyn, Brandon Esselstyn, Anthony Esselstyn, and Andrew Esselstyn. He has 3 great grandchildren, Ethan Huddleston, Drake Willard, and Haley Willard.
Bill is predeceased by the love of his life Betty Jean Martin, his parents Brick and Clydie, his sister Betty Clayton, uncle Rod Esselstyn and his granddaughter Kristy Huddleston.
A graveside service will be held at the Echo Cemetery, 1000 Echo Cemetery Road, Echo at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2017.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of local arrangements.
