William “Bill” Meade of Hermiston died on July 9, 2022 in Pendleton at the age of 84.
He was born on Dec. 18, 1937 in Stanfield to Jess and Gladys Meade.
He grew up working on the family farm, playing sports and attending school. As a graduating senior, he was class president and student athlete of the year. Relationships established during Bill’s youth became lifelong friendships. Bill attended college at Eastern Oregon University, where he also played baseball. If you ever asked Bill how a guy his size could throw a 90-mph fastball, he’d smile and tell you a little story about growing up as a young Stanfield farm boy milking cows. Bill was a standout high school and college athlete whom many felt had the potential to play in the big leagues. However, Bill chose family and love over his athletic aspirations.
In 1957, Bill met the true love of his life, Barbara. A year later they married and relocated to the Seattle, Wash. area, where Bill had found employment working for the largest volume grocery retailer at the time in the Pacific Northwest, Grocery Boys. Bill worked his way up the ranks from night crew to store manager. Bill and Barbara started their family with the birth of their first son, David, followed four years later by the birth of their second son, Mitchell. After some time, Bill left grocery retail management for a consulting and advertising manager opportunity for two different grocery retail advertising groups, Family Grocer and Red Apple Markets. Bill played an integral role in the development of the Red Apple Market program.
Bill’s job required frequent travel within the Pacific and Inland Northwest, where he would regularly meet and work directly with various member store owners. While networking and building relationships with member store owners, Bill gained interest in eventually owning a store of his own.
In 1992, Bill and Barbara realized the American dream and purchased Key Buy Foods in Umatilla. Bill ultimately chose this location based on the potential for growth within the community. Bill had a simple operational philosophy – to provide quality products and services at fair prices while providing for a pleasant shopping experience. Having remodeled the store and naming it Columbia Red Apple Market, they operated within this format for the following 12 years. In 2008, they again remodeled the store to become what it is today, Columbia Harvest Foods. As a result of his hard work, dedication and success, Bill was named Business Person of the Year on three separate occasions.
From his prior experiences working with different store owners, Bill also understood the value in supporting and involving himself in the local community. It was in Bill’s genuine nature to help others become successful. In their own quiet and unassuming way, Bill and Barbara gave back to their community in so many ways. Bill hosted and assisted local fundraising efforts for the school district, and donated to local events and organizations, children’s hospitals, non-profit organizations, and other local charities. Bill was also a proud sponsor of the Umatilla County Farm City Pro Rodeo.
Bill invested over 17 consecutive years to the city of Umatilla, working in various capacities of public service such as chamber board member, planning commission member, city councilor and city council president. For a brief time, Bill served as the acting mayor of Umatilla. Over the years, Bill Meade became a respected household name throughout the area, and his leadership and advice were regularly sought out by local and area public officials. He was a pretty easy guy to find – just look for the 35-foot cowboy.
Bill enjoyed having the flexibility of being a business owner, as it allowed him the opportunity to do what he loved most, spending time with his family. When Bill wasn’t running a business or providing guidance and advice to city officials, he was spending time with those he loved most and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. Bill was a true competitor and advocate of local high school athletics. He believed organized sports taught children healthy and valuable life lessons, such as teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship and work ethic.
He is survived by his children and their spouses, David and Julie Meade and Mitchell and Sara Meade; grandchildren and spouses, Ashley and Kyle Snow, Calvin and Alesia Meade and Cameron and Laura Meade; great grandchildren, Benjamin, Samuel, Colton, Ada and Clara; along with many nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; siblings, Jim and Dode; parents; and grandparents.
A graveside service was held on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at the Pleasant View Cemetery, Stanfield.
Please share memories of Bill with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
