Wife’s Tribute to Bill King

William Edward King, 67, of Palmer, Alaska, passed away on Jan. 7, 2023. Arrangements are entrusted to Legacy Funeral Home, Wasilla Heritage Chapel.

“It is will great sadness and disbelief that I have to announce the passing of my husband, Bill King. He died in the afternoon Saturday, January 7, 2023.

His death was unattended, so exact time of death is unclear.

He was at our friend Andy’s house to see if he could clear some snow for them, as they were on vacation. Andy saw him on their Ring camera, and talked and laughed with him. Andy’s neighbor saw Bill outside and talked to him. Bill told the neighbor he was finished and heading home.

After some time, the neighbor noticed the car was still there. The neighbor went out and found him in our car, non-responsive, somewhere between 2:30 and 4pm.

It looks like he was finished, and had the car loaded, sat down in the car, and died. Bill didn’t call anyone – the neighbor called 911. I believe it happened so fast he couldn’t respond. He died quickly and painlessly.

Our kids are here in Alaska with me now. His oldest daughter Michelle lives in Orland with her family.

We are all so grateful for so many things – First we were able to fulfill his dream of living here in Alaska, in our brand new house, with a view of the mountains he looked at daily as if he had never seen them before. We finished the house in December 2021, so he had a good solid year here. He was filled with joy and service. He died where he wanted to be, in service to his friend.

Our greatest gratitude is that the kids and I know that nothing was left unsaid. Bill told each of us many times a day how much he loved us and we him. The kids and I knew no topic was off limits – that he was here to listen, laugh, tease, and cry with us at anytime day or night. This is what we will truly miss. I will miss the daily long hard hugs, and him whispering to me that he loved me more today than yesterday.

I truly had the best husband in the world.

Bill will be cremated later this week, and sometime in early spring I will have an Alaska service and then a Catholic Mass and memorial in Federal Way, Washington. I hope to have some type of memorial gathering for his widespread business friends as well.

I am in denial, shock, and disbelief. He was the love of my life, and I’m shattered. It isn’t real.

Bill was 67 years young. He was healthy, took no medications, and had no known chronic illnesses. I on the other hand actually have my very own cardiologist. It just isn’t fair.

I have Bill’s phone and laptop, but texting or emailing me is best. If you don’t have that info, DM me and I will send it to you. **

I know his death has reverberated all over the country. The love and support we have received is amazing. So many ask what they can do…. the only thing I need is my husband back. If I think of something else, I promise to let you know.

All our love, Sandie, Sarah, Casey and Michelle”