William "Bill" Henry Law passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 20, 2009.

There will be a public viewing on December 24th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home, and a graveside service at Pilot Butte Cemetery on December 29th at 12:30 pm, followed by a reception to celebrate Bill's life.

Bill, also known as "Tom" to some of his friends and relatives, was born on November 6, 1922 on a homestead in Ima, New Mexico. He was the 12th of 14 children born to William Henry Law and Daisy Annie (Payton) Law.

Bill spent his youth in New Mexico and Texas, where he worked as a farm hand and a delivery truck driver before enlisting in the Army in December of 1942. He served as a Rifleman in the 134th Infantry, Company C during World War II. He was wounded in the battle of Saint-Lo, France, for which he received a Purple Heart and bronze Battle Star. He was honorably discharged in 1945. On November 4, 1945, Bill married Marjorie Henderson in Espanola, New Mexico. They had three children: Rosalie, Alvin, and Donna.

In 1961 the family moved to Silverton, Oregon, where he owned a service station, and spent 10 years as an officer of the Silverton Police Department. Upon retirement, Bill and Marjorie traveled extensively before settling in Bend in 1982.

Bill enjoyed traveling, fishing, and woodworking. He was unfailingly generous to his friends, family and neighbors. He was always happy to welcome visitors into his home, and always maintained his sense of humor.

Bill was preceded in death by his daughter, Rosalie Hurd, as well as 11 brothers and three sisters. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marjorie; his son, Alvin (Melinda) Law of Crooked River Ranch; daughter, Donna (Bob) Hoback of Bend, grandchildren Pat (Margie) Hoback, Bill Hoback, Toby Hurd, and Katie (Don) Smith; and great-grandchildren Ailey Hoback and Colton Smith. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.