William Machin

     William Vernon Machin, 79, passed away Feb. 10, 2017, at the Hospice Care Center. He was born to William and Iola (Jane) Machin at Cowlitz General Hospital in Longview Jan. 11, 1938. He graduated from Castle Rock High School in 1956 where he was a star football player and held the underwater swimming record for Washington State for seven years at a distance of 324 feet. After graduation, he enlisted in the Navy where he served aboard the U.S.S. Roosevelt as a storeroom clerk. During his tour, he crossed the equator and became a Shellback. After being discharged, Bill returned to Chehalis where he met and married Joanne Phelps. They had three children, Becky Dorothy, Mark Machin and Shelly Machin Hard. They later divorced. In 1967, he met and married his surviving wife, Karen Hansen Brindley and become a father to her two sons, Terry Brindley and Tim Brindley. He and Karen later had a son, Tracy Machin, in 1968. Bill worked for Weyerhaeuser as a tree topper/faller in the woods division for some years before he went back to school to become a pipefitter/welder/mechanic. He worked in the chlorine plant until his retirement in 1997. He was also president of the Lower Columbia Pool League for 16 years, taking great pride in fostering the league to include men’s, women’s and mixed doubles and singles leagues. After retirement, he and Karen were snowbirds to Casa Grande, Ariz., for several years. Bill also volunteered for 15 years at the Weyerhaeuser Forestry Learning Center taking great pleasure in showing the public his “babies,” the elk on the Toutle River Flats. After retiring from there, he enjoyed spending time with his family and participating in the annual Terry/Taylor yard sale catching up with friends and former co-workers each year. Bill never met a stranger. He knew just about everyone from growing up in Castle Rock and working at Weyerhaeuser. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. His Uncle Vernon taught him to hunt at the age of 5. He spent many years hunting on Mount St. Helens with friends, his son, Tracy and in later years, his grandsons. Bill is survived by his wife to 49 years, Karen at home; his children, Becky Dorothy (Ron) of Winlock, Mark Machin (Jill) of Cave Creek, Ariz., Terry Brindley (Kathleen) of Castle Rock, Timothy Brindley (Teia) of Longview, and Shelly Machin Hard of Klamath Falls, Ore. He is also survived by 22 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, as well as two nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Agnes Brown; a son, Tracy Machin; and a granddaughter, Jennifer Prestegard. A celebration of Bill’s life is planned for 1 p.m. Feb. 25 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2021 Washington Way, in Longview, with Pastor Craig Hafterson officiating. Cremation has taken place and interment will take place at a later date.

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