William R Shearer
Nov. 22, 1925–Dec. 4, 2015
Bill was born in Portland and attended Rose City Park grade school and Grant High School where he played first base on the city championship baseball team. After graduation in 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and served as an air cadet and drill instructor. Upon discharge, he attended the University of Oregon for two years before enrolling in the plasterers apprenticeship program.
In 1952, he married Gerry Bostrom, a union that lasted 63 years. Bill was a plasterer by trade and worked as a tradesman for Fred Shearer & Sons where he rose to the position of president. During this time, Fred Shearer & Sons helped construct the Lloyd Center, Memorial Coliseum, Hilton Hotel, Standard Insurance Building, Providence Hospital, and the remodel of Montgomery Park to name a few. He was a member of Friendship Lodge and Al Kader Shrine. Bill played Santa Claus for Shriners Children’s Hospital, family, and friends for many years. He enjoyed cooking, building wooden model ships, Maui, and family.
He is survived by his wife, Gerry; daughter, Su Stoll (Michael); son, Jeff Shearer (Angie); four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was interred Dec. 9, 2015, at a private family service in Riverview Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital.
Bill received the Oregon-Columbia Chapter’s SIR Award in 1999, and was noted for his embodiment of honesty, integrity, and commitment to perfection. He will be missed.