William "Bill" Fredrick Speers, Iii

William Bill Speers passed away May 31, 2023, at his home with his wife Linda at his side. He was born November 5, 1939 in Monterey Park, California. His family moved to Rogue River, Oregon, when he was 6 months old. He graduated from Rogue River High School in 1957 and recieved his Bachelor's degree in 1961 from SOC.

He joined the US Navy in 1961 as a commissioned officer aboard the USS Ozbourn and was honorably discharged in 1965. He then went back to SOC and recieved his Master's degree.

He moved to Burns, Oregon and taught 2 years at Burns High School and in 1967 he entered the grad program at the University of Wyoming, graduating with a Masters of Arts in English, in 1969. He than moved to Klamath Falls, Oregon and taught in the communications department at OIT from 1969 to 1997. In the summers of 1971 until 1981 he worked for the US Forest Service as a field engineer building trails in the Sky Lakes area. He was also a member of Klamath County Search and Rescue in the 1980's. Then from 1989 to 2002 he spent his summers working on the road crew at Crater Lake National Park. Bill always enjoyed being in the outdoors, whether working, camping or hunting.

Bill and Linda joined the Safari Club International in the late 1990's, and in 2000 they formed the South Central Oregon Chapter of the Safari Club International. They traveled to South Africa on a safari in 2000 and Namibia in 2003. While hunting in Namibia they meet the President and Prime Minister of Namibia and hunted with them on several occasions.

Bill was a member of the Klamath Falls Elks Lodge 1247 for many years and was the Exalted Ruler in 1986.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, stepmom Stel Claybough, stepsisters Ruby Coleman and C.B. Coleman.

Bill is survived by his wife Linda of 39 years, his stepson Paul Smolich of Oregon City, Oregon, stepdaughter Stephannie Garza and her husband Michael, of Montclair, California, 4 stepgrandchildren and 2 step great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the members of Bristol Hospice for all of their support, kindness and understanding. At this time no services are planned. Cascade Cremation & Burial is assisting the family with arrangements.