William Ryan Chisholm

William Ryan Chisholm was born on December 3, 2005, in Portland, Oregon and passed away on August 4, 2026, in Portland, OR. He was the first child of his parents, Bill and Courtney Chisholm. From the start, William was a beautiful, special child. He was interested in everything and never slowed down or slept as he didn’t want to miss out on the world. William spent his early years surrounded by his loving family, close family friends, and neighborhood friends. He became a big brother right before his third birthday and fiercely loved his little brother, Jack. He loved playing outside, Legos, and art. William attended Cozy Cottage Preschool, Hopkins Elementary, and Sherwood Middle School. William excelled in school and had a special love for math. In grade school, he continued his love of learning and found a passion for baseball. Spending countless hours on the baseball field, he found joy and made lasting memories. As he got older, William found a love for more adventurous hobbies. He began scootering and that was an obsession he continued all his life. William spent endless days riding with friends, learning amazing tricks, hanging out at the skatepark, and building ramps. He loved rockhounding and had a collection of many beautiful agates, crystals, and geodes that he had found. William attended Sherwood High School, starting his freshman year during the pandemic. He loved welding and woodworking and being with his friends. Throughout high school, William continued to discover new passions. Together with his friends, he spent his time mountain biking, dirt biking, skiing, camping, and most recently surfing. He was so proud of the camper set-up he had built in the back of his truck, complete with lights and a heater. He met his longtime girlfriend, Gisele, and she brought much joy and love to his life. After graduation, William continued his adventurous hobbies while attending Portland Community College. He dreamed of traveling and a life of exploration. William had recently gone to Hawaii and Costa Rica where he got to experience his love of surfing in warmer waters. He was a deep thinker who liked to have long conversations and to meet and talk with strangers to learn about ideas and how others saw the world. He was a loving, kind soul who sought adventure, peace and happiness. William was endlessly loved by those close to him and he will be deeply and painfully missed. William is survived by his parents, Bill and Courtney Chisholm and brother, Jack of Sherwood, OR, his maternal grandparents John and Robin Allen of Albany, OR. his uncle and aunt and cousin, Morgan, Susan, and Sophia Allen of Portland, OR, his paternal grandma Teresa Chisholm of Tehachapi, CA, his uncle Andrew Chisholm of Savannah, GA and many extended family members in California. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandpa Bill Chisholm, with whom he shares a birthday. William is survived by many close friends and his longtime girlfriend. A Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends on August 30th, 2026, from 1-3pm at the Old School House at 23945 NE North Valley Road, Newberg, OR. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in William’s honor to Surfrider Foundation Oregon or Portland Guinea Pig Rescue.

William Ryan Chisholm

December 3, 2005 - August 4, 2026