William John LeMaster

William “Bill” John LeMaster died in Newberg on May 8, 2020 at the age of 83. Bill, the second of five children was born to Everett and Edna (Quail) LeMaster April 14, 1937 in Kearney, Nebraska. In 1941, the family followed relatives to Oregon and settled on the coast. Bill’s childhood was spent on the docks, beaches, and environs of Newport. He was a gifted athlete, quick and nimble, and excelled in high school football, basketball, and track. Bill graduated from Newport High School in 1955. He received a financial aid grant to attend Linfield College, where he pursued an education degree and was a member of the football and track teams. Upon graduation from Linfield in 1955, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army. After basic training at Ford Ord, in California, he was assigned for duty in Heidelberg, West Germany. On discharge he returned to Linfield and earned his master’s degree in education. In 1962, his career and coach began in Riddle, Oregon, then continued at Renne Junior High in Newberg. In 1965 he returned to West Germany as a teacher with the Department of Defense at Baumholder U.S. military base. There he met and married fellow teacher, Margaret Phillips, December 1966. The couple returned to Newberg in 1968 and Bill began his 27-year career teaching math and coaching track and cross-country at Newberg High School. Bill was a running enthusiast. He helped conduct community fun runs, aided in the organization of a running club, served on the Chehalem Park and Recreation Board and, after retirement helped with school track meets. When rheumatoid arthritis curtailed running, he turned to bicycling and lastly to walking. Bill was a gardener, earning his Master Gardener’s certification in 1997. In retirement, he was afforded the time to restore his wife’s 1950 Morris Minor car and enjoy extensive travels. In his later years, when physical activity became limited, he turned to researching his ancestry, discovering many branches on his family tree. Bill was a family man. He was soft-spoken, loyal, reliable, responsible, and forgiving husband, and father who valued his family. He is survived by his wife, Margie, sons Marcus (Velle) Singapore and Michael (Julie) Monmouth, OR, sisters Ellie LeMaster, Newport, OR and Vicki Courtright (Bob), Port Orford, OR, nephews Tim (Lori) and David (Michele) LeMaster, Las Vegas, NV, four grandchildren and three-grand nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Wayne, and Louis. A future gathering in Newberg to celebrate Bill’s life is pending. The family suggests donations in Bill’s honor be made to Linfield’s Scholarship Program, a Newberg charity or foundation of choice. Arrangements by Attrell’s Funeral Chapels.

William John LeMaster

April 14, 1937 - May 8, 2020