Obituary - William Raymond Ulmer

Bill Ulmer of Spokane, Washington, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on April 21, 2016.

Bill was born on Easter morning, March 28, 1937, in Havre, Montana, to Hazel and Albert Ulmer.

Bill was the fourth of six children. He was preceded in death by his brothers Wesley, Kenneth and Dale; his sister Grace, and his first wife, Thelma.

He is survived by his sister Kay Stevens of Great Falls; and his wife of 25 years, Charlotte.

Retired for many years, Bill had been employed by Safeway, the U.S. Postal Service and West Valley School District. Bill was near-sighted at birth, but had an aggressive form of glaucoma. Over the years he had 22 surgeries on his eyes and completely lost his sight in 1988. Bill met his wife, Charlotte, in 1989 and they were married in August 1990. Charlotte had three married children and two grandchildren at the time they were married. That number has grown to 11 grandchildren and one great-grandson. Bill was very proud of his grandkids, and they loved him.

Bill actively participated in life and continued to learn new things. His guide dog, Webster, was his faithful companion for 10 years, allowing him to travel to Olympia to participate in monthly meetings on the governor’s board for ADA. Bill was also on the ADA board for the renovation of Spokane International Airport. Bill served as president of the Day Out for the Blind for four years and was active with Lilac Blind for nearly three decades, encouraging many individuals confronted with blindness. Bill had courage, optimism and an adventurous spirit and did not let blindness define him. He taught himself braille, how to use a computer and even used a power saw to make birdhouses while blind. He helped others and inspired those around him to be adventurous as well.

A memorial service will be held at Berean Bible Church, 10910 E. Boone, Spokane Valley, Washington on April 30, 2016, at 2 p.m.