William “Bill” Joseph Hofstrand, 74, of Twisp, passed away at his home on Sunday, June 4, 2023.
Bill was born Dec. 10, 1948, in Ellensburg, Washington, to Marvin and Helen Hofstrand. He graduated from Cle Elum High School and later attended Central Washington University, graduating with a degree in biology.
At an early age his love of outdoors included everything from hunting, canoeing, hiking, fishing, rock climbing to photography and so much more. His adventures, involving family and friends, had serene fairy tale storybook endings to death-defying “what were we thinking?” endings.
His true passion, though, was his music, mastering multiple instruments: drums, guitar, pedal steel, key board, dobro and mandolin.
Bill played in numerous bands in eastern Washington and southern Oregon, playing music from country, county rock and old rock and roll.
Bill started his U.S. Forest Service career in 1968, on the Cle Elum Ranger District on the Wenatchee National Forest, later transferring to the Winema National Forest in 1979. He retired in 2004 and moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and in 2014 moved to Twisp.
He is preceded in death by his parents Marvin and Helen Hofstrand, and his brother Reg Hofstrand.
Bill is survived by his wife, Sally Estes, of Twisp; stepsons Scott (Deanna) Michelsen of Twisp, Luke (Elli) Michael of Coeur d’Alene, Seth (Heather) Michael of Athol, Idaho; grandchildren Mason and Sadie Michelsen of Twisp, Calvin and Carmon Michael of Athol, Idaho; his brother Monty (Sue) Hofstrand of Ellensburg; Washington, sister-in-law Deborah Hofstrand of Ellensburg; and his Uncle Gary (Pat) Hofstrand of Seattle.
A family memorial will be held at a later date.
