November 5, 2009

William ‘Bill’ Loomis

William “Bill” Loomis, creator of the Lind Lions Club Combine Demolition Derby and owner of Loomis Truck and Tractor, died Oct. 27, 2009, in Kennewick, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 77.

He was born in St. John to Harold and Fern Loomis on May 18, 1932, where he graduated high school. He was the youngest of four siblings; all are deceased, except for his sister, Marylu Bailey.

Bill married Vivian (Largent) Loomis almost 40 years ago to create a “combined” family comprising Steve Bell (Loraine), Jeff Bell (Paula), Teresa Bell-Hollenback (Don), Melissa Loomis (Thom Nesbitt), Wes Loomis (Rona), Erik Loomis, Geri Lynn Loomis; 12 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews.

An entrepreneur and wheat farmer, it is said he lived courageously and with passion.  Lind was home to him, a community where he participated in countless events and donated to numerous causes. He was most well known for creating the Lind Lions Club Combine Demolition Derby, which attracted hundreds of people from all over the country as well as local and national media. The annual event began in 1987 and raised funds for the town of Lind, eventually replacing the 60-year old rodeo. He was also a member of the Lind Gun Club and received a “Citizen of the Year” award in 2001 from the Lind Chamber of Commerce for outstanding service to the community.

He founded Loomis Truck and Tractor, a business that sold farm equipment and gave him the opportunity to travel the countryside and befriend many farmers and ranchers.  It is said he loved to tell stories and will be remembered for his sense of humor, zest for life and willingness to make a deal.  A private pilot and practical joker, he used to fly his airplane over farmers in their fields and “buzz” them to say hello.

His indomitable spirit made him a role model for all who knew him. He never considered himself “disabled,” but he lost an eye and his right arm in a hunting accident in the mountains that nearly took his life. A gutsy pilot and Good Samaritan, Mose Carr, from Pomeroy, flew his helicopter through treacherous winter conditions to search for Bill. Carr landed on the mountainside and rescued Loomis, when the local search-and-rescue unit wouldn’t attempt it.

Bonded by Carr’s heroic deed and their love of flying, Loomis and Carr became friends for life.  Loomis bought and flew several helicopters over the years, and helped support Carr in a business called Snake River Helicopters.  Despite Loomis’ disability, he continued to do everything he did before, including hunting, fishing, flying and farming. He also loved to play poker and dice, winning many bets, which earned him the name “Lucky Loomis” among friends. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009, at 1 p.m. at the Lind High School Gymnasium, 507 N. E Street. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Loomis’ name to the following organizations: the Lind Lions Club or the Lind Gun Club.