William Growney

Lt. Cmdr. William C. “Bill” Growney, USN (Ret), passed away peacefully on Sept. 20, 2014, with his loving family by his side.

Bill was born July 11, 1933, in Berkeley, Calif., to William Henry and Bernadine Wittschen Growney. Unfortunately, his mother Bernadine was called home to our Lord at Bill’s birth.

He was raised by his father and stepmother, Virginia “Ginny” Rose Growney.

He attended school in Berkeley, Calif., graduating from Berkeley High in 1950. He went on to Contra Costa College and was in the Navy Reserve, stationed at Oakland Naval Air Station attached to VP-8 from 1951-August 1953. He then applied for the NAV-CAD program Pensacola, Fla., to pursue his dream and become a pilot.

He received his wings January 1955 in Hutchinson, Kan., and was stationed in VP-2 at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, where he remained until 1962, serving in HATUPAC and VAH-123.

Bill married his high school sweetheart, Sandra “Sandy” Irene Gerbo, on Jan. 28, 1956. They completed their family with two beautiful children, Sharon Irene and William Craig Jr.

In 1962, as Bill continued his Navy career, they moved their family to stations in Oxnard, Calif., (Point Magu) and Honolulu (Hickham AFB).

During this five-and-a-half year period, while assigned to NAPOG, he flew the A3D Sky Warrior, a plane used to track the re-entry phase of test missiles.

In 1967, Bill was a part of NARU at NAS Alameda, Calif., training reservists.

From there, he transferred with NARU and was stationed at NAS Whidbey in 1970, becoming Officer in Charge of VP-69. He and Sandy knew that this was where they would plant their roots.

Bill retired from the Navy in July 1973, completing 23 years and building a dream home in Oak Harbor. His knowledge of Whidbey Island then served him well as he pursued his second career and became a Real Estate Agent. He sold properties with Panorama Properties and Island Brokers on the island for 22 years before retiring for good.

Bill and his family enjoyed many vacations to Lake Chelan. It was a favorite summer spot where he was known to take hour-long swims as Sandy followed along on the beach. He and Sandy also enjoyed vacationing in Hawaii. It was their favorite place to celebrate wedding anniversaries. He loved playing bridge and spending time with his family.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Sandy, at the family home; his daughter, Sharon (John) Flynn, of Hillsboro, Ore.; and son, William “Will” (Tammy Olander) Growney, of Oak Harbor, Wash. Also surviving are grandchildren, Kevin (Elizabeth) Flynn, Dennis (Amber) Flynn, Ryan Flynn, Kailey (Jeff) Nye, Ashton Growney and Danica (David) Faussette. Five great-grandchildren, numerous very special nieces and nephews and sister-in-law Aliye Smith also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Antonette “Toni” Lenfestey and brother-in-law George Lenfestey; sister Mary Strong and brother-in-law Paul Strong; brother John Growney; and granddaughter Sarah Irene Flynn.

Bill was laid to rest during a private service at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Wash. Funeral arrangements we entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home in Oak Harbor.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Island Hospital for their excellent care.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to your favorite charity.