NASELLE – William R. “Bill” Ahlquist, 72, died Sept. 19, 2006, at his Naselle residence. The son of William and Doris (Miller) Ahlquist, he was born in Vancouver on Feb. 15, 1934. He grew up in the Brush Prairie area and graduated from Fort Vancouver High School.

In 1953 he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he served for three years as a sergeant. Following his military duty he attended the University of California where he earned a bachelor’s degree in marine biology. Returning to Vancouver he worked for 20 years in production at Lucky Lager Brewing and then for 15 years at Bemis Bag Company until retirement.

Mr. Ahlquist was a member of the Teamsters union and the Catholic Church. He enjoyed collecting antiques, genealogy, crossword puzzles, gardening and engaging in lively debates. He moved to Naselle six years ago.

Mr. Ahlquist never married. Survivors include his stepfather, Luigi Rangan of Portland; brother, Norman Ahlquist of Brush Prairie; half-brother, Louis Rangan also of Brush Prairie; stepsister, Janelle Green of Portland; and several nieces and nephews.

In accordance with his wishes, he was buried at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland on Oct. 3. Arrangements are by Penttila’s Chapel by The Sea, Long Beach, WA. Web site: www.penttilaschapel.com.