William Francis "Bill" Gunderson

William Francis “Bill” Gunderson Jr., 84, of Astoria and Gearhart, died Wednesday, July 11, 2012, in Astoria, with his children by his side.

He was born June 27, 1928, in Astoria, to William Francis Gunderson Sr. and Letitia “Letty” Gunderson.

In 1946, he graduated from Astoria High School, where he served as student body president during his senior year.

After graduation, he joined the U.S. Army and was deployed to Japan with the occupation forces, serving in the same company as his longtime childhood friend, Berhard Howe. He attained the rank of sergeant.

Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Oregon and enrolled in the Oregon College of Education in Monmouth. He graduated with a degree in education, with a focus in art.

On Sept. 17, 1948, he married Carol Elaine Olson. They divorced in 1975. She preceded him in death in March 2003.

Mr. Gunderson’s long and distinguished career as an educator began in St. Helens. One year later, he was offered a teaching position in Astoria, which he accepted. He retired from teaching in 1988, after 37 years with the Astoria School District. He first taught elementary classes at Astor Elementary School, and became Astoria High School’s art teacher. His classroom was a haven for creative and unconventional thinkers.

Family members said he was introduced to salmon fishing on the Columbia River at a young age by his father, who was a well-known commercial fisherman and longshoreman. Although health issues finally compromised his active participation in the Columbia River and Alaska salmon fishery, his passion for fishing and the respect he held for his friends and colleagues in the fishing community remained with him until his death.

His personal and professional life was enriched and changed by befriending Lloyd Reynolds, Oregon’s Calligrapher Laureate. Until Reynolds’ death in 1978, he was both mentored by and confidante to Reynolds, and he regarded him as a second father figure. He became one of the most respected calligraphers in the Northwest, and later authored “My Dear Runemeister,” a compilation of his correspondence with Reynolds.

He is survived by two daughters, Debra Bowe and Dana Gunderson, both of Astoria; a son, Bill Gunderson III and his wife, Tracey, of Seattle; three grandchildren, Kirsten, Bill and Skylar Gunderson; two sisters, Sonja Stamm and Karen O’Kelley; and several extended family members.

A memorial and celebration of life will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at the Columbia River Maritime Museum.

Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary in Astoria is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book can be signed at www.caldwellsmortuary.com