Obituary: Tiger, William E.
Age 74
He was surrounded by his family, who sent him off with a sing-along of his favorite songs.
Bill was not one to “toot his own horn,” so his family will proudly do it for him now.
Bill was a self-made man, who used an exemplary work ethic, a deep sense of personal responsibility, and an abiding love for his wife, children, extended family and good friends to create a life of achievement.
Bill was born in Broken Bow, Nebraska, and raised in Kellogg, Idaho.
He learned the value of hard work and education early.
By his high school graduation, he had already worked in Kellogg’s zinc plant, underground in the Silver Valley mines, and on the graveyard shift at a local gas station.
He was the first person in his family to attend college, at the University of Idaho.
He participated in ROTC, and was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.
He was also an active fan of the Vandals football team.
The friendships he forged during these years were life-long.
Graduating with a degree in Economics, Bill was commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the Air Force, and stationed in the Procurement Office of Norton AFB in San Bernardino, California.
While there, he was set up on a blind date with his soul-mate, Linda Cooper.
Their 1965 marriage would last nearly 50 years.
They welcomed children Julie in 1969, Heather in 1971, and Jeff in 1974.
Also in 1965, Bill completed his military service and went to work for Robinson and Cooper Insurance Agency.
He later became partner, and then sole proprietor, of the firm.
He enjoyed his role as a civic leader, devoting his time and expertise to the San Bernardino Kiwanis Club (past-President), the YMCA (past-President), the Elks Lodge, the San Bernardino Small Business Association (past-President), and the California State Insurance Association.
He attended First Presbyterian Church, and was honored to be elected to the board of Elders.
He made friends easily, jogging or playing tennis in the mornings with a long-standing group, and playing poker every month with men with whom he was still in contact.
In 1997, Bill sold his business.
He and Linda moved to North Idaho, settling in Coeur d’Alene.
His childhood and college friends welcomed him home, including him in golf and tennis foursomes and monthly dinner groups.
His children soon gravitated to the area, as well, reuniting the “5 Tigers” in a new location.
This connection to the people in his life defined Bill as a human.
He deeply adored his wife, cherished his children and grandchildren, and valued his friendships.
Words that best describe him include family, commitment, respect, diligence, industry, and humor.
Bill never told a joke badly.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Winifred and Joseph Bauer of Kellogg, Idaho, and sister, Karen Clark of Coeur d’Alene.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Tiger; children: Julie Tiger of Coeur d’Alene, Heather Schultz (David) of Spokane, WA and Jeff Tiger (Jessica) of Boston, MA; and grandchildren Kathryn Michaela, Hannah Carlin, Jacob William, and Emily Elizabeth.
He will also be missed by his sister’s children: Rona Williams (Kathy Nickel) of Spokane, WA, and Shana Crimp (Greg), Shaun Williams, and Tony Williams (Don Don) of Coeur d’Alene.
A Memorial Service to honor Bill’s life will be held on Thursday, February 12th at Christ the King Lutheran Church at 1700 E. Pennsylvania Avenue in Coeur d’Alene, at 2:00pm.
The family would like to express their gratitude to those who blessed Bill by extending the quality of his life: Dr. Susan Daugharty-Fowler, Karla and Cheryl, Dr. Ronald Fritz, Pam, and Will of Hospice of North Idaho.
Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.
Please visit Bill’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com