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William John Paris Jr

PARIS William John ‘Bill’ Jr., 67, formerly of Toronto, OH, passed away Friday, June 27, 2014, at his home in Portland, OR, after a two and a half year battle with prostate cancer.

Bill was born Aug. 19, 1946, the son of Grace (Argentine) Paris of Toronto, OH and the late William John Paris Sr.

He was the loving father of four children, Claire Paris, Bill Paris, Heather (James) Sendecke and Andy (Stephanie) Paris all of Portland, OR, and grandfather of Ryder, Andrew, Peyton and Sam. He is also survived by his sisters, Nancy Littlecott of Akron, OH, Carol (Dave) Cox of Tampa, FL and his brother, Ron (Terra) Paris, of Toronto, OH and his ex-wife, Molly (Lengyel) Paris, of Portland.

Bill joined the Ohio Carpenters’ Union in 1964 and enjoyed working with his father as an apprentice. He built his own successful construction business in Steubenville, Ohio. After several years, he and his family moved to Scottsdale, AZ in l983 to seek out a warmer climate. It was there that Bill perfected his expertise as a custom home builder and managed a thriving construction business.

Ultimately, he followed his four children to Portland, OR, retiring there to spend his time with them and his four grandchildren. Since moving to Portland, you could find Bill on a local hiking trail with one of his grandchildren, making homemade sausage with his daughter and granddaughter, lending knowledge and support on the job to his two sons (who also have a construction business in Portland,) or tending his garden.

Bill loved life and particularly loved food, which was influenced by his mother. He hosted many dinner parties and was quick to help with the details of planning a summer BBQ or a Christmas dinner. He learned his love of gardening from his father and would raise plants from seed every year, especially tomatoes.

A memorial service will be held at the J.E. Foster Funeral Home, 701 Findley St., in Toronto, OH on July 19th at 1:30 p.m. Fr. Thomas Vennitti will officiate. There will be memorial visitation from noon up to the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, designated for prostate cancer research or the Children’s Cancer Association in Portland. www.jefosterfh.com