William Echert

Bill Echert spent his life exploring – from trails on Mount Rainer and the Grand Canyon, to local parks, new countries, technology, and most importantly the lives of the people he loved. Exploration and adventure began early in his life through his father, who was a geologist. Bill became an Eagle Scout, earning the Order of the Arrow (one of scouting highest awards).

William James Echert (Bill) was born in Seattle, WA to William H Echert and Joreen (Skrondal) Echert. His first home was a houseboat on Seattle’s Union Bay. He remembered having a life preserver and rope tied to him in the early years. The Korean War caused his father to be called back into military service – the US Air Force as an aerial reconnaissance photo analyst. In the Air Force, Bill and his family lived in England, Texas, Nebraska, and Japan. In England, Bill and his brothers, Skip and Jim, attended a private boys school where Bill learned archery and to play soccer – which became a lifelong activity. Next came Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha NE for eight years where his life focused on scouting, tennis, and high school. Shortly, after his graduation from Bellevue High School in 1964, his father received orders to move to Japan. Bill chose to follow his family, taking college classes at Sophia University in Tokyo in the evenings where classes were taught in English. In Japan, Bill discovered the guitar. A friend taught him to play and the music became a big part of his life.

In January 1968 he came back to Seattle to begin studies at the University of Washington (UW), where he met his future wife, Diana (Dvorak). They were inseparable from the day they met, married in 1970, building a life together centered around family, adventure, friendship and shared passions. At the UW, Bill studied computer science and business management and joined the Army ROTC program, training at Ft Benning (GA) and Ft Lewis (WA). He was a lifelong UW Husky fan.

Bill’s Army career began at Fort Lee (VA), moving to Fort Benjamin Harrison (IN), and then a three-year tour in Pirmasens, West Germany to manage tanks and military equipment. Their daughter, Julie Michelle, was born while in Germany. The three of them traveled throughout Europe with Julie in a pack on Bill’s back. After Germany, Bill was assigned to Fort Sill (OK) where, at last, he was able to utilize his computer skills. Bill was promoted to Captain and was very proud of his military service, but decided he wanted to work in the private sector.

In 1977 Bill began a new career at Safeco Insurance in Seattle as a software programmer. He quickly moved up in the company, eventually becoming Data Breach Security Manager. Over the years his love of soccer grew – playing on both men’s and co-ed teams with Diana. He coached youth teams (12 years) and served as president of Terrace Brier Soccer Club (6 years).

Another joy came with the birth of son, James Michael, in 1982. Bill coached both James and Julie’s sports teams and was their biggest fan when they played other sports and at school events. His family and their welfare was always a priority to Bill. Besides coaching, he shared his love of reading and history, took them on hikes – teaching them about wildlife and geology, how to use tools and fix things, and to be independent.

After retirement, Bill started a small business, KneesSoftware, LLC where he designed and developed custom software for physical, occupational, and speech therapy clinics.

Over the years, visiting US National Parks and Monuments became a priority. Of the 38 National Parks visited, Bill’s favorite hikes were in Grand Canyon, Glacier, Arches, Capitol Reef, and the Chiricahuas. Winters were spent in Mesa AZ, playing tennis and leading hikes into the Superstition Mountains with good friends.

When asked, Bill said his greatest treasures were his kids and grandchildren Sophie, Claire, Jack, and Cora. He loved to sharing time, sports and ice cream with them. He is survived by his brother, Skip (Douglas) Echert; sister, Kristine Echert; wife, Diana; daughter, Julie (Aaron) Horng; son James (Erin) Echert and their children; cousins and many friends.

Bill valued lifelong friendships and loved sharing hikes, tennis matches, conversations, and adventures with the people around him. Though never the loudest person in the room, he cared deeply for his family and friends and showed that love through steady actions, thoughtful gestures, and always being there when it mattered.

In his honor, take a hike. He would love that.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 20 at 11am at the Millennium Garden at the Plymouth City Center, 14800 34th Avenue N.,  Plymouth MN. In lieu of flowers, Bill’s family requests donations be sent to Level the Field Youth Sports to continue Bill’s efforts promoting youth soccer programs or your favorite National Park