When Bill Capellen reluctantly left this world on July 22, 2020, the sun set on an amazing life and heaven gained one of its finest. A gentleman, a husband, an outdoorsman, a papa, a romantic, a trap shooter, an animal lover, an avid and talented motocross and flat track racer and a good friend, Bill Capellen was fun and funny, mischievous, loved a good practical joke, and stood for honesty, integrity, ethics, loyalty, and very hard work. His love for his family, friends and fur babies was profound. Bill was definitely one of the “good guys.”

William Morris Capellen, Bill, 66, died suddenly at Deaconess Hospital from complications of an infection (sepsis), following surgery.

Bill was born on April 20, 1954, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to Raymond E. and Ruth G. Capellen of Hayden Lake, Idaho.

He grew up in Hayden Lake, hunting, fishing and farming. Bill took on many adult responsibilities when, in 1964, at the young age of 10, his father died suddenly at work. He played Church League basketball, Little League baseball, and the saxophone. He raced motorcycles in the 250cc class and was a successful hunter, fisherman, golfer and bowler, excelling in them all. He loved potato salad, liver and onions, macaroni and cheese, a good joke, Waylon, Willie, Reba, Garth, CCR, a good whiskey, and a great martini (extra dirty). He was our own “MacGyver;” he could fix anything. Bill was talented in so many ways.

In 1968, in the 9th grade, he met Anne Lunceford. They became “promised” in 1971, engaged in 1972, and married in 1974. With great sadness and regret, they divorced 18 months later. In 1977, Bill married Sydney Anderson, from University Place, Wash. They were married for 38 years and enjoyed many activities together, until her death.

As in fate, fairytales and great love stories, Bill and Anne were reunited and remarried in 2016. They were living the “happily ever after” until his sudden illness and subsequent death.

Bill attended Hayden Lake Elementary through 8th grade. With the rest of his Hayden Lake class, they joined the rest of the District #271 students at the Coeur d’Alene Junior High in 1968. He attended Coeur d’Alene Mid-High from 1969-1970, and graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1972. Once a Viking, always a Viking.

He graduated from North Idaho College with an Associate of Science degree after completing a technical course in motorcycle engine repair. Bill then attended lengthy advanced motorcycle technician certification classes at American Honda in Gardena, Calif.

Bill was hired by Ski Hut Honda in Tacoma, Wash. 1974. He left Tacoma in 1977, taking a job at Coeur d’Alene Honda, where he continued additional certifications, advanced in his responsibilities and ultimately, became service manager there, receiving numerous awards. He worked there for 23 years. He also worked as the sales and service manager at AmeriGas in Spokane. From 2013 until his death, he worked for Oil Re-Refining Co. (Orrco) of Portland, Ore., first as a driver, and then as regional manager for Central and Eastern Washington and North Idaho. He was looking forward to retirement.

He is survived by his wife and lifelong love, Anne Lunceford Capellen, at home; his half-sisters, Carol Stott of Dalton Gardens and Sharon Belanger of Butte, Mont.; half-brother, Kent Barnes of Hayden and brother-in-law, Rob Lunceford of Coeur d’Alene. His “kids,” Mark Anderson of SeaTac, Wash., Debbie (Howie) Donahoe of Boise; AnneMarie Williamson, Coeur d’Alene and Bryan (Lisa) Ferguson of Poway, Calif., miss him deeply. He is also missed by grandchildren, Chris (Monica) Donahoe and Jillian (Caleb) Walin, Boise; Katherine (Caley) Kropp, Columbus, Miss., Annie (Justin) Corson, Lahaina, Hawaii; C.J. (Zoë) Donahoe, Burlingame, Calif.; James, Ashlynn and Weatherly Williamson, Coeur d’Alene and Carter and Nora Ferguson of Poway; three great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and life’s most wonderful friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond E. Capellen and mother, Ruth G. Casper Capellen and half-brothers, Raymond Capellen and Jr. and Edward Barnes.

Bill loved the sport of trapshooting and never met a dog he didn’t love, so it is appropriate that charitable contributions may be made in Bill’s name and memory and sent or delivered to Hauser Lake Gun Club Young Shooters’ Fund, PO Box 431, Post Falls, ID 83854, or the Kootenai Humane Society, PO Box 1005, Hayden, ID 83835.

Bill’s life will be celebrated at a later date. Bill and Anne would wish you to stay safe and well in these uncertain times.

Bill’s death was a total shock to all of us. So many plans dashed. We are heartbrokenHe is gone far too soon. Bill, his beautiful blue eyes, infectious smile and his incredible heart will be loved and missed forever.

Please visit Bill’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhome.com