Obituary of William Robert Symms

William (Bill) Robert Symms died at his home in Lake Oswego, Oregon, on December 3, 2021, at the age of 77. Born Delbert Leon Cardwell in Twin Falls, Idaho, on July 7, 1944, Bill was preceded in death by parents, R. Doyle and Myrtle (nee Smith), sister, Carolyn Symms, and brothers, Raymond Varner, Cecil Cardwell, and Theron Cardwell.

 

Adopted as a toddler, Bill spent his childhood on Sunny Slope. The freedom of life on Symms Fruit Ranch fueled his natural curiosity. It was during these formative years that his sense of humor took hold as perhaps his most identifiable character trait. Whether playing practical jokes with friends or diffusing confrontation with sarcasm, he learned quickly that he could endear himself to people through laughter.

 

Bill was an avid water and snow skier and spent much of his youth in McCall, Idaho. During college, he worked there during summers. He met Karen Anne Davies, whom he married in 1966. In 1969, they graduated from the University of Idaho and took teaching jobs in Tombstone, Arizona.

 

During the 1970s, Bill taught and coached in Grangeville, Idaho, where he built lifelong friendships and spent much of his time hunting, fishing, harvesting firewood, and honing his carpentry skills on homebuilding projects with friends. One of his greatest honors was being invited to be the keynote speaker for the class of 1981.

 

Bill returned to the Caldwell area in 1980. He built a house on the hill above Ste. Chapelle Winery where his stained glass window still stares out at the Snake River Valley. Over the next 12 years, Bill would raise his two boys, complete his masters degree in counseling at the College of Idaho, work for the Wilder and Vallivue school districts, and spend his summers in the driver’s seat of a tractor beneath the shade of his sombrero.

 

In 1993, Bill and Karen moved to Yachats, Oregon, and worked at Angell Job Corps until he retired in 2007. Bill loved the rugged beauty and solitude of the Oregon Coast, almost as much as he loved the chowder. He volunteered for the Oregon California Trails Association (OCTA) and spent many weekends working on Oregon Trail preservation.

 

In 2001, Bill learned that he had four biological brothers. He bonded quickly with his two older brothers, Raymond Varner  and James (Jim) Graham. He also appreciated the opportunity to meet two younger brothers, Cecil and Theron, both of whom were raised by his biological parents. During Christmas 2002, all five brothers gathered together for the only time.

 

Bill and Karen moved to Lake Oswego in 2019 to be closer to their sons’ families. He continued to travel with family and friends whenever possible. Bill lived life on his terms. He followed his heart from the beginning and it led him on a fantastic journey. He was admired for his authenticity and humor. His impact on the lives of his students, friends, and family will last for generations, which is exactly the eternal plan he sought to fulfill.

 

Bill is survived by his wife of 55 years, Karen, sons, R.D. (Danelle) and Will (Melanie), sister, Kathy Symms Mertz, brother, Jim Graham, grandsons, Liam, Tresler, Samuel, and George, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins by blood or by circumstance.

 

No services are planned. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Children’s Home Society of Idaho (https://childrenshomesociety.com/make-a-donation/) or the Oregon-California Trail Association (https://octa-trails.org/donate-to-octa/). 

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