WASBOTTEN, William Luther (Wazzie)

The Verde Independent, Cottonwood, Arizona Tuesday, June 24, 2014 A Celebration of Life William Luther Wasbotten March 28, 1937-June 18, 2014 William Luther Wasbotten had a favorite saying on a wall in his home, "Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body. But rather to skid in sideways, totally worn, shouting 'holy s-t...what a ride." My father, widely known as "Wazzie," sure had a ride. Dad passed away peacefully on June 18, 2014, in his home in Cornville, from cancer. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on March 28, 1937, to Luther (Lute) and Marion Wasbotten. In 1948, Dad, his younger sister Gail, and their parents moved to Arizona and settled in Scottsdale. Lute opened a drugstore on Scottsdale Road where my father spent much of his childhood. It was during his childhood when Dad built friendships that would last 70 years. There are too many names to list, but his friends were also his brothers. And, there are enough stories to fill a library. He had a lifetime of hunting and fishing (his trophies adorn his walls), took pride fixing up his father's 1971 El Camino (no Oakland Raider memorial was ever cooler-or faster), and his home on Oak Creek was heaven on earth. He had a career in real estate. He had two marriages and three children-his daughter, Sloane, and his sons, Thor and Trygve. He has been called a mountain man, a Viking, a cowboy, Robert Redford, and many things that can't be printed here. What he wanted to be called most, though, was a "proud military veteran." Dad served in the U.S. Army and spent time in Korea where he assisted with medical supplies. Dad always wanted to remain in the Army, but life's journey took him other places and he was honorably discharged on July 31, 1962. Not having a career in the military was one of his biggest regrets. Instead, he devoted much of his life to supporting causes that benefit the brave men and women who have served our country. He was a true patriot and knew the value of sacrifice for freedom. If you want to support my father, please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project in memory of William L. Wasbotten (woundedwarriorproject.org). On April 23, 2014, he told me he had been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. It was only the third time I had ever heard him cry. He chose to ride it out. Instead of battling the disease, and all the uncertainty that came with it, he decided to enjoy whatever time he had left. In the final weeks of his life, Dad was able to find closure with friends, family and himself. He said goodbye to his children, Thor and Sloane (Trygve preceded Dad in death), and his grandchildren, Wyatt, Leia, Rachel, Elliot and Dakota. He said goodbye to his daughter-in-law, Lisa. He said goodbye to his sister, Gail, and all of his dear friends. It is a blessing that he approached death in a way that serves as a model for all of us to follow. We hope we can continue to borrow from his strength as we navigate our own journey. My father had a second favorite saying on his wall-this one a sonnet written by a relative many years ago: The Viking's Journey Valhalla calls, a Viking goes with zest To once more take his place upon the deep And azure seas. But now he seems to sleep, Yes, sail those stormy seas as if at rest. Valhalla, land of ancient Vikings blest, A valiant, doughty warrior comes to keep His share of vigil. Pile the battered heap Of armor high. He comes to take the test. And should he fail! But ah, he shall not fail; So fill the cups with amber flowing mead, And deck the grandest, fleet wave-walking steed To greet and meet him. Brothers hail all hail! He died, we say, and look up at the sky; Valhalla, Skoal! A Viking cannot die. We will miss you, Dad and Friend, but you will always be with us. And, as you placed your hand to your head as each grandchild said goodbye, it is our turn to salute you. Your journey continues. Enjoy the ride. Information provided by survivors.