Family and friends will gather January 13 to remember Bill Sauter, and are sharing this remembrance with his community:
William Warren Sauter
November 29, 1946 – October 24, 2023William Warren Sauter passed away peacefully on October 24, 2023 at the age of 76. He was a lifelong resident of West Seattle and the owner of the plumbing company West Seattle Sewer and Drain. He was well known as West Seattle’s local plumber, enjoying friendships with his customers and rescuing them from plumbing emergencies. When Bill retired four years ago, he sorely missed his work and his customers.
Bill grew up loving the game of baseball. He began playing for West Seattle Little League at the age of ten and continued through American Legion and West Seattle High School. He pitched for the 1964 West Seattle High School team that won the Metro League Championship that year and was named 1st Team in the State of Washington. Bill was the only Sophomore on that team. In 1966, his senior year at West Seattle High, he was chosen as team captain and awarded Most Inspirational Player.
Bill served four years in the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command during the Vietnam War. After basic training, he served at Goose Bay Labrador’s Air base in Canada, fueling U.S. military aircraft. He finished his service at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, fueling Air Force helicopters.
Known for his garage sales in Arbor Heights, his signs would be posted on the corner of 35th SW and SW 106th St. in summer and fall months. He loved interacting with the buyers and was famous for his “wheeling and dealing.” Some people would return every year just to share their troubles to a listening ear.
Bill was exceptionally proud of his children and grandchildren, encouraging them to work hard to accomplish their goals. He is remembered by them for his ability to laugh at himself.
He leaves his wife, Diane; two daughters, Julia and Erin; son David and his wife Morresia; seven grandchildren, Ashley, Emily, Jerin, Elisa, Zach, Lexi, and 4-month-old granddaughter River.
A memorial service for Bill will be held Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 11:00 am at Grace Church, 10323 28th Ave SW.
(Updated January 2 at 10:30 pm)
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
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