William "Willy" Makin Obituary (1944

William "Willy" Mansford Makin passed away on Sunday, 9/28/2025 at St. Vincent's Hospital in Portland, OR surrounded by his family. He was the 3rd born out of 4 by his mother, Eleanor Ruth Tolson Makin on 11/29/1944 in Forest Grove, OR. Before graduating Forest Grove High School in 1963, he joined the Navy JROTC Seabees and his training took him to Whidbey Island and even the World's Fair in Seattle, WA in 1962 where he was among the first to see the Space Needle. Due to asthma, the military couldn't retain him so he found a 40-year career at Wilbanks/CoorsTek in Hillsboro, OR. Willy's hard work & determination landed him as supervisor after learning every aspect of the ceramics manufacturing plant. Although his short Navy stint was behind him, he had a permanent reminder by way of a few tattoos; most prominently the 10" pinup girl on his right forearm. Willy met and married Teresa Heesacker Giesbers in 1973 and became an immediate father to her two sons, Jeff & Tony Giesbers. The next year Misty Makin was born rounding out the family of five. In 2001, after a life-saving quad heart bypass surgery, Willy committed to his health with near-daily walks. His favorite walks were the Fernhill Wetlands and the Banks-Vernonia Trail with his brother-in-law Ramon Heesacker. He was an avid outdoorsman! He went camping, fishing & clam digging every chance he could taking his family along. Willy loved to garden and shared his tomatoes with family & fellow bingo players alike. Sunday drives were among his favorites as he was certain that was the best price on gas. Among his favorite drives were driving south on Hwy 99 to the end, heading west over to Florence and then returning up Hwy 101 to Hwy 18. Another favorite drive was heading north up to Washington to Morton, then driving west to Willapa Bay, Astoria bridge then back home via Hwy 26. He could not be found without a tide book in his pocket or calling what he called "the clam hotline" often. Willy is survived by his loving wife, Teresa of 51+ years, their children Jeff, Tony, & Misty, and many grandchildren to whom he loved his role as Papa. He is also survived by his sister Charleen Mollgaard who was very close to Willy as they were only 11 months apart. Willy also had numerous beloved nieces, nephews and cousins, too. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Dorothy Stuck & brother Don Turner. There will be a celebration of life at the Bank's American Legion Post 90 on Saturday, Nov 29th on his 81st birthday from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Bank's American Legion--thank you!