William Tipton

Bill was born August 23, 1949, in Modesto, CA. He was the second son of Perry and Mary Anna Tipton. He passed away on September 28, 2025, at his home in Baker City, OR. Growing up in Manteca, California, Bill had a happy childhood as one of three boys. His extended family lived nearby and he had many happy times playing with his cousins, visiting Aunts, Uncles, and grandparents.

His love for the outdoors began at an early age. He fished and hunted throughout the Sacramento Delta region and the Sierra Nevada mountains. In high school, he worked at his Dad’s service station in Manteca. After high school graduation, he enrolled in the local community college, studying welding. Before completing the program, he enlisted in the Army and was sent to Vietnam for one year. During one of many enemy encounters, he was wounded and received a Purple Heart medal.

Following his honorable discharge from the Army, he worked at a printing company in Tracy, CA. After six years, he decided to return to college. He enrolled in Lassen Community College and earned an Associate of Arts degree in Forestry.

He worked seasonally for the US Forest Service for a few years, moving around to different locations; he worked in Northern California, Eastern Oregon, and central Idaho. While in Idaho, he met and married Carla. He received a full-time position with the Forest Service in Idaho. In 1990, they moved to Baker City, where their daughter Julie was born. Bill worked for the US Forest Service for nearly 30 years before retiring from the Wallowa Whitman National Forest in 2006.

He stayed in Baker City following his retirement. He spent many summer days playing tennis and developed many lasting friendships. Bill later joined the pickleball excitement and played for many years. He also participated in community activities, including delivering food for Meals on Wheels and assisting with the Ducks Unlimited Annual Banquet.

Bill loved to fly fish. Annually, he traveled to many western locations with a group of Forest Service friends, including three trips to Alaska for wilderness fishing.

Bill’s love for dogs began when he was a child. While growing up, his family had a beagle; the boys played with Bugle for many years. In later years, Bill had Labrador retriever dogs, including Penny, Lila, Greta, Lucy, Lana, Bella, and Libby.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Julie (Kyle), of Lolo, Montana; his brother, Tom (Linda), of Roseburg, Oregon; and many friends. He will be greatly missed. There is no doubt he is walking his dogs in heaven.

A memorial service with Army Funeral Honors will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, at Gray’s West & Company Pioneer Chapel. Pastor Jesse Whitford of the Baker City Christian Church will officiate. A private family urn burial will take place afterward at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Connections with (Meals on Wheels specified on the memo line) in care of Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel at 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814.