Memories of William Roy McLain | Ever Loved

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In memory of

William Roy McLain

Gig Harbor, WA

July 28, 1927 - April 9, 2024

Jul 28, 1927 - Apr 9, 2024

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Denise Della-Dora

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Diana Covington

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Diana Covington

I moved to Tacoma, WA in the summer of 1956, just before my 8th birthday. I found Brakeman Bill and Crazy Donkey on TV and never missed an episode after that! They were part of my family. I particularly adored the Crazy Donkey. My friend had a toy donkey, so we pretended she was Crazy Donkey's girlfriend! One of the highlights of my childhood was to go on a field trip with my Brownie troop to Channel 11 and meet Brakeman Bill and Crazy Donkey! They have a special place in my heart and mind and I will love them forever. Rest in Peace, dear Brakeman Bill. I am happy to know he led such a wonderful and fulfilling life after his TV show came to a close. My sincerest condolences go out to the McLain family for the loss of this wonderful man.

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Sandra Pearson

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Scott Anderson

My heartfelt condolence to the Mclain family and friends. Brakeman bill was a big part of my childhood along with JP and Gertrude, Captain Puget, Stan Boreson and others. I always loved seeing him and crazy donkey on the old black and white, he touched so many young lives. His legacy will live on through his many fans.

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Susan and Thomas Meyer

My husband and I send our deepest condolences. We grew up watching Brakeman Bill and Crazy Donkey. When he was in Boy Scouts, in the 60's, my husband appeared with his troop on the BB Show and won an award for having the most freckles! So many great memories. Thank you, sir, for helping us enjoy our childhoods. You will never be forgotten.

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Kris Sloan

Jean was my mother's niece, and I have many fond memories her and Bill. I still have the BB postcard Bill gave me with, "To my cousin Kristi" written on it , so I could prove to the kids at school that he really was my cousin! He was a sweet and kind soul. I send love and peace to your family, Bill.

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Comments:

Sandra Pearson

I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Brakeman Bill. Watched him and Crazy Donkey all the time as a kid.... Read more I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Brakeman Bill. Watched him and Crazy Donkey all the time as a kid. And my Brownie Troop... Read more I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Brakeman Bill.... Read more

Steve Baylor

My condolences to The McLain family. Bill was a second cousin of my dad. When he stayed with our family in Yakima many years ago, Bill painted a picture of a viking ship on our living room wall which my mother loved. He will be missed.

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Kris Sloan

Comments:

Natalie Parks

Thank you for your memories and for your kind donation to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Steve! Thank you for your memories and for your kind donation to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Steve! Thank you for your memories and for your kind donation... Read more

shell sloan

Bill and Jean were my cousins on my mother's side. In the early 60"s they came to Centralia when Bill was doing a live show and we were lucky enough to have them stay will us. Even though they were family, it was exciting to have a famous star stay at our house.

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Kris Sloan

Denise Della-Dora

I send this condolence to his beloved grandchildren, Parker snd Haley. He was a wonderful person and will be sorely missed. So sorry for your loss

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Michael Speers

Brakeman Bill was a great part of growing up in the Northwest. He is missed.

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William Copeland

I will always remember his great smile. The very first time I met him at the age of seven I liked even more in person than just watching his breakman bill show. Interesting thing he has my same first and middle name.

Regards,

William Roy C

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Kimberly Stanziola

May you rest in peace with our many other loved ones that have passed before you. I was lucky to be on your show once in a “ girls bluebirds”” group as a kid. I turn 60 this month. Oh the moments of joy you have brought to many of our lives. Isn’t it wonderful to keep those precious short memory moments in our hearts, to this day even as an adult.🙂🙏🏼🥹 Thank you.

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Betty Knauf

You were an important part of many local children. Thank you for years of enjoyment. You will be missed!

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Dennis Farnes

I got to see and meet with Bill many times at various parties, carnivals etc. He always was smiling and happy. He will be missed by us all.

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David Lilly

It is tough seeing a hero of my youth fall to ravages of time.

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Haley McLain

Bill & Jean

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Steve Baylor

Comments:

Steve Baylor

Bill stayed with us in Yakima when I was a kid. He was working at KYAK and was a cousin. He was grateful... Read more Bill stayed with us in Yakima when I was a kid. He was working at KYAK and was a cousin. He was grateful to my folks for hosting... Read more Bill stayed with us in Yakima when I was a kid. He... Read more

Michael Green

Brakeman Bill and J.P. Patches, how did we get so lucky? Thank you for the memories.

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Kris Smith

Brakeman Bill, JP Patches, Captain Puget, Stan Boreson, Wunda Wunda, Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop, Buffalo Bob... Read more Brakeman Bill, JP Patches, Captain Puget, Stan Boreson, Wunda Wunda, Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop, Buffalo Bob and Clarabelle, Captain... Read more Brakeman Bill, JP Patches, Captain Puget, Stan Boreson,... Read more

Jeris Underwood

Love and peace to Mr. McLain and his family. He was one of my childhood icons and heroes. Say hi to Chris, Bob, Stan, and Ruth. Let them know we loved them all. But I am sure they knew that....

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Sherianne Caldwell

A true gentleman....admired by his peers in children's TV, and loved by the members of his church.

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Karl Schmidt

I grew up watching Brakeman Bill, and was bummed I never got to win a giant Sugar Daddy. As an adult I was a video producer and needed to call Channel 11 to get some stock footage. The person answering the phone said "Good afternoon this is Bill McClain". All professionalism on my end went out the door.... there was a beat before I spoke as excited as a little kid ,"Brakeman Bill?!? Is this Brakeman Bill?". I'm sure he had heard that many times.... but he was so kind and patient during the phone call. We had a great chat, and I got the stock footage I needed. As nice in real life as his character. What a special person and a special time. 20 years of adlib as Brakeman Bill. So fortunate to have grown up watching him and Crazy Donkey.

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Created with love by Natalie Parks (William's granddaughter).

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