Eternal Patrol: William Van Vleet

Holland Club and Seattle Base member William "Bill" A. Van Vleet Jr. departed on Eternal Patrol on January 15, 2021. 

Bill was born in El Paso Texas to William Axtell Van Vleet Sr. and Martha Blankenship Van Vleet and grew up in Southern California. Bill joined the Navy in 1956 and qualified in submarines on USS Bluegill (SS-242) in 1958. He was a EN2(SS) when he left the Navy in 1962. He moved to Rupert Idaho with his family in the 70's where he was a successful Dairy farmer. After farming he returned to California to work for the State Department of Agriculture. Upon retiring he moved to Everson, WA in 1996.

Bill is survived by his beautiful wife of 62 years, Judy Van Vleet his daughter, Shaun Marie and son-in-law, Roger Souve; his grandsons, William Van Vleet, Chris Souve; granddaughters, Heather Souve, Rachel Souve, Karlee Souve; his great-grandsons, Parker and Kayden Van Vleet, Logan and Hudson Souve.

William was a Life member of the Elks and Masons, and a life and Holland Club member of USSVI Seattle Base.

Sailor, Rest your oar.

Eternal Patrol: Bob Opple

 Seattle Base and Holland Club member Bob Opple departed on Eternal Patrol on January 10, 2021. 

Bob qualified on USS Razorback (SS-394) in 1960 and also served USS Archerfish (SS-311). 

Bob was an active USSVI member, a founding member of the Silent Service Motorcycle Club, and instrumental in the return Razorback as a museum ship in Little Rock, AR. 

Bob was a  proud submariner. He was always quick with a smile and ready to tell a sea story. We will miss him.

Please keep Bob’s family in your thoughts and prayers.

Sailor, Rest Your Oar