William Edward Pinkston

WILLIAM (BILL) PINKSTON

Bill Pinkston passed away Monday, July 4, 2022 in Chico, California.

 Bill was born Monday, March 29, 1937 in Oroville, California to Edward Horatio and Ada Irene Pinkston (Gramps). Bill grew up in Las Plumas and attended Oroville High School.

 As a boy, Bill worked as a cowboy on weekends and school breaks with his father and uncles moving cattle between the winter grounds around Cherokee, Big Bend, and Yankee Hill to the summer pastures in Rag Dump and Flea Valley.

 After high school, Bill worked in the local logging industry. In the 60’s Bill joined the Operating Engineers and began working as a heavy equipment operator on the Oroville Dam project. For a time he owned and operated logging trucks. Later he worked on various road construction jobs in California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Utah until he retired in the 1990’s. 

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, his devoted wife of 56-years Janice, his daughter Tamera, his sister Dorothy, his great-granddaughter Kelsey Powles, and his son-in-law Jerry Cortese.   

Bill is survived by his loving companion/partner for the past 11-years Linda Gates, daughter Teresa Cortese, son John Pinkston (Cindy), grandchildren, Michael Klobas (Rachelle), Brandy Klobas, and great-grandgrandchildren Drew Klobas, Emma Klobas, and Tyler Powles, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 Bill was a member of Native Sons of the Golden West, The Moose Lodge, The Eagles, and The Clampers. Bill loved camping, fishing, hunting, dancing and spending time with his family and friends. 

An outdoor Celebration of Life is planned 10:00 am, Saturday, July 23rd at the Concow campground for people dedicated to social distancing. Please bring a lawn chair and memories to share. Potluck lunch to follow. 

An indoor Celebration of Life will be held at the VFW Hall in Oroville Saturday, July 30th 1:00 pm.

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