Longtime Oroville Resident Bill Godwin Celebrates 92nd Birthday

Godwin's life has been defined by hard work, innovation, and community service in the Oroville area.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

On Valentine's Day, longtime Oroville resident Bill Godwin celebrated his 92nd birthday surrounded by family who describe him as steady, hardworking, and quietly generous. Godwin's life began humbly in a one-room house in Texas, but he found his calling in the orchards of Ellisforde, Washington, where he became known as a careful grower, innovative farmer, and community pillar.

Why it matters

Godwin's story represents the enduring values of hard work, community, and perseverance that have defined many long-time residents of the Oroville area. His lifelong commitment to agriculture and willingness to help his neighbors have left a lasting impact on the region.

The details

Godwin grew up in Texas and volunteered for the U.S. Army after high school. In 1956, he married Eunice Buckmiller and moved to Oroville, where he began farming apples in 1961 and eventually operated Ellisforde Orchards. Godwin was an early adopter of efficient irrigation systems and helped start the Sho-Pak Warehouse to pack and sell apples. Beyond farming, Godwin was known as the neighborhood handyman, grading roads, plowing snow, and helping with home projects.

  • Godwin turned 92 years old on Valentine's Day 2026.
  • Godwin began farming apples in Ellisforde in 1961.
  • Godwin helped start Sho-Pak Warehouse at some point in his career.

The players

Bill Godwin

A 92-year-old longtime resident of Oroville, Washington, who grew up in Texas and found his life's work in the orchards of Ellisforde, becoming known as a careful grower, innovative farmer, and community pillar.

Kimbo Godwin

Bill Godwin's son, who described his father's humble beginnings, strong work ethic, and lasting impact on the Oroville community.

Eunice Buckmiller

Bill Godwin's wife, whom he married in 1956 and moved with to Oroville.

Sho-Pak Warehouse

An apple packing and sales company that Bill Godwin helped start, strengthening ties within the local farming community.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He thought that hard work solved all of your problems. He took great pride in having his orchard always mowed and looking good while raising the best apples he could.”

— Kimbo Godwin, Bill Godwin's son (gazette-tribune.com)

“The biggest surprise to me was how much water there was running through the orchards. I wasn't used to seeing that much free water running.”

— Bill Godwin (gazette-tribune.com)

“Work as hard as you can, for as long as you can.”

— Bill Godwin (gazette-tribune.com)

The takeaway

Bill Godwin's life story exemplifies the values of hard work, community, and perseverance that have long defined the Oroville area. His commitment to agriculture, willingness to help his neighbors, and active lifestyle well into his 80s have left a lasting impact on the region.