Foundation News

‍From Charles Putney, Chairman, James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation:

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bill Blount and extend sincerest condolences to his family and many friends. Bill was instrumental in founding the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation in 1999 with Jim Miller and myself, and he served on the board until 2010. Oregon is undeniably a better place because of Bill, and his dedication to the creation and growth of the Miller Foundation has been sustained for over 25 years. Bill’s unwavering commitment to supporting arts and education across Oregon has left an indelible mark on communities across the state, urban and rural. My thoughts are with Bill's family and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him. We will honor his memory by continuing to build on the legacy he so generously helped create here at the Miller Foundation."

Read more about Bill in The Oregonian - Obituary - William Blount:

William Kay Blount was born in Portland, Ore., the first son, of William Kenneth Blount and Golda Cleo (Miller) Blount. He attended Irvington grade school and Grant High School ('48), and attended Stanford University under a NROTC scholarship. While at Stanford, Bill Joined the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity and earned a degree in economics ('52). Upon graduation, he served in the Korean War on the USS Essex CVA-9 and CINCPACFLT staff, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Bill returned to Stanford Business School, earned his MBA, and on a blind date met Stanford undergraduate Nancy Jaggar (also a Portland native), who became his wife for the next 56 years.

Bill and Nancy returned to their native Portland in 1958 where he joined Blyth and Company as a stock broker. He survived three mergers, staying with the same firm for his entire 60 working years. At the pinnacle of his career, Bill was ranked #1 nationally at Blyth Eastman Dillan / PaineWebber, was featured in national magazines and publications, and yet always remained humble and dedicated to the hundreds of clients whom he called friends. He retired as a Managing Director of UBS Financial Services at the age of 87.

Bill had a zest for excellence in all that he endeavored. He was a founding trustee for both the Doernbecher Foundation and the James F Miller Foundation, a trustee of Lewis and Clark College, and a Hoover Institution Overseer. He received an honorary doctorate from Hillsdale College and was the recipient of numerous civic and honorary awards, such as the Northstar Award from the Boy Scouts of America. He believed in conserving the environment and was involved with Ducks Unlimited, the Isaak Walton League, Oregon Trout, the Nature Conservancy, and he gave generously of his time and investment talents to many charities. Bill loved vintage cars and car shows, enjoyed volleyball and swimming at the Multnomah Athletic Club, and was a regular at the Arlington Club Toastmasters. He was an avid skier, fisherman, hiker, camper, traveller, and cyclist, being one of only two participants to complete the first 15 Cycle Oregon bike rides.

After the death of his devoted wife, Nancy and at the young age of 87, Bill married, Janet O'Hara Ball. When asked, Bill would always say he was most proud of his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and took every opportunity to convey his wisdom, life philosophies, and investment acumen to them. Bill was predeceased by Nancy, his brother Thomas Sabin Blount, and is survived by his wife Janet, children Susan McNiel (Don), Brian (Leslie), and Kevin, six grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

William Blount will be remembered as a man of courage and character who devoted his life to God, Family, Country, and Community. A private memorial service is planned for March 2025.

Published in The Oregonian, January 2025.