William Lorenzen Obituary

William Arthur Lorenzen, 65, better known as Billy, passed away on New Year's Day, 2025, at his residence in Pendleton, Oregon. Billy passed away from complications of chronic congestive heart failure.
Billy was born on June 30, 1959 in Pendleton, Oregon to Leonard A. and Ila (nee Housner) Lorenzen. His lifelong friend Brett Swearingen was born the same day. The old St. Anthony Hospital was probably never the same after that day. He grew up on a wheat and cattle ranch northwest of Pendleton. Billy spent his entire life in agriculture.
As a child, Billy loved to draw big equipment, especially Caterpillar tractors. Legos were another medium he enjoyed constructing equipment with. It was said he could make an intricate combine from a pile of Legos with no instructions needed.
He was active in 4-H and FFA showing beef and sheep. After graduating from Pendleton High School, he attended BMCC and Oregon State University. He returned to Lorenzen Ranches to farm with his father and brother. Following the death of his father in 1988, he went out on his own to farm and raise cattle. As his health declined, he delivered produce for Bob Walchli. He was always promoting the growing process and wonderful quality to the customers.
Billy was a historian, knowledgeable in many areas, including all things farming and Pendleton Round-Up. His ability to tell stories and jokes was extraordinary. He never knew a stranger and enjoyed getting to know everyone he met. Those friends ranged from farmers to cowboys, veterans, to everyone in between.
His pride and joy was his son, Andrew Rodney Lorenzen. It was a glorious day in October 2001, when he was born.
Billy's love of the Pendleton Round-Up ran deep. He was involved with Happy Canyon during high school, participating in the Mounted Quadrille and many of the horse scenes. As a Round-Up Volunteer, he carried the Big American Flag in the Grand Entry and was on the barrier crew for many years. The years he served as Round-Up Director kept him very busy. He especially enjoyed being the Parade Director. This led to working on the parade wagons after being on the board. Wagon Wednesdays were a very favorite day for him. He could recount the history of many of the wagons used.
Anyone who knew him, had a "Billy" story. He had an amazing mind, but lacked in the neatness department. He could be seen driving to Dave's Chevron in his four door, one seater Ford pick-up to do Sudoku.
Billy was preceded in death by his Father. He is survived by his son Andrew (significant other Danielle Vega) of Spokane Valley, Washington. His mother Ila Lorenzen, Pendleton, sister Ann (Bob) Hulden, Union, Oregon, nephew Will (Emily) Hulden, Union, Oregon. Grandnieces Margaret and Dennie Hulden, Union, Oregon, brother Larry (Diane) Lorenzen, of Oklahoma, niece Amy (Kirk) Stamos, grandniece Sloane, and grandnephew Beck, of Connecticut. Nephew Sam (Jenna) Lorenzen, Bend Oregon, grandnephews Parker and Maverick, and grandniece Blakely.
Thank you to all his wonderful friends, past and present, that shared in his life. His last post was of a cowboy on a bronc "May not know God's plans, but I am holding on anyway".
A celebration of Billy's life is planned for a later date. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Pendleton Round-Up Association, P.O. Box 609, Pendleton, OR 97801 for Parade Wagon Restoration.