William “Bill” Thorndike Jr., a prominent Southern Oregon business leader and dedicated community servant, passed away unexpectedly on February 15, 2025, at the age of 71. He suffered a heart attack while vacationing with his wife, Angela, at their family cabin on Whidbey Island in Washington’s Puget Sound.

Born in Medford, Oregon, Bill graduated from Medford Senior High School in 1972 and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Lewis & Clark College in 1976. He joined his family’s business, Medford Fabrication—a custom steel fabrication company founded in the mid-1940s—in 1976, became president in 1987, and later served as chairman starting in 2004.

Bill’s commitment to his community was profound and far-reaching. He held leadership roles in nearly 60 boards and committees, often serving as president or chair. His affiliations included the Southern Oregon University (SOU) Board of Trustees—where he was the inaugural chair—the Oregon Business Council, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, Crater Lake National Park Trust, Oregon Community Foundation, and Asante Health System.

At SOU, Bill’s influence was significant. He served as a member and president of the SOU Foundation Board of Trustees in the early 1990s and was honored in 1996 with the President’s Medal, the university’s highest tribute to community members distinguished by their actions and contributions. The Thorndike Art Gallery at SOU stands as a testament to his lasting impact on the university.

His dedication extended beyond education. Bill was actively involved with organizations such as the SMART Oregon Children’s Foundation, the Chamber of Medford/Jackson County, the Jackson County Budget Committee, and the Rogue Valley Manor Community Services. His statewide contributions were recognized with numerous awards, including the Glenn L. Jackson Leadership Award from Willamette University and the Tom McCall Leadership Award from SOLV/Bank of America for his efforts in preserving Oregon’s livability.

His influence also reached beyond Oregon’s borders. His expertise in finance and economics led to his service, including as chairman, with the U.S. Central Bank’s Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (Portland Branch).

He was particularly proud of being a fellow of the American Leadership Forum, and his many honors and awards included the SOU President’s Medal, the Chamber of Medford/Jackson County First Citizen Award, the Jackson County Community Service Coalition Person of the Decade, Willamette University’s Glenn L. Jackson Leadership Award and SOLV’s Tom McCall Leadership Award.

Community members remember Bill as a transformative figure.

Jackson County Justice of the Peace Joe Charter noted in a December 2023 column that Bill “spends much of his day, and has spent most of his life, making the Rogue Valley community a better place.”

Dee-Anne Everson, executive director of United Way of Jackson County and a friend of Bill for three decades, reflected on his passing: “We lost a great leader, mentor, and friend to many yesterday. Bill Thorndike made time for anyone to talk about community.”

Vice President/General Manager at KOBI-TV / KOTI-TV, Bob Wise shared “Some people leave an impact so deep that their influence never fades. Bill Thorndike was one of those rare individuals—a mentor, a leader, and a true pillar of our community. His wisdom shaped many lives, his kindness uplifted those in need, and his unwavering dedication made our world a better place.”

Southern Oregon University President Rick Baily stated in a message to campus “Bill was to SOU what each of us cherishes in our closest of friends – he was supportive to a fault, generous with his time, and ready to lend a hand however it may be needed.”

Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read also paid tribute, stating, “Now, more than ever, we need leaders who see humanity in every person they meet, who can bridge the divide between opposing views and be the catalyst for change. Bill Thorndike Jr. was one of those leaders.”

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek expressed her condolences on social media, writing, “I am sad to hear about the passing of Bill Thorndike. Oregonians can thank him for his entrepreneurship and unwavering charity and service to others, especially his neighbors in Southern Oregon. Sending love to his family today.”

Bill Thorndike Jr.’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication to his community, exemplary leadership, and a genuine commitment to making Southern Oregon a better place for all.

Read more about Bill Thorndike and his impact

SOU News – SOU loses friend and mentor with passing of Bill Thorndike

Oregon Community Foundation – Remembering Bill Thorndike, ‘Community Hero’

City of Medford – Medford Mayor Zarosinski Honors Longtime Community Leader Bill Thorndike

KOBI5 – Oregon community remembers local leader, businessman Bill Thorndike

RV Times – Bill Thorndike Jr. remembered as community titan, treasured friend