William Kenneth Prater passed away at the age of 73 in Eureka on Sept. 17, 2023 after a brief illness. Bill was born in Los Alamos, N.M. on Oct. 12, 1949 to Harry and Phyllis Prater. He later moved with his family to Las Vegas, Nev. where he graduated from Clark High School in 1968. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1970 and served in the Panama Canal Zone and Ft. Lewis Washington until 1973. Bill remained in the Army Reserve until 1976.

Bill worked many jobs in his life, some of which included surveying, manufacturing, repair, and sales in electronics, telecommunications and computers. He completed his AA degree at College of the Redwoods in 1991 with a certificate in Electronics Technology. In 1996, he started working part time for Eureka City Schools as a Computer Lab Technician, helping students as computers were introduced into all of our lives. From 1999-2014 he worked full time for Eureka City Schools in Information Technology.

Bill enjoyed riding and maintaining his Harley Davidson motorcycle, always taking pride in it. He shared his skills in fixing many things for friends and family over the years, always careful in his work, though maybe never the fastest to finish. Bill loved watching all sports, especially car and motorcycle racing. He shared his interest in old movies and TV programs with anyone willing to listen. Anyone who knew Bill heard a joke or two!

Bill is survived by his wife Cindy, daughters Alicia Nguyen (Tony), Janine Adams (Ben), granddaughters Olive and Hazel Nguyen, his brother Larry Prater (Christine), sister Patty Mendes (Nick), sister-in-law Cheryl Hale (Tom). He is also survived by nieces and nephews Candice Woodbury, Nick Prater, Ian Prater, Justin Hale, Emma Barnes, Robin Rice, and Angela Mendes and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Phillip Prater.

The family would like to thank the staff at Providence St Joseph Hospital, Hospice of Humboldt, and Timber Ridge Assisted Living, and Ayers Family Cremation for Bill’s care throughout this time.