William McCraney "Mick" Culham

With deep sadness, the family of William McCraney "Mick" Culham announces his passing on
January 12, 2023 at the age of 79. Born on February 13, 1943 in Portland, Oregon, Mick grew
up in Pendleton as the eldest of six siblings. He graduated from Pendleton High School and
attended Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, where he met his future wife, Judith
Guthrie. At Whitman Mick established a long-lasting friendship with a group that was fondly
known as the BBI brothers.
Mick served in the US Army as a drill instructor and artillery instructor at Fort Sill, Oklahoma,
and retired as a 1st Lieutenant. After his military service, he worked various jobs, including as a
surveyor and computer salesman for Macintosh when first introduced , in Western Montana,
where he and Judith divorced. He graduated from University of Montana while in Missoula. He
later remarried to Ruth Allen, and in the mid-1980s, he became a financial advisor, which
prompted a move back to Portland. He and Ruth divorced in the early 2000s, and Mick would
remain in the Portland area until 2021, when he returned to Pendleton.
An avid outdoorsman, Mick enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing around the world. He was also
a craftsman, recognized for his woodworking, fly-tying and his perfected skills at wood and
stone carving. He was known for his quick wit and his love of philosophy and wisdom from many
cultures.
Mick was preceded in death by his parents William and Mary Jane Culham, his sisters Candace
Morgan and Patricia Culham and his son, Sam Culham. He is survived by his brother, Carl
(Jaclyn) Culham, sisters Julie (Bill) McCrae and Jari Davis and his son Paddy (Cher Lytle)
Culham. His infectious smile and the twinkle of his eyes will be deeply missed by his family
and friends.