News of Pastor Bill Douglas’ death has prompted an outpouring of support from community members and church congregants

Cade Barker
The Reflector Newspaper

Yacolt Community Church announced Pastor Bill Douglas passed away following a motorcycle crash near Yacolt on Wednesday, May 27.

On Sunday, May 31, the church announced Douglas’ memorial service has been scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at Yacolt Community Church, 34502 NE Amboy Road in Yacolt. According to a memorial announcement released by the church, “All are welcome to attend.”

News of Douglas’ death has prompted an outpouring of support from community members and church congregants. Douglas served as pastor of Yacolt Community Church, where he was a longtime spiritual leader and fixture in the East Clark County community.

The news prompted the town of Yacolt to fly flags at half-staff.

“It is with heavy hearts that the Town mourns the passing of Pastor Bill Douglas,” the town of Yacolt’s website states. “Bill was a pillar of our community and an inspiration to many. From his service through the church, his volunteer time at community events, the little league and master BBQ cook at National Night out, Bill was always there for anyone or anything in need. In honor of his dedication to this community the flags are at half-mast. Please keep his wife and children in your prayers as he did for so many.”

Community members have shared memories of Douglas’ dedication to his faith, his congregation and the Yacolt community in the days following his death across social media.

“Last night, we lost a pillar of the community and a true champion for Christ, Pastor Bill Douglas,” former director of the United States National Counterterrorism Center, Joe Kent, stated on social media. “Bill helped me and my family so much as we found our way back to church. He helped me grow as a Christian, a husband, a father and as a man. Bill married Heather and me. He and his amazing family were always there for us and everyone in Yacolt. We are praying for his family. Bill will be truly missed.”

Emergency responders from Clark County Fire District 13, North Country EMS and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched at approximately 6:39 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, to a single-motorcycle crash near the 25200 block of Northeast Worthington Road, just outside Yacolt, according to a news release by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the sheriff’s office, Douglas suffered critical injuries in the crash and was airlifted to an area hospital by Lifeflight helicopter. Authorities later learned he succumbed to his injuries, the release stated.

The preliminary investigation indicates Douglas was traveling southbound on Northeast Worthington Road when his motorcycle left the roadway while navigating a curve and struck vegetation off the shoulder, the release stated.

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and continues to investigate the cause of the crash. No additional details have been released.

This report was first published by The Reflector Newspaper.