William Lutze Binford

William (Bill) Lutze Binford passed away on Friday, March 1, 2024, in La Grande, Oregon. Son of Lindley Charles Binford and Dorothy Lutze Binford, he was born in Portland, Oregon on September 22, 1938. Bill's parents moved the family (including brothers John and Lin) to Mexico City for several years when he was four years old and Bill grew up speaking Spanish and English fluently. He prepared at La Center High School in La Center, Washington. Majoring in history and a member of Dudley House and the Class of 1960, Bill received an A.B. from Harvard College in June of 1961.
Bill’s years of living in Mexico as a child served him in his career as he worked for the Peace Corps in Ecuador and Guatemala as well as for the Agency for International Development and various US government contractors in Bolivia, Costa Rica, and The Dominican Republic.
Bill lived in Halfway, Oregon for many years, meeting and marrying Diana Glynn in 2010. They moved to La Grande in 2019 to be closer to family. Bill delighted his friends and family with his guitar playing and singing, participating in talent shows in Halfway, Oregon into his early 80's. He was a voracious reader and loved the outdoors and taking his children on long rides out in the countryside in Guatemala. He was an intelligent, charming, and witty man with a sarcastic and fun sense of humor.
Bill is survived by his current wife, Diana Binford, and her children Jerry and Troy Glynn. Bill and Martha Butler (d. 2011), his first wife whom he married in 1957, had three children: William L. Binford Jr. (d. 2010), Richard S. Binford, and Katherine C. Binford. Eugenia Saenz de Tejada and Bill were married in Guatemala and had one daughter, Anna Michelle Binford. Bill subsequently married Carole Danielson Peacock and adopted her son William H. Peacock (now Binford). Vicky Ponce and Bill were married for several years in Guatemala. He will be fondly remembered by his brother Lin Binford, grandchildren Patrick, Becca, Amanda, Raquel, Andres, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, and in-laws. He was a much married and well-loved man and will be greatly missed by all!
Those who would like to make a memorial donation in memory of Bill may do so to P.E.E.F. (Pine Eagle Education Fund) which enriches students’ lives with culture and music ... through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services; PO Box 543; Halfway, Oregon 97834. Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com.