William A. Craven

William Amos "Will" Craven passed away in the early morning hours of June 25, 2025. He leaves behind a legacy of steady leadership, deep roots, and quiet devotion to his family and the Roslyn community.

Born on September 18, 1938, in Roslyn, Washington, to Samuel Lawrence and Ethel Florence Williams Craven, Will was the second youngest in a family of thirteen children and a lifelong resident of the town. His family traced its roots to the late 1880s, when African American miners, including Will's grandfather, were recruited to Roslyn during a labor strike to work in the town's coal mines. By the 1970s, the Cravens were the last remaining Black family in Roslyn, embodying the history and resilience of the region's Black pioneer heritage.

Will began working at Walter Strom Junior High while still in high school, cleaning and tending the flower beds as a teenager. After graduating in 1956, he continued on as a janitor at both the junior high and Cle Elum-Roslyn High School, serving in that role for much of his life. Through his steady presence and commitment, he became a beloved figure to generations of students. Will was also the longtime caretaker of Mt. Olivet Cemetery, taking great pride in preserving the grounds and honoring the memory of those buried there. He was part of a multigenerational tradition of cemetery caretaking in his family, following in the footsteps of his father, who began this work decades earlier. Beyond his formal duties, he was a coach and mentor whose steady support left a lasting mark on the community. Even long after his time in the schools, former students continued to reach out to him, a testament to the deep connections he built throughout the community.

In the early 1970’s, Will was elected to the Roslyn City Council. On June 10, 1975, he was unanimously appointed mayor by the council, becoming the first Black mayor in Washington state history. He went on to win the seat in his own right on September 16, 1976, earning 272 of the 305 votes cast. He served as mayor until 1979 and often reminded people, "I didn't run for this job as a Black man, but as a man. I wanted an equal chance to try." Despite the historic significance of his role, Will continued his work at the cemetery and around town, choosing to lead by example and action rather than position alone.

In 1978, thanks in part to Will's efforts, the Roslyn Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Years later, his work didn't go unnoticed. In 2021, Governor Jay Inslee proclaimed February 20 as "William Craven Day," and that August, a monument was dedicated in his honor in downtown Roslyn during a public celebration.

In December 1966, Will married Virginia Lee Smith, who preceded him in death in 2013. Together, they raised six children: Tony, Tom (Evelyn Yamson), Corrine, Timmy (Sophia Orozco), Teddy (Allison Gore), and KC. Their son Tom, a firefighter, tragically died during the Thirtymile Fire in 2001. Will was a devoted grandfather to Tomisha, T'shaun, Ty, Tiana, and Trey, and he loved all of his grandchildren deeply. In addition, he played a vital role in supporting his extended family, helping to raise several nephews and cousins who returned to Roslyn to live with his mother, Ethel. His care provided them with consistency, warmth, and a strong sense of belonging.

William Craven lived with humility, quiet strength, and a deep sense of responsibility to others. He mentored kids, looked after public spaces, supported extended family, and served Roslyn not for credit but because it was the right thing to do. His passing is a real loss-a man who helped shape the town through presence, not words. He didn't seek attention, but you always knew he was there, doing the work that mattered.

Funeral services will be held on July 5, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Roslyn Presbyterian Church, 207 N. 1st St, Roslyn. A graveside burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, with a reception afterward at the Roslyn Eagles.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Cle Elum.