William A. Hadley
October 29, 1936 - July 05, 2013
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William A. Hadley
October 29, 1936 - July 05, 2013
Obituary
William Bill A. Hadley, 76, passed away from Myleodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) in Bellingham, WA on July 5, 2013. In 1959, Bill married Marlene (Fosse), with whom he raised two daughters.
Bill attended college prior to US Air Force enlistment at age 17. He served at the Blaine Radar Station, and retired as an electrical/electronic engineer and technical designer for the Boeing Defense and Space Group. Bill valued his volunteer work to support and benefit the community he loved local parks, the museum, and his neighborhood were extremely important to him. Because of his passion, he was a dedicated member of the Bellingham Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Cornwall Park Neighborhood Association, Local Chapter of Trout Unlimited, and the Whatcom Museum. As a disc golf enthusiast, he played multiple rounds every morning in Cornwall Park until his illness precluded the activity. Working at home and at the family cabin, Bills talents and creativity allowed him to craft a life and environment for his family to enjoy. From cultivating a lush and lovely garden with his wife Marlene to building home additions, Bill had a remarkable intellect and practicality that allowed him to do whatever he set his mind to. He was Mr. Fix It. He was Ask dad, hell know. He was a husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose passing has left a vast and unfillable hole in our hearts and lives. Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, daughters Suzanne (Thomas) Hersh, Idaho Falls, ID and Juliet (Steven) Barnes, Ferndale, WA, grandchildren Benjamin Hersh and Hadley Hersh, Idaho Falls, ID, and sister Lita Wells, Yuba City, CA. He is predeceased by his parents Dale S. Hadley and Dorothy E. (Evans) Hadley, sister Mary (Hadley) Page, and infant daughter Darla E. Hadley.
Farewell Tribute Information
There will be a graveside service at Greenacres Memorial park on Friday July 12 at 10:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 PM at the Fountain Community Church, 2100 Broadway St, Bellingham. Donations Information
Memorials may be made to the Whatcom Museum of History and Art with a designation to support the Photo Archives ongoing work to preserve and document the history of this area. Whatcom Museum, 121 Prospect St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Or just go play a round of disc golf in Cornwall Park to honor Bills love of the game.
4 responses to William A. Hadley
April Markiewicz says:
July 5, 2013
My heartfelt condolences to your family during this time of loss. I met Bill several years ago while serving on the Lake Whatcom Watershed Advisory Board. Bill volunteered to be the Bellingham Parks and Recreation Board liaison on our Board and impressed me with his knowledge and insights that helped us in our decision-making. His quick wit and sense of humor helped us to keep things in perspective as well. The bonus for me was when he came up to me after one of our meetings and introduced himself as a cousin of Diane Peterson, a co-worker and good friend of mine. Though we didn’t stay in touch after I served my term on the Watershed Advisory Board, I learned through Diane how he was doing, especially once his illness took hold. I kept hoping, much like everyone who ever knew him, that he would recover. With his passing, our community has lost a friend and strong advocate for the things that really matter in making our community the great place it is today. It hope you and yours will find strength and comfort in the memories he has left behind, as well as in the legacy he has left in our community. I will miss him.
Lindsay, Kyle, Rory, and Max Anderson says:
July 5, 2013
A little over three years ago we were scrambling to find a new home for our growing family and from the moment we moved in next to the world’s best neighbors we knew we picked a good spot. Bill, we will miss you so much and are so grateful for all the times you patiently let our kids be your garden buddies, answering their millions of questions and making them feel important and loved.
Marlene, you are both so dear to us and our prayers and thoughts are with you and your whole family.
Frederick Brighton says:
July 5, 2013
The “Cornwall Park Disc Golf man” is how my group of guys knew him. I belong to a group of guys that play a weekly game of another type of game at the park. We never knew Bill’s name but we could always count on him being there… every day regardless of the weather. There was never a need to learn his name. He’d walk by, smile and we’d exchange greetings. We had wondered what had happened to Bill. We will miss you Park friend but I’m sure you are tossing disks somewhere while others are remembering the effect you had on their lives.
Gary and Trisha Adelstein says:
July 5, 2013
We’re sorry to hear about your loss. Your family has been a part of my life . Bill will be missed. Our thoughts are with you and your family.