Bill Glass, 1946-2013
Memorial Service, Sunday Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. at West Sound Community Hall/Yacht Club
Bill Glass (William Edward) left his body at 9:15 pm on October 9, 2013 at the beautiful and peaceful Whatcom County Hospice House after a long and difficult journey with Early Onset Alzheimer’s. Bill was born in Auburn California to Rennie and George “Bill” Glass, the eldest of 3 brothers.
Bill moved to beautiful Orcas Island in 1991 from Lake Tahoe, California with his wife Gail, dog Annie, and Merit 25 sailboat, Xanadu. He quickly set out to build a home, relocate his business and studio, The Glassworks, and pursue his passion for sailboat racing and cruising the SJ and Gulf islands.
He was a “partner” with Orcas Island’s Artworks Gallery for over 15 years and is remembered for his beautiful stained glass and beveled windows, lamps, fused glass sculptures, vases, platters, beads and jewelry. True to his name, he explored all aspects of his chosen medium. He created the windows of Orcas Island’s St. Francis’ Catholic Church and those of many private residences in the San Juan Islands. One of his beautiful Craftsman Style lamps has a permanent home in the Orcas Island library’s sunroom. He left a legacy of stained-glass windows throughout northern California.
Passionate about sailing, Bill obtained his Coast Guard Master’s license and became a busy and popular charter boat captain (Orcas Sailing Charters) with his Santana 30-30 “Bravo” and later, “Showtime,” a Schock 35.” He regularly raced in the Around the County, Shaw Island Classic, Swiftsure, Benson Cup and Friday night sailboat races. His crew appreciated his fun-loving, low key but analytical and competitive nature. He had a ready smile, was quick to laugh and loved sharing with and introducing kids and adults to sailing.
Bill loved the outdoors and nature. He was an enthusiastic sailor, hiker, biker, runner, and cross-country skier. He loved designing and creating glass-art, rock walls, gardens and habitats. Maintaining the quality of the island’s natural environment was important to him. He was a volunteer for IOSA (Island Oil Spill Association) using his maritime skills during containment drills and oil spill responses.
Bill served in the air force during Vietnam and was stationed on Oahu. He lost his young brother Don, a Marine, to that tragic war.
He graduated from San Juan High School in Citrus Heights, Calif. in 1964 and later received his B.A. degree in Recreation Administration from Sacramento State College. He opened his first art glass gallery during the mid 1970s in Glenwood Springs, CO and shortly after, another in Grand Junction. He moved his studio to Lake Tahoe in the late 1970s because he wanted to sail. As one of his best friends reminisced, “Bill was fiercely independent.”
Bill is survived by his wife of 30 years, Gail; his brother Dave and wife Candy Glass; nieces Ciara, Michelle and Heather; nephew Ian; sister and brother-in-laws Margie Sterlin and Bill Dedman.
A Celebration of Bill’s life is scheduled for Sunday, November 17, 2013 beginning at 2 p.m. in the West Sound Community Hall/Yacht Club.
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Bill was a gentleman. He was tolerant of my naïveté in the Friday night sailing races and appreciative of my attachment to a piece of family glass needing repair. We miss his positive outlook and good humor.
Bruce Buchanan
I just this morning learned that Bill has left us. Bill not only volunteered his time and energy as an oil spill responder with Islands’ Oil Spill Association; he was also a much-loved and valued member of IOSA’s Board of Directors for many years, sharing his knowledge of boats and our local waters and always bringing a bright smile and wonderful sense of humor to the situation, whether we were in the midst of a messy oil spill containment & recovery job or discussing our organization’s finances in a Board meeting. I know I speak for everyone in IOSA who had the pleasure of knowing and working with Bill when I say that he will forever be missed and never forgotten. He was a lovely man and we were very lucky to have had him in our midst for as long as we did. My heart and love go out to Gail.
Jackie Wolf, Coordinator
Islands’ Oil Spill Association
Gail, I just read about Bill. I’m so sad for your loss. Bill was a wonderful man who left his wonderful mark on everyone he touched. I will always remember his bright eyes and smile.
Love to you, Oak (and Bob, too)