Lemley Chapel
Serving Sedro-Woolley &
All of Skagit County Since 1935
1008 Third Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-855-1288
www.LemleyChapel.com

William “Bill” Lyman

William “Bill” Lyman

Thursday, March 12th, 2015

William J. “Bill” Lyman, 86, a brief resident of Sedro-Woolley, passed away at his home on Thursday, March 12, 2015.

Bill was born on September 4, 1928 in Emmett, Idaho, the son of William & Lorna (Flaglar) Lyman.  When he was about 4 years of age he moved to Suquamish on the Kitsap Peninsula where he attained his education.

In 1947 he began a 55 year maritime career.  He started out as a deck hand for Foss Tug in Seattle and in a short time was piloting tugs towing large barges around Puget Sound and up and down the west coast from California to Hawaii and to Alaska, working for Foss Tug for 20 years.  He then joined Crowley Maritime in 1967, working in Puget Sound and Alaska until moving to Vancouver, WA where he piloted tugs on the Columbia River.  He retired as Vancouver’s Port Captain in 1992.

In the mid 1950’s he married Janet Dahlstrom and they made their home and raised their 2 children in the Seattle and Edmonds areas.  In 1972 he married Dorothy Reisen and they lived in Edmonds and Alaska until moving to Vancouver.

Bill enjoyed snow birding in Sun City AZ, traveling, riding motorcycles and restoring his beloved ’56 Ford pick-up.

Bill is survived by his children, Lorna James of Longview, WA and Jay Lyman and his wife Lynnette of Sedro-Woolley. 3 grandchildren, Stacy Ammons (Joe), Willie Dunivin and MaryKate James (Danny Axon); 5 great-grandchildren, Kayli, Kenna, Tori & Reece  Dunivin and Sawyer Axon; 3 step-sons and 2  nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Dorothy, 2 brothers and 2 sisters.

Private family services will be held at a later date. The family suggests that memorials in  honor of Bill be made to Fred Hutchison Cancer Research, 1100 Fairview Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109.  

Guestbook

  • Lorna Lyman James

    My father, William J Lyman is missed so very very much. He always knew when to call me at just the right time when I needed to hear those words ‘I love you Sweetie.” Those words got me through so many difficult times over the years. No matter what stage of life I was conquering I could call anytime and always hear “I love you sweetie.” I thank-you dad for all that unconditional love. I sure do miss you! or where life. I always knew I was loved.

  • Louie Vander Wel

    Captain Bill was a fine workman and is thought about and asked about often.

  • Darleen McVay

    Those who knew and loved Bill will miss him but will have many fun, loving memories to bring them joy. One of my favorites is our trip through the Panama Canal with Bill and Dorothy and several other friends. I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything.
    Jay you did a beautiful job telling your Dad’s story. What a great Dad you and Lorna had and you were all so good and caring in his later years, He was blessed.

    Hugs, Dar