William "Bill" Helge Hecht

November 20, 1935 – January 18, 2026

William “Bill” Helge Hecht was born on November 20, 1935, in Seattle to Fred and Esther (Helgesen) Hecht. His childhood in Ballard shaped a lifetime of deep roots, lasting friendships, and enduring love - beginning at Webster Elementary School, where he first met classmate Marilyn Kleve. Neither could have known then that they would marry on July 18, 1959, and share the next 66 years of married life side by side.

Bill graduated from Ballard High School in 1953 and went on to earn an engineering degree from California Institute of Technology in 1957. He returned home to Seattle to attend the University of Washington School of Medicine, graduating in 1962, embarking on the vocation that would define his professional life.

Bill served in the United States Air Force from 1967 to 1969, before accepting an offer from his soon‑to‑be friend, Duane Larson, to join Radiology Associates in Everett. Bill served as a radiologist until his retirement in 1994. He and Marilyn built their family life in Everett’s View Ridge neighborhood, raising three children - Jane, Tom, and David - in a home filled with warmth, curiosity, and unconditional support.

In 1974, the Hechts acquired their cherished summer home on Camano Island, a place that became the backdrop for decades of family memories. Bill delighted in long days of tennis, crabbing, socializing, and savoring the simple joys of Northwest summers. Camano remained one of his happiest places.

Bill was a man of energy and determination, completing 10 marathons - all after the age of 40. His intellectual passion was equally vigorous; his love of ancient history was boundless, and in retirement he and Marilyn traveled widely, exploring Europe, Russia, China, Israel, Egypt, India, and beyond. One of the most meaningful chapters of his post‑retirement years was his time spent working as a teaching radiologist in Vellore, India. The people he met left a lasting impression on him, and he spoke of the experience with deep gratitude and humility.

Bill’s retirement life with Marilyn was also filled with many joyous memories of golf, tennis, and other adventures with their friends.

Faith and service were threads woven throughout Bill’s life. Dating to the early 1970s, he and Marilyn were devoted members of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Everett. As Bill’s health declined, he and Marilyn returned to Seattle, to Mirabella in 2022. Bill found comfort and community there, and he was deeply appreciative of the residents and staff - some of whom cared for him with great kindness and compassion in his final days.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife Marilyn; his children Jane, Tom (Lisa Lee), and David (Jennifer Blank); and his grandchildren, Adeline and Sam. He leaves behind a legacy of steadfast love, quiet generosity, and unwavering devotion to family.

Bill was a selfless man whose life was guided by faith, curiosity, and compassion. He will be remembered for his gentle strength, his generosity of spirit, and the countless ways he put others before himself.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, supporting research in the pursuit of improved treatments and cure for Parkinson’s Disease, or to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Everett.

A memorial service for Bill will be held at 2:00pm on March 28 at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home & Cemetery in Seattle.