William H Lysak

William Hayes Lysak, 58, of Olympia, WA died October 6th, 2012 as a result of a long battle with kidney and liver disease. His friends and family were by his side as he drifted away. Bill grew up in Olympia, attending Chinook Middle School, and North Thurston High School, where he focused his talents on theater and visual Art. Bill went on to study drawing, painting and design, taking classes at Evergreen State College and Central Washington University.

Bill led an active and diverse life, working as a salmon fisherman in Ketchikan, AK, as well as a tree planter and logger in Washington State. Bill suffered a serious spinal cord injury in 1984, diving into shallow water. The accident left him a quadriplegic. Despite this trauma and difficulty, Bill was able to become a somewhat independent person, living for some years in Juanita, WA. Bill traveled across the country a few times, driving an enabled van. Bill was able to visit the East coast and the Southwest visiting friends and enjoying the beauty of this great country. Bill focused time and attention on his talents, making amazing visual art in watercolor and oil paint. Much of Bill’s artwork was inspired by the beauty of the mountains and inland bays of Puget Sound and also by the rugged natural splendor of Alaska. Bill was a gifted artist; his family and friends treasure his images on their walls and in their collections. Bill enjoyed an active social life with many friends, family and companions over the years. Bill was an eternal optimist, keeping his sense of humor and making the best of his challenging life. He was able to keep his positive outlook even when narrowly avoiding death a number of times for health problems over the years. Everybody who knew Bill well was impressed by his passion for life and his commitment to friends and family. He will be truly missed by many people.

Bill is survived by his father, Dr. William Lysak, two brothers, Tom and John, his son, Joseph Talotta, granddaughter Kate Talotta, and extended family.

Mills & Mills Funeral Home in Tumwater WA, is handling funeral arrangements. There will be an informal memorial for those wishing to remember Bill and celebrate his life, on Thursday, October 18, 3:00 PM at Mills & Mills. Any donations to the Nisqually Land Trust (www.NisquallyLandTrust.org) or other local environmental causes would be appreciated by Bill’s family.