William I (Bill) McFadden

William I (Bill) McFadden, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, in Seattle, Washington. Born on September 16, 1935, in Walla Walla, Washington, Bill was the son of John (Jack) William McFadden and Bessie Londa Lair.

Bill spent his childhood and formative years in Seattle, graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1952, where he had excelled in Track. His commitment to lifelong learning led him to pursue further education at the University of Washington, Central Washington College, and Mount Vernon Community College, continuously nurturing his curiosity and love for learning.

Bill served in the U.S. Naval Air Force, living in California during his years of service. Upon returning to Washington, he began a career as a swimming instructor for the city of Kenmore and later at the YMCA in Bellingham. One of his proudest achievements was mentoring a student who went on to represent the United States at the Olympics.

As a young man Bill worked alongside his father in a tire recapping shop during summer school breaks, learning the skills of tire sales and service. He opened his own tire shop in Ballard in 1977, serving the community for many years before retiring. In addition to his business endeavors, Bill owned and raced limited hydroplanes at lakes across western Washington. Later he owned an unlimited hydroplane that competed under the sponsorship of "Oh Boy! Oberto" for several memorable years.

Bill’s love for animals was a lifelong hobby. Besides always having a variety of pets, he raised and showed Afghan hounds, earning many first-place ribbons in local competitions.

Family was at the heart of Bill’s life. He married Sarah Holm, with whom he had two sons, Peter and Robert. He later married Mary Ann Kolb, and together they welcomed their son, Ty John. Ultimately, Bill found lasting companionship with Ruth Keller, to whom he was married for 52 years.

Bill was an avid traveler, traveling to Scotland multiple times, visiting American Samoa twice, and embarking on photo safaris in Kenya and Tanzania. He loved recounting stories from his journeys and sharing his adventures with friends and family.

In retirement, Bill embraced his Scottish heritage with enthusiasm, immersing himself in the history and traditions of his ancestors. For over 25 years, he represented the Clan MacLaren Society of North America at Scottish Highland games and festivals throughout Washington and British Canada, sharing his passion for Scottish culture with all who visited his tent.

Bill McFadden will be remembered for his adventurous spirit and the joy he brought to those who knew him. His stories, laughter, and love will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on for those who were privileged to share in his remarkable life.

He is survived by his wife Ruth, his sons Peter (Grazia), Robert (Leslie), and Ty John, sister Nina Lamb, four grandchildren, a great-grandchild, and extended family.

A memorial service will be held on April 18, 2026, at Haller Lake United Methodist Church, 13055 1st Ave, NE, Seattle, WA. Family and friends are invited to honor Bill’s remarkable life and lasting impact. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to benefit the Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games and Clan Gathering or the Northwest Junior Pipe Band.