William Council Obituary

William Council
May 23, 1944 - September 8, 2013
Anchorage, AK
Bill Council died in Anchorage, Alaska on September 8, 2013 after a valiant struggle with Parkinson's disease. He was born May 23, 1944 in Raleigh, North Carolina to Charles and Frances Council, and had two siblings: Sonny Council and Janet Council. Bill graduated from Cary High School in 1962, from Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina in 1966, and from the University of North Carolina Law School at Chapel Hill in 1969.He played competitive tennis during all the years he was a student, winning many titles. He moved to New York City and practiced law with Sherman and Sterling (1969-1971), before moving to Fairbanks and becoming an assistant district attorney for the State of Alaska. After two years he became a Public Defender in Ketchikan, where he built a ferro-cement hull sailboat on weekends. In 1975 he moved to Juneau and worked in the Attorney General's Office doing civil litigation. Bill married Fran Ulmer in 1977, and together they raised two children Amelia (Amy) Council and Louis Ulmer. Between 1980 and 2005, Bill practiced law in his own firm, at various times with Bud Carpeneti, David Crosby, Vance Sanders, and others. He served on a variety of community boards, including the Alaska Judicial Council. Bill was an effective advocate, a talented and competitive tennis player, an expert boatman, an avid reader, a good cook, a supportive husband, loyal brother and a patient and loving father. He is survived by his family and friends who will miss his keen insight, sharp intellect, irreverent humor, remarkable courage, admirable strength and unfailing love.

Published by The News & Observer on Sep. 13, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for William Council

Not sure what to say?





Dear Fran,
Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of your dear husband. We only learned of it today. Reading these many heartfelt remarks, it's obvious Bill touched the lives of so many who knew him. May your memories of a full life together carry you through this painful time. Our thoughts are with you. --Don & Carolyn Gray--

December 20, 2013

Dear Fran, Amy, and Louis -
Reflecting on this year and thinking of all the stories each of us have; some happy, some sad, some both at the same time. May you all find value in your stories and memories of Bill; I am sure he is doing the same. In Peace~

Karen Elizabeth Parks

December 12, 2013

Fran, Amy and Louis
We were deeply saddened to learn of Bill's passing. I had hoped to get by to see him in late Sept. Bill was such a wonderful role model for all of us, in his role as lawyer, father, friend and community activist. Bill and Fran were like second parents to our son Marcus, who grew up with Louis, and we greatly respected Bill & Fran's support in helping raise Marcus at their house. Bill had great skills and wisdom as our lawyer, we will never forget. Thank you Fran, Amy and Louis for sharing Bill with us for all these years. He will never be forgotten as a wonderful person in our lives and the lives of so many Alaskans. Our love, Sam and Gayle Trivette

October 14, 2013

Dear Fran, Amy and Louis,
I was so sad to learn last year of Bill's illness and then to learn of his recent death. I am very grateful to have known him. I have wonderful memories of working as his legal secretary when I arrived in Juneau in 1978, first in the Attorney General's Office and later in private practice with Walter Carpeneti. We lived in interesting times with amazing people, defending everything from Governor Hammond's narrow victory over Walter Hickel to Sharman Haley's free speech rights. Bill was a hard worker and a perfectionist, but he was never hard to work for. He taught me a lot and gave me opportunities that made my life better. I will never forget him.

Barbara Learmonth

September 29, 2013

You will never be replaced.

Jamie Miller

September 28, 2013

I miss him so much. We communicated through music and love.

Jamie Miller

September 28, 2013

Dear Fran, Amy and Louis,
I had the good fortune to work with Bill when he took my case to the Alaska Supreme Court. It was a momentous event in my life and he looms large as my white knight. We won of course! That was 1984. He was a good man, a great lawyer and a valued member of the community. My condolences to each of you. May you find much satisfaction in the legacy he left you.

Sharman Haley

September 22, 2013

Dear Fran and family, Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your husband and father. He was truly one of the finest men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

Rosanne Schmitz

September 21, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of this kind and wonderful man. I was blessed to have known him and his family as we shared the space on North Franklin. My condolences to Fran, Amy and Louis. Bill will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Debi James, Juneau

Debi James

September 21, 2013

To add to my message, I have some old photos of Bill, when he lived in Ketchikan and was working on his cement boat. Great memories and he was the talk of the town. When you have time, please let me know the address so I can send the photos and my card. He was a good man, way too young. Again, my thoughts and prayers with you and family.

Janet Underwood

September 19, 2013

Fran, My heart goes out to you and to Amy and Louis. I just heard about Bill's passing the other day from my sister. I just saw Bill last August. I left a voice message on his cell phone for you. I want to get your address so I can send you a card. My thoughts and are with you and it is a terrible loss. Bill was an "original" and his spirit, wit and humor will be missed. I hope our paths will cross again in near future.

Janet Underwood

September 19, 2013

Dear Amy, Louis and Ms. Ulmer,

I heard about your loss and I am so sorry. Your father was the quintessential definition of what a dad should be and I remember he would make breakfast after every sleepover. Thinking of you and sending love.

Jody MacKinnon

September 19, 2013

I am so deeply sad to hear of Bill's passing. May he rest in peace.

Rocky Plotnick

September 19, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was such a gentleman and gave so much to the community of Juneau. May your family find peace and know that he was revered as a kind and devoted family man.

Jpyce Waldman

September 18, 2013

Dear Fran: I was so sad to get this news. My deep condolences to you and your family. Please know how many friends and colleagues are here to help see you through this difficult time ahead. I will raise the next Manhattan I have in Bill's honor and hope I can do so with you. With Love From, Marie Lowe.

September 16, 2013

My Deepest sympathy to you Fran, Amy and Louis. I first met Bill when he was a public defender in Ketchikan and I was the first woman police officer. He was a very compassionate and kind breath of fresh air for Ketchikan. He was very supportive of me and many others, he showed us how compassion can heal a community. He treated all as equals and he stunned many of us into the reality that a cement boat will float!!! I will miss him and always be grateful for the wonderful footprint he left on humanity. Thank You Bill and may peace continue to follow you.

Shirley Dean

September 16, 2013

I could not have asked for a better law partner or friend.
David Crosby

September 16, 2013

I'm so sorry to hear of Bill's illness and his passing. Thinking of you Fran, Amy and Louis.

SAlly McLaughlin

September 16, 2013

A fine lawyer and a fine man. He will be missed.

John Gaguine

September 16, 2013

Fran, Amy and Louis. Memory has a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose. When you are sorrowful look again into you heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. I am sorry for your loss. My condolences to the family ... ted bradley

September 16, 2013

My condolences to your family.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Christine Moleski

September 16, 2013

I am so sorry to learn of Bill's illness and death. He epitomized the best of the old-school attorney in his integrity, dignity, compassion, and professionalism. During a difficult time for my family, I contacted him to ask if he could refer me to a NC attorney when my father was nearing death, and he gave me the name of a compassionate, genteel, and wonderful man who provided legal and emotional support for my parents and me. I will always be grateful to Bill for his kindness and generosity to me during that difficult time.

Shelley Owens

September 15, 2013

Dear Fran, Dan and I feel very lucky to have known Bill, not only as a terrific lawyer (which he certainly was), but also a witty and delightful companion, even when he was ill. We feel very fortunate for the time we spent with him. Our condolences to you and yours.

Joyce Bamberger

September 15, 2013

Fran, our thoughts and prayers are with you

Pat & Kim Wonser

September 15, 2013

Bill was an early friend and mentor and I was so glad to have had shared many meals and laughter as well as his brilliant insights into people and events. Bill definitely helped me to love and appreciate life as an Alaskan lawyer.

Marla Greenstein

September 15, 2013

Fran, I am so sorry for you and your family. I have fond memories of Bill and his early years in Ketchikan. I can't think of him without smiling. My prayers are with you.

JoAnn Bukovich Henderson

September 15, 2013

Fran, Amy and Louis. My deep and sincere condolences to you. My memories of Bill are very special...fixing breakfast at the Methodist camp for you kids and my own, his legal advice on elections in rural Ak, numerous other issues. His gentleness and kindness as a husband, father and friend, even though I've not seen him for some years, are still in my memory. Blessings to you all, Terry Dale.

September 14, 2013

Thinking of your family, Fran, and remembering with joy the many years of special friendship with you and Bill. He will be missed by so many of us, but we are also glad for him to have peace.
Sue Shidaker

September 14, 2013

Dear Fran: I will always remember the ferro cement boat and Bill's wicked sense of humor. I'm so sorry for your loss. Best to you and family.

Doug Pope

September 14, 2013

Dear Fran and family,

We were so sad to learn of Bill's passing. Both Roger and I have fond memories of Bill. Roger remembers visiting Bill while he was building his sailboat in Ketchikan and being impressed with his painstaking approach to this daunting project. Bill was a man who wanted to do things the right way, and it showed in everything he did. I remember Bill as a terrific lawyer and adventurous member of the Juneau community. We have lost a fine Alaskan and our hearts go out to you and your family.

Roger Dubrock & Elaine Andrews

September 14, 2013

Fran,
I was sadden to learn of Bill's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Leroy Barker

Leroy Barker

September 14, 2013

Fran, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. Thinking of you, Karen Cantillon

September 14, 2013

Thinking of you and sending our condolences.

Mary Anne Wilson & Mike Driscoll

September 14, 2013

Our memory of Bill is filled with his kindness, consideration and generosity of spirit. He will be missed.

Shar & Jonathan

September 14, 2013

Dear Fran and Family:
We were so saddened to read that Bill has passed away. How difficult that he had Parkinson's Disease and what a great loss. We would like to mail a Mass card but do not have the address. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Sincere condolences,
Tom and Theresa Obermeyer
Thomas, Jimmy, Margaret, and Matt

Tom and Theresa Obermeyer

September 13, 2013

Fran - Our sincere sympathy on your loss; our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
John & Tina DeLapp

John & Tina DeLapp

September 13, 2013

Fran & Family:

With our sincere condolences.

George & Marlene Imbsen

George Imbsen

September 13, 2013

Bill was a really good guy and I loved working on deposition trips with him.I will always remember when I convinced him a drive to San Diego in my rented Miata instead of the Lincoln Town Car he had rented,as he had promised Fran to rent the safest car he could.We did 90 with the top down;I am sure he is still flying somewhere,with warm sunshine on his face.He will be missed

Howard Lazar

September 13, 2013

Dear Fran, Amy and Louis, so very very sorry for your loss. Hugs from Alan & Lisa Akiyama & Brad Rupert.

September 13, 2013

Fran --
Bill was a good, good man, and always a joy to chat with. My sincere condolences.

Bob LeResche

September 13, 2013

Fran, I'm so sorry to hear of Bill's passing; what a fine person he was. The last time I saw him was at a UAA game, and he told me of his illness then. My condolences to you and your family. Marie Matsuno Nash

September 13, 2013

Thinking of you and your family at this sad time, and of all you and Bill have contributed to Alaska. Be strong!

Heather Hudson

September 13, 2013

Fran and family, please accept my condolences on your loss. During my years in Juneau I always heard good things about Bill which is amazing for a lawyer. As long as you hold him in your hearts he will be with you forever.

Stoney Compton

September 13, 2013

Fran & Family, I met Bill when he moved in two doors down from my Mom at PHH. It was always a delight to run into him in the hallway. We are praying for you during this time.

Rhonda Risinger

September 13, 2013

I will always remember Bill for his extreme kindness and quiet wit. He always showed his love for his family and was always so gracious. I know he will leave a big hole in many people's lives. My condolences to his family and friends.

Leslie Ridle

September 13, 2013

So sorry to hear about Bill. He generously provided valuable assistance when I was the State Archivist of Alaska during the 1980's. He was a wonderful person I shall never forget. Thoughts and prayers to Fran and family.

Virginia Newton

September 13, 2013

Dear Fran,
We are saddened by the news of Bill's passing. Our sincerest condolences to you and your children.

Bob and Lee Grogan

September 12, 2013

Condolences, Fran, to you and your family. I am sad for all of us at this loss. Jerry L. Soltani and family

September 12, 2013

Fran, I'm so sorry for your loss. Bill did legal work for my employer in the late 80's when I was living in Fairbanks. He was always a gentleman and one of the most ethical people I've had the pleasure of dealing with. My sincere condolences.

Mark Neumayr

September 12, 2013

My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Bill was a wonderful person.

Carole Green

September 12, 2013

Fran, I'm so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you.

Alice Wolcott

September 12, 2013

I went to high school with Billy, he was a great student and will be missed by all of us, we are having a reunion the 28th and wish he could be here. Prayers to the family R.I.P. Billy!

September 12, 2013

Fran so happy I got to meet Bill even for a short time. What a fantastic man. So sorry for your loss.

Cheri McGuire

September 12, 2013

I had the distinct privilege to practice law with Bill from 1992 to 1998. He was an extremely gifted lawyer. He was a mentor, and dear friend. I have so many memories of discussions after work, trials with Bill, traveling to basketball games with Bill, Louis, and my son, Logan. Bill was a wonderful father, partner, and person. I will very much miss him. Love to you, Fran, Amy, and Louis. Thanks so much for sharing your husband and father with me over the years.

Vance Sanders

September 12, 2013

Dear Fran, Amy and Louis, Judie and I are so sorry for your loss. Bill was a fine gentleman and will be missed. Please accept our condolences and best wishes.

Jay and Judie Moor

September 11, 2013

Bill was only an acquaintance and I always reminded him when I ran into him that he must be a fantastic man to win the hand of a such a wonderful woman. May he always be remembered and the warmth of his presence remain in us all.

Chris Tuck

September 11, 2013

Mother will be saddened by the news. I am grateful for all the kindness Mr. Council showed my mother over the many years she worked for his law practice. Louis and Amy count yourself fortunate for having such a man for your father.

Jim Griffin

September 11, 2013

A talented and capable man who served his community and his family with devotion and courage. There are many in Juneau and Alaska who hold genuine affection for this good Alaskan. We are all saddened by his death and wish only the best for the family.

Warren Wiley

September 11, 2013

I worked for Bill as fill in for a short time, and was his client, too. He was a true gentleman

Jill Bryson

September 11, 2013

Fran-
So sorry to hear about your loss. May he rest in peace
Marty and Sandy Nusbaum

September 11, 2013

I am so sorry to hear about Bill's death, Fran. He was a great gentleman and one of the finest lawyers I knew and had the privilege to practice with.

Larry Feeney

September 11, 2013

Fran, I remember when you lived in the house on the Fifth Street stairs with your family. What wonderful memories you all must have of your years in Juneau. I'm sure Bill met his illness with courage and leaves you with the legacy of a life well lived. My condolences to everyone who knew him.

Mary Lou Spartz

September 11, 2013

Sending our sincerest condolences.

Kathy and Steve Schutte

September 11, 2013

Fran. I am so sorry to hear about Bill's death. Helen and I will keep you and your family in our prayers.

Bob Jacobson

September 11, 2013

Juneau is remembering a great man.... Prayers and love to you Fran, Amy, and Louis.

Lacey Bartlett

September 11, 2013

Hi Frances. I'm so sorry that Bill got Parkinson's and died so young. Knowing both of you since before you two were married, I am especially saddened by his death, and I offer my condolences, and hope that you and your kids are doing o.k. Best wishes. Art P.

Art Peterson

September 11, 2013

Dearest Fran,
Rick and I are deeply sorry and our hearts go out to you. Our love and thoughts are with you, Amy and Louis.

Lynda Giguere

September 11, 2013

Thinking of you all, my condolences and sympathy.

Peter Freer

September 11, 2013

Fran I am so sorry for your loss. I pray the Lord give you and your family during this difficult time.

Ingrid VARNESS

September 11, 2013

Fran & family,
You are in my prayers, I am sorry for your loss.

Marianne Jacobs
(daughter of Agnes Bellinger)

September 11, 2013

Hi Franny, Amy & Louis

I just heard about Bill. I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was a great boss and friend to me and he will be missed.
Honda

Johanna Gregoire

September 11, 2013

Sincerest Sympathy

Melanie Monagle

September 11, 2013

My prayers are with Fran, Amy and Louis.

Lynn Bartlett

September 11, 2013

I met Bill back in the early 80's. He was restoring an older Home to his Law Business. I had sold him the Phones for the new Office. He was always so nice. God Bless your wife Fran & your Family,you will be missed.

Regina Murphy-Jones

September 11, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. I am sorry for your loss.

Phyllis Larson

September 11, 2013

Showing 1 - 75 of 75 results

Make a Donation
in William Council's name

Memorial Events
for William Council

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support William's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor William Council's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more