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William Talley Obituary
William E. TALLEY 1935 ~ 2011 Bill Talley adored his family, loved his friends, and enjoyed his career as landscape architect, especially as Campus Landscape Architect at the University of Washington. When he retired, he returned to watercolor paintings after fifty years and produced paintings of coastal landscapes and gardens, his favorite subjects. During his career as landscape architect he enthusiastically shared his love of environmental design, plants, and teaching with many who became friends. His family remained at the center of his life and include his wife, Judy, his daughter, Elizabeth (Bruce), and sons Matthew (Janine) and Peter Hildebrand (Sharon). Also included are grandson, Gus Hildebrand and stepfather, Bob Campbell. A party celebrating his happy life will be held at the University of Washington Faculty Club for family and friends on Saturday April 2nd, at 4:00 p.m.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Talley
Wallace Ewing
April 4, 2011
I never had the opportunity to meet Bill in person, but I feel as if I knew him personally through his friendship with Jane and by the many email messages he and I exchanged the past few years. He was always perceptive and witty in his responses to my China journal and other correspondence. I admired his sense of humor, his talent for getting below the surface, and for his artistic talents. The part he played in my life was memorable but much too brief.
April 2, 2011
One of the great joys of knowing Bill and Judy was not only their keen eye for beauty but their keen sense of friendship and fun. Our yard will remind us of Bill every day - so many of the plants which come up every spring were lovingly chosen by him twenty years ago. To have a Talley Garden is sheer joy, to have known Bill and loved him all these years was joy personified. We will miss seeing him at the Faculty Club, at the Hort Center, at parties, and dinners; life was always more sweet when Bill was in the room. Thank you Bill for all the years of service you gave to our city, our University, our Mother Earth and for all the renewing springtimes made more stunning because of your talents.
Our great love to you Judy and to all the family.
Drs. Tom and Margo Wyckoff
Jay Curcio, Pacific Earth Works
April 2, 2011
Bill, you contributed greatly to this universe with your joy, smiles, friendships and your work. I enjoyed having you inspect and guide our projects over the years. You were a pleasure to be with. Blessings.....
Rhonda Rice
April 1, 2011
Bill: You always lit up a room with your generous and fun-loving spirit. I'm so glad I got to share time with you in Seattle and on the East Coast in 2001. You are missed.
B.J. (Jane) Livingston/Ewing
March 31, 2011
Having Bill as a friend was a pleasure and a gift. I saved and cherished every artful letter, memo, and Christmas card from him. His writing was packed with witty observations. Bill was brilliant in the way he enjoyed life and shared it with others.
Charles Warsinske
March 29, 2011
Bill was a gentleman and friend. I worked with him on WASLA projects from the mid-1980's and then on projects at the University. He was fun, to the point and very talented. He will be missed.
Carol Whipple
March 29, 2011
"I interned for Bill while I was in the UW landscape architecture school in the early '80s - he was fun, engaging and I learned so much not only about landscape architecture but about life. I will miss his smile and laugh and am thankful for his inspiration that guided my early career."
Kenneth Philp
March 29, 2011
Bill was a talented landscape architect, a delightful instructor and a true gentleman. I smile just thinking back on the fun plant ID fieldtrips led by Bill at Edmonds Community College....Thank you Bill
Ptarmigan Press
March 29, 2011
Bill was a delight as a person and a customer. We will miss his beautiful artwork and his wonderful smile. He was a true gentleman - one that enriched our lives.
Jestena Boughton
March 28, 2011
Bill was so much fun...which is why he started his college career in Cornell hospitality. Bill and I shared that hotel history and were partners in landscape architecture for a fleeting moment in the 80's but I remember him most as the funniest plants instructor for our LA exam review course. Now I'm having fun in the family hospitality business. Best wishes for Bill's friends and family. Jestena Boughton
John Wetzel (and family)
March 28, 2011
I first had the pleasure of meeting Bill when I was an undergraduate student at the University back in the 80's. Later in life, I was lucky enough to have been able to work together with Bill on several projects and I am a better person because of that collaboration. I will miss his positive spirit and infectious smile.
John Kirschner
March 27, 2011
Thank you Bill for showing me that there are still a few wonderful and selfless people in this world. You were an insperation to me
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