Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
William Reese Obituary
William F. REESE William Foster Reese, "Bill", 71, a former Bellevue resident and longtime Wenatchee Valley resident and Artist, died Sunday, June 6, 2010. Bill moved to Bellevue in 1966, where he was a sign painter and had an art studio. In 1992, they returned to the Wenatchee area where he opened a studio and gallery. Through his career, Bill worked in oil painting, also other media, such as watercolor, pastels, sculpture, drawings, lithographs and etchings. His many national and regional awards include the Robert Lougheed gold medal, silver medal in oil painting, and the silver medal in drawing from the National Western Heritage Museum. Two silver medals from the National Parks Academy for the Arts and the Best of Show Colonel Smith Award from the National Wildlife Art Museum. He is survived by his wife, Frances "Fran" Reese, East Wenatchee; one son, Dean Reese, Maple Valley, WA; one daughter, Shelly Zadow, Auburn, WA; four grandchildren, Rafael & Rachel Reese of Maple Valley, WA and Nathan & Braden Zadow of Auburn, WA; 3 brothers, Thomas Reese, Greenbank, WA, Donald Reese, Bellevue, and Robert Reese, Covington, WA, 1 sister, Bonnie Manowski, Buckley, WA. Funeral Services will be Tuesday, June 15th at 11:00 a.m. at Cashmere Riverside Center, 201 Riverside Drive, Cashmere, WA. In Lieu of flowers memorial are suggested to Alpha I Foundation or Cashmere Museum.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Reese
June 17, 2010
Dear Fran, Jay and I are so sad to learn of Bill's passing. He was a great artist, a great teacher, and a very fine human being. He was an inspiration to so very many, and will be lovingly remembered.
Mary Linda and Jay Strotkamp
Phyllis Armijo
June 16, 2010
fran, I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing.I haven't seen bill in many years but remember the times we spent down in your basement with him trying to teach us to paint. My aunt Lois and I loved his work and we enjoyed going out and painting with him. He will be greatly missed by everyone.My love to you and the kids. Fondly, Phyllis Armijo
June 15, 2010
Dear Fran, I have just learned this morning of Bill's passing and had I known yesterday I would be in Cashmere today. Bob and I always enjoyed our visits with you and Bill and missed you when you left Woodinville. Time passes but the memories of good friends and good people will not fade. I am fortunate to have Bill's wonderful art hanging in my home. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
JoAnn Wise, Ellensburg, WA
Hita von Mende
June 14, 2010
He was and will continue to be an inspiration. Intelligent, hugely talented, and a wonderful human being., I am sorry I will not hear more of his stories but am grateful for the legacy of beautiful work he leaves for us to appreciate- a precious gift. Fran, we love you, You and Bill were a great team and he never stopped talking about how lucky he was to have you in his life.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Fred Oldfield
June 14, 2010
I knew Bill for over 40 years & I constantly make referrals to Bill's work & technique while I'm teaching & I will continue to do so. I have great memories of our outdoor painting sessions & he was also perfectly capable on a horse & with a fry pan over the fire. I remember talking Bill into doing a mall art show with me in his early days and I am hoping he has finally forgiven me! Although we didn't get to see each other often, we were great friends and I have the utmost respect for his work & knowledge. Fran, I will cherish my memories of Bill and I pray that you & the kids will be comforted by his life well lived. Fred Oldfield
June 13, 2010
I was glad to have met Bill and Fran when they were here in Wichita. They were guests of ours a few years back. He could do anything, oils, watercolors, I don't even know the terms of the other skills he had. But I do know that he excelled in them all. I have a sculpture of two polar bears, which is wonderful. Just returned from a visit to Oklahoma City and the Cowboy Hall of Fame. And there, in a brief video was Bill, being interviewed for posterity. God Bless him. Jack Lipe Wichita KS
Edna Mae & H Holden
June 13, 2010
Dear Fran,
Please know that H and I are thinking about you, Bill and your family. He was deeply missed at the Prix de West this weekend. His wonderful paintings were displayed in a great location and we certainly felt his presence. We love you guys and are grieving for you and with you. Bill certainly lived life to the fullest and provided wonderful inspiration that will live on in his art and friendships.
Love, Edna Mae & H
Elfi Rice
June 12, 2010
I am incredibly saddened by Bill Reese's passing. He was a wonderful man and a fabulous artist. We cherish his art work that graces our home. Here's a long-distance hug to you, Fran. Bill could not have had a better partner.
Al Cox
June 12, 2010
I was will Bill when we worked at Foley Sign Company, I had a chance to be his best friend. He was a great mentor in the art field and he dearly loved Country music. We'd get together on many occassions and play music together. A friend will be truly missed. His life was short, Francis, but you have many special times with him, I am sure. He was a great man!! Sincerely, Al Cox, Cox Printing & Signs (formerly Al Cox Signs)
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in William Reese's name
Memorial Events
for William Reese
People and places connected with William
Recent Obituaries
How to support William's loved ones
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 Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
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 moreWays to honor William Reese's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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
