William Norman "Bill" Snell

William "Bill" Norman Snell passed away peacefully on the morning of November 2, 2025, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease and cancer. His memory and legacy live on through his loving family and friends.

Born on October 29, 1942, in Butte, Montana, to William and Gail Snell, Bill led a life defined by kindness, resilience, and boundless love. Growing up in the Butte foothills of the copper mines, Bill attended McKinley School and Butte High School. He graduated from the University of Montana in 1964 and the University of Montana School of Law in 1967.

Bill's career began in Washington, D.C., with the Department of the Navy, but his path soon led him to Seattle, where he met his beloved first wife of 30 years, Betsy. As the first City of Seattle Hearing Examiner and a dedicated attorney practicing in the areas of administrative, environmental, municipal, and real property law, Bill's work was marked by integrity and a commitment to justice.

Beyond his professional achievements, Bill was a dedicated community member, contributing his time and wisdom to local scouting, coaching youth sports, and his faith community. A lifelong learner, Bill was passionate about history, nature, politics, travel, books, cinema, and classical music. He was an avid fly-fisherman and outdoorsman who cherished annual pilgrimages to Montana to visit family and dear friends and fish the Big Hole and Upper Missouri Rivers. Bill married Judy in 2010 and together, they shared 15 years of partnership, adventure, and love. He held a special place in his heart for his dogs, especially his Labrador Retrievers.

Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Betsy, in 2004. Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Judy; his sons, Mark (Heidi) and Matthew (Selena); his stepdaughter, Shelby (Steve); his brother, Randy (Karen) of Louisiana; his grandchildren, Hudson, Wyatt, Bella, Khalil, and Noemi; his cousins, Wendy Peterson (Don) of Montana, Tom (Mitzi) of Texas, and Trudy Clarke (Kevin) of Montana; and his nephews Sean (Kristie) of Texas and Ron (Desirae) of Louisiana.

A memorial service celebrating Bill's life will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Edmonds United Methodist Church, 828 Caspers Street, Edmonds, WA 98020. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's name to Fred Hutch Cancer Center or the Upper Missouri Watershed Alliance.

AS I CAST MY DRY FLY ON
THE SURFACE OF THE MISSOURI RIVER
BECKONING THE WILY TROUT, I AM
THANKFUL FOR THE PLETHORA OF
THE JOYS OF LIFE.

By Mike Greely