William John "Bill" Tomlinson

William (Bill) Tomlinson Dec 18,1942 – Dec 17, 2024
A MN lake boy through and through. He was always more comfortable on the lake than on land. His
love for sailing and skiing brought him bountiful joy all year round with the ones he loved. Wherever
Bill was a party would soon follow. In work and in play, "have fun" was his mantra. He was having
fun until his last breath; he whispered to Kathy "get ready for the regatta".
He was a proud Skipper graduate of Minnetonka High School, an honored BSA Eagle Scout, a
diehard Golden Gopher from the University of MN Carlson School of Management, and a fraternity
Brother and friend at PHI Kappa PSI. His love of skiing brought him to his love of instructing the next
generations. A level 3 Professional Ski Instructor with the Ski Jammers Ski School, which he did for
over 50 years and the Three Rivers Hyland Hills Ski School Program. When the snow melted, he
spent most days on the lakes of Minnetonka and Superior. When the weather was just right and the
ice on the lake was frozen like a mirror, he would haul out the Slicer or DN ice boat. Bill was
notorious for being "fashionably late", but he was never late for the starting line on race day on his
beloved Y-275 Freudian Sloop. He sailed for years with the Yngling Fleet at Minnetonka Yacht Club
and traveled the country to attend regattas. He supported the National Yngling Association for years
with his time and talents. He had good friends all over the country. He took a term as Commodore
for the Minnetonka Yacht Club and relished that role. He was a longtime member at both Excelsior
United Methodist Church and currently Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Excelsior where his faith
and friendships grew and sustained him to the end.
His love for family and friends ran deep. Bill had a gentle carefree way about him. If you were part of
his circle, you were destined to learn to ski or sail. His orbit was always his family and friends
around him.
Preceded in death by loving parents Gene & Jennie Tomlinson and big brother Lee Tomlinson.
Survived by his first mate Kathy Wilson Tomlinson, the best kiddos Wendy Tomlinson (Steve), Gregg
Tomlinson, Kyle Wilson (Ashley), Genevieve Wilson (Casey), Kaitlyn Wilson (Cody), his cherished
grandchildren Augie Tomlinson, Remy Tomlinson, Lily Wilson Bullock, Rosey Wilson Bullock.
Brother Ted Tomlinson (Mary Ann), Brother-in-law Bob Jackson (Teri) and family. Friends Marilyn
Tomlinson, Tim Wilson and Ali Tomlinson. And so many dear friends near and far, your friendships
super powered him.
Memorials may be directed to the: Lake Minnetonka Sailing School www.lmss.org Mount Calvary
Lutheran Church www.mountcalvary.org
8 bells and God Speed Captain. We'll see you again at the regatta
Celebration of Life at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, 301 County Road 19, Excelsior 55331 on
January 17, 2025, 1 hour visitation at 10:am followed by 11:am service. Faire la Fête to follow.
Contact Excelsior Huber Funeral Home for details. 952-474-9595