Bill Dale Colby

1927 - 2019

BORN

1927

DIED

2019

Bill Colby Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Bill Dale Colby
Start: 2019-05-05T17:00:00.000Z
Location: Kilworth Chapel, UPS campus

Bill Dale Colby, Artist, Professor Following a gradual decline in health, and missing his wife Trudi, Bill Dale Colby, 92, Professor Emeritus of Art at the University of Puget Sound, died at home on Friday, April 19, 2019. Colby leaves a rich legacy to the Northwest arts community. He reflected on his lifetime of creativity: "Nature is a guiding force in my workI love my life and making visual art." Colby's life ran the gamut of natural elements: FIRE--born January 8, 1927, in Beloit, Kansas, to Nellie Dell Lawson and Bert Colby, 11 siblings, Bill displayed an early aptitude for drawing. Flames of WWII propelled him to Germany. Passion for art ignited; Colby earned a B.A., Univ. of Denver, and M.A., Univ. of Illinois. He blazed a trail west and taught art in Portland. He married Trudi Bednorz in 1955 and started family life in Tacoma. Trudi passed on November 9, 2017. WATER--Raising four daughters influenced Colby's creative flow. The family joined university groups studying art and history on trips to Europe. Colby's descendants practice creative endeavors. Colby is survived by his sister Betty Fuller (Bob), daughters Andrea Smith (Rodger), Sara Colby (Mike), Lisa Anderson (Anthony), and Celia Zielaskowski (Vance), grand-children Alexa Johnson (Aaron) and Austin Smith (Carleen), and great grand-daughters Colby Gene and EvaMarie Johnson. EARTH--Colby's canvases adorn walls around the world, in embassies overseas and collections in Washington, D.C., in schools, art museums, corporations, libraries, and private homes. Bill was grounded by 33 years of printmaking and art history classes, ever retreating to his studio to create anew. AIR--Bill and Trudi, married for 63 years, traveled internationally on educational tours, cruises, and visiting family. Professor Colby's artistic honors include "Who's Who in American Art," "Who's Who in the West," and "Excellence in the Arts" award from Pierce County Arts Commission. Colby won frequent awards at art fairs judged by peers or public. Celebration: Sunday, May 5, 10:00 AM, Kilworth Chapel, UPS campus. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Bill Colby Art Scholarship are appreciated. Thank you. https://www.pugetsound.edu/support-puget-sound/special-gifts-to-puget-sound/ or 1-866-Go-Loggers (1-866-465-6443). Mail: Bill Colby Art Scholarship, Office of Donor Relations CMB 1011, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA 98416-1011. Raise a glass to Bill, "Cheers!"! Additional biography, photos and art images at www.edwardsmemorial.com

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Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on May 1, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Bill Colby

4 Entries

Roger Dahl

March 4, 2023

I just learned of the passing of the great mentor, Bill Colby. A little late to be posting a tribute, but I can't resist. Bill was more than a professor-those under his guidance all knew him as a friend. Was there ever a more personable professor at UPS? He was a terrific lecturer and practitioner-he managed to both teach and model what it is to be an artist. And what an encourager! I am a professional artist today because of Bill. Lastly, he was just a hoot! I will miss his contagious laughter. Wonderful memories...

David Wetzel

November 4, 2019

I was a student of Bill's at the University of Puget Sound and graduated in 1975 with a degree in art and like Bill followed my heart and became a professional painter/printmaker and continue my craft to this day. Bill Colby was and still is a huge inspiration on my life as an artist. As a student of his I spent many hours in the basement of the art building at UPS/School Of Art learning from him. The major forms of printmaking: Etching, Stone Lithography, Woodcut and Screenprinting I learned at Bill's shoulder. He was a wonderful caring fellow artist and friend and seemed to always have a smile on his face. He is one of a very special handful of artists that had a very important impact on my life as an artist and human being.

Heaven just received another unique talent and man with the creative gifts of an artist.

The worldwide community of artists have lost a great man and talent.

Sincerely, David Wetzel / Artist

Suzanne West

May 21, 2019

We were sad to hear of Bill's passing. He was a great guy and a good neighbor to my father-in-law. We had lots of fun chats out in the backyard or over the fence when we were up visiting. We will miss him.
Suzanne & Mark

May 5, 2019

My wife, Mary, and I knew Bill and Trudy for many years. Both were interesting people. Bill was always in a good mood. It was fun to listen to their many trips and adventures

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