William Arthur Featherstone

(1937-2015)

William “Bill” Arthur Featherstone, a longtime resident of Burlington, died Monday, January 12, 2015, following hospitalization for an abdominal aortic aneurysm at Harborview Hospital in Seattle.  He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family.

Bill was born July 17, 1937 in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada-the eldest child of John “Jack” and Jessie (Cox) Featherstone.  He grew up in the greater Vancouver B.C. area, and attended King Edward High School there.  Bill had a passion for animals, photography, the great outdoors, and skiing.  He spent as much time as possible up at Grouse Mountain where he was a member of the Tyee Ski Club and had a ski cabin. In his youth, he was the youngest person to get his ski patrol certification in Canada, attended university on a ski scholarship, and travelled Europe representing Canada in the discipline of ski jumping.  Bill graduated from McGill University in Montreal, where he studied mechanical engineering.

In 1965, Bill met Elizabeth “Shirley” (Jablonsky) the love of his life, and they were married on October 8, 1966.

In 1968, he followed the demand for mechanical engineers to the USA, working for Skagit Corporation in Sedro-Woolley, WA.  Bill, Shirley, and their two children loved spending the weekends and holidays camping and would pile into the camper for road trips visiting family around B.C. or exploring the US west coast.  They owned a campsite at Lake Tyee for many years, and he also enjoyed camping with his children and grandchildren at Thousand Trails later in his life. Bill could often be heard telling stories about the friends they made and fun they had on these trips.

After leaving Skagit Corp, Bill worked for engineering companies specializing in hydraulic work in Bellingham, the greater Seattle region, and ended his career working for Bayside Engineering in Lynden.

Bill was a devoted husband, a proud and supportive father, and a wonderful grandfather to his four grandchildren.  His family always knew they could go to him with any problem they were having and he would come up with a solution to fix it.  They were always amazed at his excellent memory and ability to recall all the people he had met.  He will be greatly missed by all.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife Shirley, his daughter Cindy Featherstone and Jeff Kempf of Edmonds, his son Kevin and Jennifer Featherstone of Conway, his grandchildren Dawson, Chloe, Mason, and Mackenzie, his sisters Gail Briscoe of Langley B.C. and Lynda Featherstone of Surrey B.C., and numerous in laws, nieces, and nephews in Canada.

His parents preceded him in death.

A celebration of Bill’s life is planned for Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. in the main clubhouse at Thousand Trails (16362 Snee Oosh Rd) in La Conner, Washington

Memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s name to the American Lung Association.

Share memories of Bill and sign his online guest register at www.bartonfuneral.com