William “Bill” Norman Snell
William Norman 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
7 Responses to “William “Bill” Norman Snell”
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I am grateful to have been married to such wonderful man. Rest in peace, honey. I love you always and forever!
Our deepest condolences to Judy and all of Judy and Bill’s family. We are so sorry for your loss. Judy, I am so glad that you met Bill and had 15 years together, but very sad for your tremendous loss. My thoughts are with you. Megan and Sam
Bill was a kind and gentle man, also courageous in meeting health setbacks forthrightly. I will always remember how happy you and Bill were, Judy, at your wedding. You beamed from ear to ear. Thank you to Bill for that love.
Bill was a kind and gentle man. He was also courageous in meeting health setbacks forthrightly. I will always remember how happy you and Bill were Judy, at your wedding. You beamed from ear to ear. Thank you to Bill for that love.
Uncle Bill, I have so many wonderful memories of you taking me sailing and going to the ice caves when you were dating Betsy. You have always been such a wonderful example of what a true Christian good father and devoted husband is. I was so glad that you and Judy found each other. Your legacy will live on through your children and grandchildren. you will be greatly missed and I will see you on the other side. God bless.
I have always cherished the stories told of Bill by Randy. They are legendary. What a very kind man Bill was, so much like his mom.
Our prayers are with your family. May you be filled with an abundance of wonderful memories you shared with him. And great comfort knowing he is resting peacefully now.
Our deepest condolences,
Kristie Snell (and Sean and the boys)
For the first part of my life he was my cousin Baa. We were a close family & did many things together, holidays, family camping, hunting, fishing trips among many others. We got together monthly for family haircut time. Of course our fathers never washed the cloth they put on us. It was very itchy, but memorable. Later we got together for weddings, family vacations, and to enjoy each other’s company. We are so sorry for your loss and ours.
Tom & Mitzi Snell