William "Bill" Dye's Obituary
William “Bill” Dye was born in Leavenworth, WA, to Herbert B. Dye and Freda M. (Besel) Dye. He graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1958, where he was celebrated for his athletic prowess and charm, with the school newspaper declaring he “could give Clark Gable lessons with a girl.”
After high school, Bill joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Offutt AFB in Omaha, NE. It was there that he met and married Donna (Dragon) Dye in 1961. The couple later moved to Seattle, WA, where Bill devoted two decades to the Seattle Fire Department from 1963 to 1983. During his tenure, he became known for his bravery and compassion, famously resuscitating a German Shepherd that made the front page of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Bill was instrumental in the establishment of Medic One, a program that has since saved countless lives.
In Seattle, Bill and Donna raised three children: Bill Dye Jr., Cherie, and Carol. Family gatherings were filled with joy, whether at the annual Fireman’s Picnic at Cottage Lake, water skiing on Lake Washington, or relaxing by the swimming pool with lifelong friends from both Leavenworth and the fire department.
In 1994, Bill found love again with Judy (Sage) Dye. They moved to the Tacoma/Spanaway area, sharing a passion for golf in Arizona, enjoying their condominium in Mazatlán, and embarking on memorable road trips to New York and Ohio, capped off by an unforgettable cruise to Alaska. Dedicated Seattle sports fans, they relished attending Mariners games and hosting friends for Seahawks football gatherings.
Bill was a steadfast friend and a reliable support for anyone in need. His warmth, kindness, and quick wit will be deeply missed by all who know him.
He is survived by his sister, Vicki, who affectionately remembers him as “the best big brother”; his former wife, Donna Dye; their children: Bill Dye Jr., Cherie (David) Gessner, and Carol (Steve) Donley; and his grandchildren: Reece, Christian, Sara, Hailey, Caleb, and Gabi. Bill is also survived by his wife, Judy, and her children: Bill (Dianne) Arnold and Tracy Arnold, along with her grandchildren, Billy Arnold Jr. and Kendra Arnold, Dalton and Ryan .
Bill was preceded in death by his siblings, Herbie, Pat, and Betty.
In honor of Bill’s spirit, we invite you to share a cup of coffee or a cold beer with a friend and reminisce about his antics or enjoy a classic Sven and Ole joke—just as he would have loved.
What’s your fondest memory of William?
What’s a lesson you learned from William?
Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William you’ll never forget.
How did William make you smile?