William T. Glaser's Obituary
Our beloved father, grandfather, and friend died peacefully May 15th. He was born in Tacoma on December 21, 1928. Bill was often kidded about his birthday being so close to Christmas and getting birthday/Christmas presents, but we all did our best to make both days special for him. My DadsÂ' parents were Vincent and Anna Glaser. They only had two children, my father and my aunt, Dorothy Angus. Dorothy passed in the 1980s. Bill was a life long resident of Tacoma, with a few exceptions. He attended Stewart Jr. High and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1947. He served proudly in the US Air Force during and after the Korean War. He learned his profession of being a physical therapist while in the Air Force, and practiced his trade until he retired in 1997. He saw private practice clients, and was employed at Western Clinic and Western State Hospital. His choice of professions showed BillsÂ' true passion; one of helping others and helping rehabilitate their injured bodies. Dad was generous with his time helping others, and served on local health/therapy boards, such as the Pierce County Multiple Sclerosis Society. He would open his home to those in need of a place to live, often saying, Â"the more, the merrier.Â" Dad was married three times. When I asked why he had so many wives, or special friends, heÂ'd grin and something about variety being the spice of life. But after reflecting, heÂ'd say, Â" I donÂ't know why, but I donÂ't think IÂ'm the easiest person to live withÂ", and still be grinning. He married Laura Ball in 1951, producing his only children. My brother Randy was born in 1953; myself in 1956. Mom was a Â"StadiumÂ" girl, raised by the Angus family in the North End. I can still remember the tales of rivalries between the two high schools, and have fond memories of parties and holidays at the North End residences of Jim and Dorothy, Tom and Nicki, or at the Angus (later Malcomb) huge home at 1022 North K, where my mother was raised. And my ears also enjoyed tails of late night carousing with the Angus boys (Tom, John, Jim, and Ron) at such haunts as the Top of the Ocean, Harbor Lights, and others. And if not in Tacoma, the families would travel to Harstene Island to help the other side of the family. Barn raisings, house building, smelt netting, grape picking, and oyster picking were only some of the activities enjoyed there. A picnic or BBQ always preceded or ended the family gathering, and the Glaser family and friends at Harstene remains to join us in our sorrow. My father married Mary Davis after my parents divorced in 1963. This petite lass had a thick Southern accent a bubbly personality, and a smile to match. It was good to see Dad happy again, but she was in ill health, and passed in about eight years. Dad met Lynn Warrington while working at Western State, and became DadsÂ' 3rd wife a few years later. They enjoyed nearly twenty years together, until she passed in 2000. Dad also had a passion for sports. He lettered in Boxing while at Lincoln High, boxed in the Air Force, and continued to watch Friday and Sunday night bouts. I knew to check the TV listings before I called my Dad. If boxing, or the Seahawks or Mariners were on TV, it would be a short conversation. My father was a man of few words anyway. He said he got that trait from his father, who didnÂ't speak English well. But we always knew exactly what Father meant, by a stern look, or more common, a broad smile. Bill loved the time he spent with his grandchildren, Randall Glaser Jr. and Aaron Glaser of Tacoma, and Rebecca Stephens of Missoula. These are just a few glimpses into a life that was full of family and friends, and helping others. He wished that no formal service be held, but a memorial service and a scattering of his ashes will be held at the Harstene Island property.
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?