Bill Bliss: Edmonds School District science teacher, researcher

William (Bill) Henry Bliss III
1935-2026

Bill Bliss passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 9, 2026.

Family ancestry records reflect three brothers and one sister arriving in Philadelphia in 1731. The historical surname was Deibellbissin. Two-hundred and four years later, through evolving surname changes, and westward family movement, Bill was born on March 16, 1935, in Vallejo, California. His early memories included time spent on the beach and with the people of American Samoa prior to WWII as his father was stationed there serving in the Navy. The family eventually moved to Burien where he was a proud graduate of Highline High School. He treasured his high school friends throughout his life.

He enjoyed a wide range of early career experiences from logging, commercial fishing, and working with the University of Washington Fisheries Research Institute. The research focused on forecasting the salmon runs in Alaska. He earned his master’s degree at Central Washington College and became a science teacher in the Edmonds School District for 25 years. Further exciting educational opportunities arose through National Science Foundation Institutes at Michigan State University and the University of Maryland. Post retirement from teaching, he enjoyed working in the biotech industry with the young scientists and researchers.

Bill led an active life with his devoted wife Carole. They were married for 70 years! He loved to travel and he appreciated being in nature. From family camping trips at Baker Lake, cross country skiing in the Methow Valley, and snorkeling in Cozumel, the Caribbean, and Hawaii, he appreciated time with family and friends. Travel also included several enjoyable trips to Europe. Boating and maintaining his boats provided immense frustration and joy for many years.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Carole. Daughters Lisa and Shawn. Grandsons Grant (Sherry), Chase (Hilary) and Great-Grandsons Raine and Massimo, as well as several nephews and nieces.

We were blessed with his ukulele playing “Happy Birthday” for every birthday party!

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.