William Abner Wilson

Bill Wilson, long-time resident of Edmonds and business owner, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 22, 2011 at Swedish-Edmonds Hospital. He will be truly missed but always remembered by family and many friends for his genuine smile, sense of humor, and love for the simple things in life. He is now at peace in a better place without pain, looking down on us, but his memory will always be in our hearts. Bill was born to Thomas and Ruhobeth (Ruby) Wilson on Feb. 5, 1922 in Bemidji, Minn. In 1930, the family moved to Whitefish, Montana, and lived for a few years, and later settled in Seattle. Bill graduated from Broadway Edison High School (now a part of Seattle Central CC), and then went into the Army Air Force from 1942 to 1946 serving in Burma, India as a Staff Sgt. He was a crew chief on fighter aircraft and was awarded five medals. Upon returning home, Bill met and married Ellen Dalos on Nov. 15, 1947. He chose to go to barber school inspired by his older sisters (Irene) beautician occupation. Not long after receiving his license, Bill started his own business in downtown Edmonds. He operated Bills Barber Shop for 36 years until his retirement in 1988. Bill was known for cutting the hair of most all Edmonds youth, as well as his adult clientele whom became lifelong friends. The current business located at 415-1/2 Main St. has dedicated a corner of Daphnes cafe to Bill and his barber shop with signage, pictures, antique barber chair and the infamous barber pole.Bills favorite hobbies included bowling at Robin Hood Lanes, playing cards and horse shoes, camping in Eastern WA and on the WA coast. It was said that Bill may have had a card in the basement of his shop, and played poker during the slow times. After retirement, he did handyman work for friends and neighbors mowing lawns and other small landscaping jobs. The little time left over when he wasnt working, Bill enjoyed going to the Pancake Haus for coffee and visiting with friends, riding the Edmonds-Kingston ferry, and checking out local garage sales and thrift stores. Throughout all his years, he always loved to tell a joke never forgetting a single line (and probably adding a few of his own).He is survived by his wife, Ellen; daughter, Jeanne Wilson-Eager (Steve Stromberg); and son, Bruce; grandchildren, Megan, Ryan, and Lonnie; his sister, Gladys Kuehny; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by four siblings: Tom, and Bills twin brother, Edwin, and two sisters, Irene Ferulano, and Mildred Giesa; and other extended family members, Larry Eager and Maya (Mary) Vajrapani.