William (Bill) H. Lindsay
Bill passed away on Sunday, September 14th, 2025, in Edmonds, Washington. Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey on March 20th, 1949 to William and Denise Lindsay. The oldest of 3 children. Bill is survived by his sister, Jeanette A Lindsay, and niece, Allison Lindsay.
At an early age, Bill proved himself exceptional by being awarded the prestigious Barnwell Award.
His curiosity and intelligence came with some push back. He was disciplined for dismantling the family radios but successfully rebuilt them.
He served in the United States Navy and when discharged, made the West Coast his forever home.
He enjoyed a long career as a Boeing Engineer, where he authored the landing gear manual for the 747.
In 2009, Bill became known as the “Edmonds Beach Water Temperature-Taker Dude”. A Website created and managed by young friends of Bill’s. It gave people that encountered Bill wearing his daisy duke shorts, no shirt, no shoes, beach attire, a place to express themselves. There were over 5,000 followers, all with comments and stories to share. He collected water temperature data twice daily for over a decade.
To others, he was just known as Bill.
He wasn’t just about numbers; he was about presence. He was a daily dose of joy, curiosity, and being a part of his community.
His hobbies were diverse and varied as he was.
He was definitely a one-of-a-kind treasure that can never be replaced but will be missed. A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held at the Off Leash Dog Park on the Edmonds Beach, on October 18th, 2025, at 2pm. Everyone is encouraged to attend and share memories of Bill.
What a nice tribute. He added a bit of spice to life in Edmonds and will be missed.
Bill was a very interesting man and kind as he walked Main Street to go take the water temp which he would then post. The off-leash is always busy on Saturday and will be extra busy on Saturday. Why? The non-profit “O.L.A.E.” Off-Leash Area Edmonds has a special event permit for our 20th Annual Halloween Howl at the off-leash area from 11-2. So if any folks who own dogs and want to participate, the costume judging is at 1 and the silent auction closes at 1:30. There will be food trucks and many silent auction items to bid on. So, it should be a busy day at the beach.
Sad to hear this….I always was somewhat amazed that this fellow would brave the elements and walk along the waterfront, silver hair tossed by the wind. My Condolences to the family.
I never met Bill but I did often go down to the beaches and I would see this man and was always intrigued by his presence. His long silver hair and vigorous walking along the beach he would always see me and wave. I thought about approaching him to see what his gig was but I didn’t and I wish I had. Condolences to the family.
He was my neighbor growing up this hurts my heart he was a great man
As so often happens, we see and speak with people until suddenly one day we realize someone is missing and wonder whatever happened to them.
Interesting, I was just speaking with, I don’t know his name, the man that swims daily pulling along his shark, and we spoke about Bill.
I am a native to Kington, WA and used to be a daily ferry commuter and would see Bill every day on my route home, and would always wondered what was he doing? One day on my way home from work, we were stopped at the cross walk, so I asked him… and was intrigued with his answer. I know, of a lot of people that will miss him. The long white haired white guy, in cut off shorts, walking in Edmonds downtown. I just so happened to read the my Edmonds news today and came across his photo. My heart and thoughts go to his family. I am still in touch with many of my commuter friends and will let them know about his passing. I’ve been a Edmonds resident since 2005.