William Green Burnett

William Green Burnett
June 27, 1938 - May 7, 2021

William Green Burnett - Bill - met Jesus face to face on Friday, May 7th, surrounded by family in his Bainbridge Island home which he built and loved. He had lived victoriously with Parkinson’s for over twenty two years. He was a loving and generous husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by Vivian, his beloved wife of 59 years and his sons, William, Jr, (Ruth), Rob, David (Tricia), and daughters Jean Tannehill (Rocky) and Leah Holser (Derek), nineteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind a sister, Laura Gowen.

Bill wore several career caps over his lifetime, starting out in banking. He then was in the food exporting business but the most rewarding and fulfilling endeavor was his founding of and involvement in Northwest Family Life. As a board member, counselor, and teacher he was instrumental in bringing help and healing to families experiencing the pain of domestic violence. In 2019 he was the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in this field.

In his retirement years, Bill became an avid sailor and was involved in the Puget Sound racing community. The height of his racing career was the Victoria to Maui race which he did twice. He also sailed the Sydney to Hobart race in 1998.

Bill was an avid Seattle Seahawks fan and was one of the original Seahawk season ticket holders from 1976 to the present time. He was thrilled to be invited to hoist the 12th man flag at a 2015 game.

In 2005 he and Vivian moved to Incline Village, Nevada, where they enjoyed living only minutes from various ski areas. They continued to spend their summers on Bainbridge Island.

He was a graduate of Northwest University and a member of Island Church on Bainbridge Island and New Life Church in Incline Village, Nevada.

A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, June 5th at 3:00 PM at Island Church on Bainbridge Island. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Northwest Family Life, 12360 Lake City Way, #420, Seattle, WA 98125. The link for Northwest Family Life can be found under the Memorial Contributions tab.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA.