William R Tobey (Bill)

Wednesday July 27, 2022, during the beautiful morning sunrise, my two sisters, Elaine, Shirley and I were saddened, but happy, that our incredibly warm and loving dad, William R. Tobey (Bill) peacefully passed. He started …as he always put it “a new adventure”.

Dad was born June 19, 1930, to Julius and Elva Tobey. Dad had three siblings, Aleta, Marietta and Lee. Dad is survived by his three daughters, Charlene O Connor, Elaine Anderson and Shirley Russell (Clint), with eight grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Dad was 92 years old. He had been blind for 22 years. He had other health issues as well but never complained. He always said “I may not see but I have plenty of vision”. Before he went blind, dad was an avid reader, sang in the church choir and traveled across the pond to participate in church choir singing tours. Dad was a printer and worked at the Seattle Times until he retired in 1995.

Dad loved all styles of music but his love for Barbershop was at the top of his list. He sang in 4 different (not at the same time) Evergreen District choruses and was very active in the Evergreen District as well. Dad never had an unkind word to say about anyone. He was a quiet man but enjoyed stimulating conversations about trains, cable cars, history and of course music. Dad always encouraged my sisters and I to follow our dreams and was always there supporting us. My sisters and I are truly blessed to have had such a loving and understanding dad. Dad is now singing with his whole family and all his friends that have gone before him. We know dad is singing a mean Baritone with “seeing eyes” with the heavenly chorus of angels! We love you dad! Charlene, Elaine and Shirley ❤️❤️