William "Bill" M. Attebery

Bill Attebery, age 77, passed away on January 5, 2024 in Bellingham after a 15-year battle with Wegener’s Granulomatosis, an autoimmune disease. He died surrounded by his family at his bedside.

Bill was born September 17, 1946 in Torrance, CA to W.C. and Alma (Smith) Attebery. He graduated from Bellingham High School in 1964 and went on to earn his BA at Western Washington University and his MA at the University of Washington. He also earned his administrative credentials from Central Washington University. Bill was an administrator in Special Education for the Seattle School District for ten years and served as the Director of Student Services for the Bellingham School District for 20 years, before retiring in 1999. After retiring, Bill served in a variety of capacities including chaplain at St. Paul’s Episcopal School, parish administrator at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and instructor at the Seminary of Christ the King at Westminster Abbey where he was also an oblate. Bill enjoyed serving as the interim principal for one year at Assumption Catholic School. He also served on several community boards and volunteered in a variety of ways with the most significant being as a Eucharistic Minister at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center.

Bill married Christine “Chris” on July 19, 1985 in Bellingham. In 2008, after an extended time in the Episcopal Church, Bill was proud to be confirmed into the Catholic Church and was active with Assumption Church since then. He found enjoyment in singing with the Assumption Church choir, working in his garden, hiking, bicycling, and meeting with dear friends.

Bill always treasured the love he received from his family and appreciated the friends he had as well as the many opportunities to serve in the community and his church. But most of all he was grateful for the unending love, care, and support he received from his wife over the years. He will be remembered for the love he had for his family and church as well as his enjoyment of books. While his journey had its challenges, he made a difference to many people in a multitude of ways.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Chris; first wife, Pam; four children, Matthew (Aimee) Attebery, Margot (Bryan) Noe, Wilson (Briahna) Attebery, and Genny Moore (Daryl Bolejack); seven grandchildren, Alexis, Aidan, Tristan, and Owen Attebery, Cameron Noe, Otto, and Simon Attebery; and many loving relatives and friends.

A Vigil Service will be held at Westford Funeral Home on Thursday, January 18th at 6:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Church of the Assumption on Friday, January 19th at 10:30 AM. Reception will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Assumption Catholic School in Bellingham or the Whatcom Humane Society.