William Alexander Shaug
April 12, 1945 - January 6, 2019
Obituary
4/12/1945 – 1/6/2019
William (Bill) Shaug: Passed away January 6,2019 in Burien. Survived by his loving wife of 54 years Barbara Shaug, Daughters: Debbie Winston and husband Chuck, Laura DiPrete and husband John and Stephanie Berfield and husband Scott, Grandchildren: Samantha and husband Anthony , Amanda and husband Ryan, Beth, Nicklaus, Lacey and Maggie, Great grandchildren: Sayda, Claira, Marlee and Elijah, His brother and sister in law: Jim and Debi Shaug, nieces and nephew: Shawna, Jaimee, Danae, Zachary, and Michelle, cousins, extended family and many friends. Bill was born on April 12th, 1945 in Seattle Washington where he grew up and lived his entire life, and in his original family home since the 70’s.
Bill is most remembered for his love of music. He discovered his passion for music at an early age. He received his bachelor’s degree in Music Education at the University of Puget Sound and his master’s degree in Music Education from Vandercook College of Music in Chicago. Bill started his career as an educator as band director in 1968 at Brier Junior High School in Edmonds, then moved on to teach at Laughbon High School in Dupont Washington in 1969 – 1973 and from there East High School in Bremerton from 1973-1978. He was director of marching band, concert band, stage band and orchestra. Band activities included: playing at basketball games, marching and playing at football games, concerts, the opening of the Kingdome, several University of Washington football games and Sonics basketball games. The marching band traveled and marched in many parades throughout the state of Washington and Canada. The Concert and Stage Bands performed at many competitions and festivals throughout Washington and Oregon states. He and Barb loved traveling with the band and watching the kids he mentored live their passion and excel in music. After the early teaching years, he transitioned to a position at The Boeing Company where he worked as a Program Planner for 20 years. Once retired from Boeing, Bill spent 5 years as the Associate Band Director at Evergreen High School and was back doing what he loved every day (as a volunteer for the first 3 years). He also spent more than 25 years playing in the Highline Community Symphonic Band and was with them until his final performance on December 10,2018 at Foster High School Performing Arts Center.
Bill also had a passion for sailing. He was a member of the Sea Scouts in his youth. He loved boating and was a competitive sailor spending many weekends racing in Puget Sound with Barbara. He was a lifetime member of Queen City Yacht Club and previous Commodore and member of Three Tree Point Yacht Club. Bill and Barbara enjoyed many summer vacations and weekend outings sailing in the San Juan Islands, time at Blake Island, Winslow, Friday Harbor, Victoria and so many places in the greater Pacific Northwest with their family and many friends.
There are so many things that could be said about Bill but one of the most important was his love of family and friends. Holidays were always special to him, most special was Christmas. Every year he added to his rather large display outside and setting it up was an annual family event. He and Barb also hosted an annual event at Christmas where people would bring toys and other gifts for the children at Ruth Dykeman Center (now part of Navos) at Lake Burien for more than 20 years. He also enjoyed hosting the family Easter Brunch, Thanksgiving and he really enjoyed hosting the 4th of July, giving him an opportunity to enjoy family and friends, swimming in the pool, Barbequing, watching the fireworks and blasting patriotic music into the front yard even bringing out the cymbals for a little fun! We all learned so much from Bill about the importance of family, traditions and sharing our passions with the world. He will forever be in our hearts.
We will be having a Celebration of Life for Bill on Saturday January 26th, 2019 at 1:00 p.m.
Location: Foster High School Performing Arts Center
Address: 4242 South 144th Street
Seattle, WA. 98168
In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage donations to the Highline Community Symphonic Band that continues to bless the community by sharing the music Bill loved so much.
Donations can be sent to:
Highline Community Symphonic Band
PO Box 66731
Burien, WA. 98166
So sorry for your loss. I wish I could have known him and Barb in the early years. May he rest in peace.
I am so sorry for your loss. Am sending good thoughts, love and prayers to all the family.
I am truly saddened to hear of your loss. He was a wonderful person and will be sorely missed by many.
So sorry for your loss!
We loved Bill and Barb so much. We have known them for over 30 years. Bill will be missed.
My thought and prayers are with the immediate family Bill Bill will be missed by so many he was a great man!
My condolences to the family for your loss of Mr. Shaug. May God strengthen and comfort you with his promise of the resurrection. Acts 24:15
I am thankful for the opportunity to have had the opportunity to participate in his love for music as my band director at East High School. His love for music was evident to all who meet him. He cared for his students providing us memories from the many parades and trips he organized for us. He had a great sense of humor and seemed to enjoy the many pranks we pulled on each other despite the fact he had to maintain a code of professionalism. I can only imagine the pride and joy he is experiencing conducting the ultimate band. May God shower his family and friends with peace and comfort until they meet up with Mr. Shaug again. You will be missed Mr. Shaug.
So sorry for your loss. He was an amazing teacher and mentor and will truly be missed! “God be with you till we meet again.”
I am saddened by the loss of Bill. He was a great music teacher, mentor and one of the men in my life that I looked up to and admired. I still remember things he taught us in High School band and jazz band. He is the reason I am still playing music today. Thank you Bill Shaug, you will always be remembered when I am playing music.
Bill loved and encouraged his students.
He was a good man and teacher.
I am saddened that he is gone and my sincere condolences to to his family.