William C Bruzas Sr

William Crosby Bruzas, Sr. was born in Tacoma, Washington on August 18, 1938 to Vincent Edward Bruzas and Alice Louise(Crosby) Bruzas.  William (Bill) passed away peacefully January 24, 2021 from complications of esophageal cancer, at UW Medical Center-Montlake where he received the most compassionate care.

Bill spent his earliest years in Alderton where his father was school principal.  He attended Saint Patrick School and later Bellarmine Preparatory School where he graduated with a classical diploma.  Bill attended Seattle University (1956-1957) and later returned to school at University of Puget Sound where he received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (1971).  From 1971-1973 he attended University of Washington, receiving a Master of Education in Rehabilitation Counseling, and subsequently achieved Doctoral Candidate in Counseling Psychology status in 1976.

In 1961 Bill married Angela Hooley and together they had three children:  William C. Bruzas, Jr., Julie A. Bruzas and Lisa M. Jones.  Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his son Bill (Shelley, Kimi), and two sisters Mary Alice Smythe and Frances A. Trierweiler.  Bill is survived by Cathy M. Lacefield, his long-time partner; by Angela (Hooley) Clark, and by his beloved daughters Julie and Lisa (Peter).  He is survived by his brother Robert E. Bruzas (Patty), and five wonderful grandchildren:  Lena Pond, Brandy Duckett (Tyson), Brandt Bruzas, Ryan Jones and Maren Jones; and many dear cousins, extended family, friends and colleagues.

The early part of Bill's career as a psychologist included employment at Veterans' Psychiatric Hospital in American Lake (1961-1973).  In the late 1970's he enjoyed teaching basic psychology classes at several local community colleges as well as teaching a graduate level course in psychological tests and measurements at Seattle University.  Bill worked for twenty years as King County Designated Mental Health Professional for King County Crisis and Commitment Services.  He was a favorite partner to many of his colleagues in a challenging work environment.  Bill retired in 2001.

Bill pursued a wide range of interests throughout life, including nearly lifelong passion for saltwater boating, fishing, cruising, and riding the rails.  For twelve years Bill and Cathy lived aboard their sailing vessel Silverheels, enjoying many cruises up the Inside Passage to Canadian waters, alternating with cruises to the West Coast of Vancouver Island.  One especially memorable adventure was a five-month cruise to Alaska and back.  Or, if weather was not suitable for sailing then a train ride would do.

Bills other passions included an almost life-long interest in photography and more recently his family history and genealogy.  He spent over 20 years volunteering at the Washington State Historical Society as archivist, photographer, and scanning technician.  Bill also explored an interest that had persisted since his teenage years, jazz drumming.  He would go to lessons at Seattle Drum School, joking he was "the oldest drum student ever", but he loved it!  Bill was often a supportive mentor to friends, neighbors and colleagues.  He was loved, known and appreciated for his humor, banter and story-telling.

Although due to Covid-19 the burial service will be private, we look forward to a celebration of Bill's life once the pandemic has subsided.  Bill would appreciate donations in his name to Bellarmine Preparatory School, Seattle Drum School, UW Medical Center, or Washington State Historical Society (Collections).