William Joseph (Bill) Feeley of Langley, died quietly in his sleep March 12, 2007. Born Jan. 23, 1935, in Philadelphia, Pa., Bill was a longtime resident of South Whidbey.

Bill was an astronomer who delighted in sharing his knowledge of the stars with others. Over the past 20 years he traveled to distant shores, witnessing and photographing several total eclipses of the sun. During one trip to Bolivia he met a family with whom he started a partnership, importing colorful goods to sell on Whidbey thereby helping the finances of the Bolivian family.

He was a kind and generous soul who helped and encouraged many of his friends. Bill also enjoyed the fullness and fun of life. As one of the owner-builders of the Red Tide Inn, he was an original member of the Kelp Pickers Kazoo Band, performing in parades for the Island County Fair and the Maxwelton Fourth of July.

In his younger years, Bill pursued many interests including road rallying, photography and skiing.

On the slopes he was known for the photos he took of skiers by sliding backward down the mountain with his camera in hand. In later years he annually made trips to Alaska for salmon fishing.

Bill began his engineering career with Ford Motor Company where he worked on the team that designed the original Mustang dashboard. He retired in 1994 after a 25-year career with Boeing Commercial Airplane Co. in Everett.

Bill is survived by his companion of four years, Donna Vanderheiden in the family home; his former wife, Nancy Welles; stepsons Matt and Nick Welles; sister, Bonnie Iezzi; nieces, nephews and many close friends.

Bill was known and loved by many of his Whidbey Island friends where he lived for over 30 years. He will be sorely missed. He was a friend, teacher and mentor who could not only point you to the stars, but tell you their names.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 24 at the Deer Lagoon Grange Hall. In true Whidbey fashion, please bring a potluck dish to share plus photos and memories.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hearts & Hammers at PO Box 694, Langley, WA 98260 or the charity of your choice.