An Edmonds icon passes: Edmonds Beach Water Temperature-Taker Dude

Bill Lindsay, affectionately known as the Edmonds Beach Water Temperature Taker Dude, has passed away. He collected water temperature data twice daily for over a decade.

The Beacon will have his full obituary in next week's issue.

A Facebook page in Bill's honor provided a platform for people who encountered Bill – wearing his stylish daisy-duke shorts, no shirt, and no shoes – to express themselves in his honor.

The page had more than 5,000 followers, all with comments and stories to share.

Those who knew Bill knew that he was always ready to talk to those who would stop him on his way down Main Street to the beach, or on the beach itself.

I was fortunate enough to speak to Bill several times. One time, I was out with my daughters and, motioning Bill over, asked if he would pose for a picture. Of course, he said.

Bob Sears, who took a picture of Bill in 2018 for a project he was working on, noticed Bill’s absence. “I haven’t seen him in a few years and was wondering how he was doing,” he said. “It seemed like something was missing at the Edmonds waterfront without his presence.”

Bill Lindsay was an Edmonds original. He will be missed.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at the Off-Leash Area Dog Park in Edmonds 2 p.m. Oct. 18. Everyone is encouraged to attend and share memories of Bill.

Bring stories.