December 7, 1922 – August 13, 2015
Dr. Bill Lien, 92, died peacefully at his home in Redmond, WA on August 13, 2015. Born in Stanwood, WA on December 7, 1922, he was the third son of Trygve and Bess Lien. Young Bill flourished in small town Stanwood; enjoying the renown of his father’s position as Postmaster, working on his Uncle Dan’s farm, and spending every possible moment on calls with the local veterinarian, Dr. Hjort.
Bill graduated from Stanwood High School, after which he served as a fighter pilot in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Upon his return home, he attended Washington State College where he formed life-long friendships and earned his degree in veterinary medicine, graduating in 1950. In 1951 he established the Lien Animal Clinic in West Seattle. While attending to his clients, Bill met Elaine Harris and they were married on Nov, 8 1952. They had two children Todd and Lori. Bill went on to establish the Cat Clinic of Seattle, the first known clinic designed solely for cats, and the Cat and Dog Clinic of Bellevue, all of which are still operating clinics.
Bill was very active during his life time. He was devoted in his work and to his family, referring to himself as “Lucky Lien,” and lived his passion every day. He met and married Susan Tulp on August 29, 2007. Bill enjoyed hunting, travelling, hosting friends and family, basking in the sun, drinking good merlot, racing thoroughbreds and the unique beauty of Wood-n-Brook Farm. Bill took great pleasure in solving problems, carrying through, and allowing his solutions to develop and grow. He had a great sense of humor, often conveyed with nothing more than a raised eyebrow and a certain look. Above all, Bill valued being fair and honest and he strove to be an honorable man in all that he did and in all of his relationships. He’d say “the greatest thing is loving someone and being loved back!”
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Elaine. He is survived by his wife, Susan; son, Todd Lien and his wife Jodi; daughter, Lori Everett and her husband Dr. Albert Everett Jr.; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Oct 17, 2015. Please contact for details @ 425-885-5521, e-mail celebratebill22@gmail.com.
Published by The Seattle Times on Oct. 4, 2015.