Letter | Mercer Island lost community icon


December 19, 2011 · 3:35 PM

Mercer Island and the entire Northwest Community has lost a true icon, leader and consummate gentleman, both as a friend and a leader in the real estate/urban development design fields. Mercer Island neighbors, Emmanuel Church members, former associates at William Bain Real Estate, and those in the design field know of William Bain and his extended family’s many contributions to help to build communities, both physical and spiritual, and his contribution to many civic activities, church and family. They know his wife, Carol, and daughter, Lesley, in the architecture/urban design field, and his cousin, William Bain, of MBBJ Architecture. Other family members included the Cowan family father, a principal of The Richardson Associates, and their daughter Laurie Cowan, urban designer and parks planner. We had the good fortune to know Laurie as a talented designer/architect with R. W. Thorpe & Associates for several years.

It is with sadness that we hear of Bill’s passing; however, we know wherever we go in our communities we will see both the built environment and spiritual communities touched by his family and his spirit and graciousness, among those he knew and willingly shared so much.

Our sympathy and prayers are extended to the entire Bain family.

Robert W. Thorpe/Anne Thorpe

 

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.

So keep your comments:

  • Civil
  • Smart
  • On-topic
  • Free of profanity

We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters. We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please refer to our Terms of Use for full detail on participating on our site.