William Partridge Ingham

April 17, 1944, an ambulance blaring its way down Seattle's Madison Street, announced the arrival of William Partridge Ingham. That infant never stopped surprising and delighting all who knew him throughout his life. Son of Frederick Watson Ingham and Amalia Partridge Ingham, brother to Laura Elizabeth and half-brother to Frederic Pomeroy Lyman, Bill grew up in the Washington Park neighborhood, attending McGilvra Elementary and then Lakeside School. His strong right arm brought him a little shame (being expelled briefly from McGilvra for throwing apples at passing cars) and a little glory as star side-arm pitcher for the Lakeside baseball team.

After summer jobs tarring lumber-camp roofs in sizzling Eastern Washington and painstakingly proofreading the Vancouver telephone book, Bill headed to Colby College in Waterville, Maine, 1962. He joined the ATO fraternity, skied, and explored New England. Under the guidance of Colby professors, Bill's early fascination with philosophy blossomed... and he began to dabble in painting. Philosophy and painting were not studies appreciated by his father whose interests lay in the business world, but Bill persisted on his own path, never turning back. Supreme highlight of those Colby years was no doubt meeting and marrying Maine lassie, Ruth Ann Loker.

Upon graduation, Bill and Ruth moved to Cleveland, where he attended Case Western Reserve for an advanced degree in Philosophy, and where their first child Fred was born. After a year, Bill returned to Seattle, leaving philosophy behind to pursue a career in fine arts, receiving an MFA from the University of Washington. Son David arrived in 1971; daughter Caroline in 1975.

Bill quickly established himself as a painter to be reckoned with. His bold, energetic abstract-expressionist work found its way into the collections of major Northwest museums, art-loving individuals, corporate offices and public buildings. Later in his career, enamored with the beauty of the natural world, he could be found drawing trees in the Arboretum and on Whidbey Island, using a quiet, simple palette, still alive with energy. Major Northwest galleries represented and exhibited his work as did others nationally. His artistic vision is the subject of the book "Configuration of Forces", by Matthew Kangas.

Bill strongly believed in arts education, helping to support the University of Washington's Fine Arts program, teaching studio classes and contributing to faculty and student enrichment initiatives. He served on the Cornish College of the Arts board of trustees, and was a strong advocate for Colby College's new art museum.

Bill's pleasures included playing jazz piano ("Misty", "Laura", "Satin Doll" and Bill Evans pieces were favorites). Or sailing his sloops the "Mary D" and "Carolita" with friends and family throughout Northwest waters. (His love of sailing and boats began when his brother Fred solicited him to work and crew on his own boat, "The Miss Lace", at Leschi.) Or reading weighty tomes on philosophy and history, particularly that of World War II. Or using that still strong arm to hurl not a baseball, but to wield a tennis racket or golf club at the Seattle Tennis Club, Seattle Golf Club or Useless Bay Golf Club. Or traveling to visit grandchildren, attend family reunions and explore historical and ancient sites once inhabited by his favorite philosophers. Or merely hanging out at their family Whidbey Island getaway.

In Cleveland, his blue, beloved 1966 Ford Mustang entered Bill's world. He coddled and maintained it until his life's end. Bill's love for cross-country road trips revved up when he rode his BMW motorcycle from Seattle to Colby. In his 70s he drove that same, still-glamorous Mustang coast to coast and back again. A surprise and a delight.

In later years, Bill became active at Epiphany Church, joining study groups and giving illustrated talks on art and religion. In 2016 his travels to the Holy Land with a group led by Reverend Doyt Conn expanded and deepened Bill's spiritual life. He also served for many years on the board at Lake View Cemetery.

Bill passed away December 10th at the Denny Blaine home he and Ruth had shared for 50 years. He leaves behind wife Ruth, son Fred Ingham (Susan) and grandson Roland, daughter Caroline Kratz (Andrew) and their children Gunnar, Thor, Rockett, Ava and Boomer. Son David pre-deceased him in 1991.

A celebration of life will be held at Epiphany Church in Seattle on Saturday, December 27th, at 3:00PM, with a reception to follow in the Great Hall. 

Please share memories & condolences on the guestbook, located below. 

Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home ~ Lake View - Seattle, Washington