William C. "Bill" BRADO 1913-2003 William C. Brado died peacefully on November 8th, 2003 in Bellevue at age 90. Born in San Francisco September 27th, 1913, the family moved to Anacortes where Bill attended school. As a young man, he fished commercially in Alaska and started a sign painting company. At age 18 he faithfully took over his grandfather's tradition of keeping a diary. These diaries now recount life from 1868 to January 1st, 2000 when Bill finally stopped. He was a display manager for Seattle's Frederick and Nelson for 16 years, instigating the first Christmas window display with Santa. Bill and partner Al Rowan then operated Rowan Northwestern Decorators. Initially in the 40's and 50's they decorated the streets of Seattle for Christmas, Seafair and other special events. The company expanded through time, doing decorating and layouts for conventions and trade shows such as the Boat Show, Home Show, and Auto Show, and were also involved in most Boeing roll-outs. John J. Reddin, a reporter for the Seattle Times stated in an article on August 13, 1969 titled "Faces In The City" featuring Bill Brado, "Others may run the town, but Bill decorates it!" Bill retired in 1976 allowing him more time to use his artistic talents. He still painted the occasional sign but also made oil landscapes, stained glass windows and mirrors, carvings, mosaics, etc. He had a special eye for detail and natural beauty. Bill could always be called upon to recite one of the many poems he had memorized- some of his favorites were by Robert Service which he embellished with great flair. He was a member of downtown Rotary and a former Nile Temple Grand Shriner. He and his wife Lois celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year. During these 65 years they managed to travel world-wide, wintering in Yuma, Arizona after retirement. Bill is survived by his loving wife Lois, his daughter, Dreana, and son, Doug, grandchildren Darbi, David, Laura, and Jennifer, great-grandchildren Shala and Taryn. A family and friends gathering to honor the memory of Bill will take place Sunday, November 23rd, 2003, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Winters House, a National Historical Landmark, located at 2102 Bellevue Way S.E. From I-90 take the Bellevue Way exit and go north approximately 0.9 of a mile. In lieu of flowers make donations to your favorite charity, in honor of William C. Brado.

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Published in The Seattle Times on Nov. 16, 2003.
Contributor: Erin Nordby (48744716)