Beloved father, son, brother, and friend.

Surfer, skier, storyteller. A heart as big as the ocean.

With shattered hearts, we share the sudden and unexpected passing of William “Bill” Slattery, 59—beloved father, son, brother, and friend to so many—who passed away unexpectedly on April 29th, 2025, from cardiac arrest.

Bill leaves behind his three daughters, Tatum, Grayson, and Lacey, who were the joy of his life; his former wife, best friend, and mother to his children; Nancy Longo; his parents, Bill and Mary Alice Slattery; his brother, Ted Slattery; his sister, Beck Slattery; his loyal dog, Dewey; a wide, beautiful circle of friends and loved ones, that stretched across states, surf lineups, and decades. To know Bill was to love him—and be loved right back.

Born on September 28th, 1965, Bill grew up in the Palisades, where his lifelong love affair with the ocean began. Surfing became part of his identity early on, and he never strayed far from the waves. He also found deep joy in the mountains, especially in Whistler and Colorado, where skiing gave him a different kind of peace and thrill.

After graduating from Loyola High School (Los Angeles, CA) he went on to study business at Gonzaga University (Spokane, WA) and the University of Colorado Boulder. He met Nancy at Gonzaga, and after getting married, they moved to San Francisco, CA and then Marin County, where they built a beautiful life together and raised their three daughters. His girls were the absolute light of his life and meant more to him than anything else in the world. He was the kind of dad who made everything feel magical—funny, spontaneous, loving, present, and always up for the next adventure. From beach days to road trips, from ski lifts to campfires, he was the steady, joyful presence at the center of it all. He spent his final year of life in Ketchum, Idaho skiing and enjoying the fresh powder. 

Ever creative and driven, Bill started his own graphic design business—Streamline Graphics—and poured his artistry into every project. He had an incredible eye, a sharp mind, and a way of bringing ideas to life that reflected his thoughtful, innovative spirit. He was always creating—whether it was design, memories, or lifelong friendships.

Bill was a one-of-a-kind soul: hilarious, loyal, deeply kind, and full of heart. He had a way of making people feel instantly welcome and important—because to him, they were. His loyalty ran deep, his creativity was constant, and his zest for life was contagious. He loved the Grateful Dead, good stories, Sunday Fundays, big waves, big hugs, and the people around him more than anything.

A paddle out will be held to honor his life—exactly as he would’ve wanted it—surrounded by waves, boards, laughter, and love. It’s only fitting that his celebration of life happens in the water, surrounded by surfboards, sunshine, and the people who meant everything to him.

Billy lived fully—with open arms, a kind heart, and eyes always on the horizon. The world feels dimmer without him, but his light lives on in all of us who were lucky enough to know him. We’ll miss him forever, but we’ll carry his light with us—every time we hear a wave crash, feel the snow under our feet, or laugh a little louder than we meant to. 

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