William Zander Rice

With great sadness, we announce that William “Will” Zander Rice, age 64, passed away of natural causes on May 7, 2025.

Born in Flushing, NY to Ruthmary (Zander) and William “Bill” Rice, and raised in New York City, Will found his zest for adventure and travel while exploring NYC and the U.S. with his family. In his early teens, his family relocated to Issaquah, WA - the opposite of city life. After high school, he attended Western Washington University, earning a degree in Communications. He then spent several years working in the Alaska fishing industry and following the Grateful Dead. Eventually, he pursued further education which included drug and alcohol counseling certification and an MA in Psychology/Mental Health from Antioch University.

During those years, Will met the love of his life, Wendy. They were married for 26 years and had one son, Keenan. The most important people in Will’s life were Wendy, Keenan, and his father, Bill. Raising his son was his greatest joy. He was involved in everything Keenan did – especially sports – and was so proud of every accomplishment! They were father and son, but also best friends.

Will found his calling as a drug and alcohol counselor, later specializing treating mentally ill/chemically addicted youth. He celebrated 38 years of being clean and sober, or as he called it, “Making good choices.” He deeply believed in a program of recovery and was an example of how it works. He became co-owner of Chambers and Wells Counseling, which later merged with Catholic Community Services. As a Director of Services for CCS for 20+ years, Will created pathways of hope by improving affordable housing options, drug and alcohol counseling, and mental health services to our community. He loved the people he worked with; they were his extended family. To be of service was our family value.

For 30 years, Will golfed at North Bellingham Golf Course, acting as a league chairman for many years. He found his closest friends at the golf course. When not there, he was planning epic family vacations, usually to National Parks or sunny beaches. Music, photography, and sports were his other passions, especially attending Mariners games and watching Gonzaga basketball with Keenan. In his spare time, he was a high school sports photographer. He loved the games, the coaches, and the athletes.

Will lived each day with a smile on his face, bright-colored shirts or tie dyes, and sunglasses. He was truly one of the best people to walk this earth. He was a humble leader and loved by all.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruthmary. Will is survived by his beloved wife Wendy, adored son Keenan, father Bill, sister Pam Nielsen, a niece and nephew, and many friends who were considered family.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Church of the Assumption (2116 Cornwall Ave Bellingham, WA) followed by a reception.

So that his work in service may continue, donations in his honor can be made to Catholic Community Services of Western Washington.