Here is the obituary, as publsihed in the Northwest Steam Society's Steam Gage:
"We have been greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Durham, last October 27. Bill and his wife Tayeko, celebrated their sixty-fifth wedding anniversary amongst family and friends, just last September.
"In his 91 years, his experiences ranged from steaming freighters to Liverpool in WW II, to being a prolific author with his own printing press, to being a librarian in the Seattle and Kirkland Libraries, and even an oiler on the Washington State Ferries, to name but a few.
"Bill contributed much to our international steam community through his willingness to share his unique and considerable knowledge. He will be long remembered as a world-renowned author and designer. Bill’s influence on steamers everywhere can be readily seen in numerous examples. His masterful work Steamboats & Modern Steam Launches holds pride-of-place amongst our most valuable steam reference works.
"In his later years, while he avoided crowds, Billthoroughly enjoyed hosting small personal visits from his steam friends. And during these visits, he would invariably disappear into the depths of their marvelous steam-centric home, returning triumphantly with exactly the book or engine part he had been talking about. Even the coffee was a special experience, with highly developed techniques carefully balancing economy, flavor and convenience.
"We appreciate Bill’s family sharing him with us so graciously, and extend our deepest sympathy for their loss."
