The public is invited to participate in a celebration of life for former Olympia Mayor William “Bill” Daley this Saturday, April 13, from 2 – 5 p.m. at the Indian Summer Golf Course.
Born on August 9, 1943, in California, Daley was 80 years old when he died of cancer on October 26, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Anne, and two children, Erin Daley and Lara Streuli.
Daley was a transitional official who served on Olympia's last three-person city commission and the first seven-person city council.
This new council transformed the city government by adding unrepresented groups to the city’s governing body and ensured professional management with a city manager.
Daley graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1965 from the University of Nevada and a Master of Arts from Washington State University.
In the 1960s, Daley became a staff member of the state legislature. He then held senior policy positions for the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Governor, and the State Liquor Board. He was also Deputy Insurance Commissioner for three years.
After returning to Olympia in 1982, Daley served for eight years as an elected official of the City of Olympia’s City Council, including one term as Mayor.
Daley’s notable projects included the Performing Arts Center, the Senior Center, the relocated Farmers Market, and the waterfront’s Boardwalk and Percival Landing.
He was also remembered as the mayor who connected his city to its namesake: the ancient village of Olympia, Greece. During his term, a “Sister City” arrangement was made to channel educational and cultural exchange between the cities.
After serving as mayor, Daley became the Legislative and Policy Director for the Main Street Alliance for a Just Society in Washington, D.C., a national network of state and locally based business coalitions.
More about Daley’s life can be read here.
