William Sedgley, Boeing Retiree, Dies

William Irving Sedgley grew up "doing devilish things" in his native Denver, and could be quite a joker in adult life, say loved ones.

But when it came to shooting photos and movies of Boeing planes and projects - a field he pioneered in his 35 years with the company - he was all business.

His group won several awards, including one for its work on the Lunar Orbiter.

He was equally dedicated to Fauntleroy Church, where he headed the ushers group, and to the University of Washington Immune Deficiency Research Program, in which he participated the past 20 years.

Mr. Sedgley died Friday, April 12, of hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver. He was 82.

"My father-in-law was a very gifted artist," said his daughter-in-law, Linda Sedgley of Seattle. "He'd done art as a child, and his mother was an artist. He did calligraphy, all his own Christmas cards, and made programs for the (West Seattle) Promenaders square-dance club when he and my mother-in-law were still dancing."

Graduated in 1940 as a petroleum geologist from Colorado School of Mines, Mr. Sedgley worked briefly in oil exploration. He married in 1941, came to Seattle to work on B-17s, and stayed to develop Boeing's Motion-Picture and Art Unit. It produced promotional materials for airlines and for the U.S. government.

In retirement, he enjoyed golf and travel.

Mr. Sedgley's other survivors include his wife of 55 years, Charlotte Sedgley, son, Richard Sedgley, and grandson, Adam Sedgley, all of Seattle; and his sister, Ruth Sweet, of Albuquerque, N.M.

Services will be at 1 p.m. tomorrow at Fauntleroy Church, 9620 California Ave. S.W., Seattle, WA 98136.

Remembrances may go to the William Sedgley Memorial Research Fund, UW School of Medicine, c/o Department of Pediatrics, P.O. Box 356320, Seattle, WA 98195; Hospice of Seattle, 425 Pontius Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109; or Fauntleroy Church.