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Bill Zinn
11/16/1951 — 06/13/2025
From Richland, WA | Born in Richland, WA
Memory and Story Sharing Celebration
Bill Zinn
William (Bill) Garfield Zinn, born on November 16, 1951, in Richland, Washington, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2025. After a long battle with Alzheimer’s, he spent his last moments with his children by his side. A proud father, grandfather, and friend to many, he brought a smile to all who crossed his path.
Bill cherished the time spent with his family. He married his high school sweetheart, Helen Foster, and was a great father to his two children, Andrew Zinn and Adriane Brown. Later in life, he enjoyed time with his four grandchildren, Jackson Zinn, Foster Zinn, Cyndal Brown, and Nolan Brown. A proud graduate of Richland High School (formerly known as Columbia High School) class of 1970, Bill was a talented photographer and the co-owner of Zinn Photography with his father Jack. Bill’s outgoing and friendly nature made him a cherished member of his community. He served as president of the local Kiwanis Club, was a member the Richland High School Bomber Boosters, and participated in Rotary with his father.
Throughout his life, he embraced his passions with enthusiasm, from boating on the Columbia River, hunting with his beloved labradors, to riding dirt bikes in the Cascade mountains. A music lover, he could often be found enjoying the tunes of Jimmy Buffett, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan, or sharing laughter and stories with friends at the Uptown Tavern over a game of pool. He created countless memories with family and friends while camping at Priest Lake Idaho. His children remember how they couldn’t go anywhere in the Tri-Cities without Bill running into a friend and chatting them up for way too long. Everyone who knew him has a good “Bill Zinn story” to tell.
He is preceded in death by his father, Jack Darrel Zinn, and mother, Gloria Garfield Zinn. He is survived by his children and grandchildren, and sister, Jackie Hooper.
An informal celebration of life for Bill will be taking place on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 3:00-5:00 PM at Einan’s at Sunset Memorial Gardens. All are welcome to stop by and share some memories. His legacy will continue through the lives he touched, and he will be remembered fondly for his kindness, humor, and zest for life
I met Bill and Jack Zinn around 1980 when they hired an exceptional photographic printer named Mark Masanaga. Mark worked for a different company that went under and I liked Mark’s work. I followed Mark to Zinn Photography because of Mark’s talent and I hired Zinn Photography to print my photographs.
When a Studio at 624 West Lewis Street went under, Jack asked me if I wanted to merge my business with the Zinn’s and to work out of that studio as a business partner and I accepted that offer.
Bill was a talented photographer as was his father from whom he learned his trade.
Bill used to get mad at me for this and that but, that was just Bill being Bill 🙂
Bill always spoke of Drew when he was growing up and I don’t think there could be a father more proud of his son.
I’m sure Jack and Bill had a huge embrace by now saying welcome home.
To Helen and all of the Zinn Family, you can be proud of the life Bill lead. I never knew him to take unfail advantage of anyone and he was an honest man. I got to speak with him on the phone since those days and my heart if full to know that his heart was turned to God and for that above all else that a man’s life can represent, it is that.
God be with you my friend till we meet ay His feet.
I dearly love and miss the Zinn Family. Welcome to your rest my friend!
Bill, you will be missed.I didn’t get to spend a great deal of time with you but we thought very highly of you,Btw you took our photos of our wedding way back in July of 1976, RIP
I am so sorry for your loss to Helen and all of the family. I have great memories working at the studio with Jack, Gloria and Bill. We had many laughs together. I will hold these memories close to my heart.
I’m so sorry for your loss to Helen and all the family. I have great memories working at the studio with Jack, Gloria and Bill We had many laughs together and I’ll always hold them close to my heart.
Cheryl Barron ( Place)
My condolences for a family of Bill, great man and very respectful. We enjoyed walking after a good breakfast, or after he enjoyed an ice cream. To then end up just whistling.
I may not have known Bill for very long, but the time I did share with him was truly meaningful.
My condolences to all who loved Bill. I wish I had known him.
From a distant cousin.
Helen and family, we offer our condolences for losing such a great guy.
I went to Chief Joe, and Columbia High School with Bill. I am sorry to learn of his illness and suffering. My sincerest sympathy to his family. I know his folks were there to welcome him home.
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Bill Zinn