Bill Line, associate regional director for communications for National Capital Region, passed away on October 7th. He was 56.

Bill had served as the face and voice of the national parks in the Washington, D.C., area since 2001. He was the spokesperson for the region, including the C&O Canal, President’s Park, Rock Creek Park, Harpers Ferry National Historic Site, Prince William Forest Park and Catoctin Mountain Park. But he was best known in the D.C. area as the spokesman for some of the area’s largest and most important public events, from the annual blooming of the cherry trees along the Tidal Basin to the Fourth of July events on the Mall, the lighting of the National Christmas Tree and presidential inaugurations.

Prior to joining the NPS, Bill worked for the National Science Foundation, ABC and Fox News, and the National Wildlife Federation. 

“Bill was an outstanding professional who loved the National Park Service, which he represented with pride,” said Regional Director Steve Whitesell. “But what his colleagues will remember most is that he was a caring and compassionate person. His charm and selfless dedication will be missed by all.”

Bill was an avid bicyclist and was an active member of Dignity Washington, a community of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Catholics, where he sang in the choir and formerly served on the board of directors. He also taught water aerobics at the YMCA.

Bill was a proud native of Wisconsin, where much of his family still resides.  He is survived by two sisters and two brothers. 

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Contact Information
Name: Carol Bradley Johnson, Communications Officer