Obituary of William Conroy Lindsay

October 4, 2020

William Conroy Lindsay, artist and designer, passed away unexpectedly in Astoria, New York on October 4, 2020, at the age of 41. He was a devoted husband, son, brother, uncle and friend.
William was born September 23, 1979, to David Sr. and Betsy Lindsay. The fifth child of six, including two brothers and three sisters, he was raised in Merrimack, New Hampshire, where he graduated from Merrimack High School in 1998. He then graduated with a BA in Graphic Design from the School of Visual Arts in New York City in 2003.
Billy, as he was known to friends and family, founded Will Squig Design to showcase his artwork, remarkable for their bright, contrasting colors and innovative use of one, continuous "squiggle" line, which Billy said, "is like a representation of one's life taking unexpected twists and turns." Beyond traditional canvas, Billy's squiggles found their way onto sculptures, apparel, home decor, and most notably, his Squigmobile, which drew attention wherever he drove. He shared his passion for his art through the Sing for Hope art project, in which artists painted on pianos which were then placed around New York City for passersby to play. In addition to many gallery exhibitions in New York City, his commissioned works included a series of paintings made for P O Cruise Lines, as well as several private collections around the United States. He generously gifted his creations to loved ones, making one of a kind pieces to mark important moments in their lives.
It was at SVA where Billy met the love of his life, Luke Peterson. They shared 19 years together (with cats Frankie and Vivienne) at their apartment in Astoria, Queens. They loved to host friends and family at their lavish Christmas parties, summer backyard barbecues, dinner parties and movie nights. Billy and Luke also loved being on the ocean, spending countless summer weekends on the beaches of Long Island with friends. They were instantly taken with the beauty of Martha's Vineyard and Cape Cod, where they vacationed every year. They celebrated their union with an intimate wedding ceremony on The Cape in August 2020.
William is survived by his parents, Betsy and David Lindsay Sr.; his husband, Luke; siblings Christine (David) Lindsay-Abaire, Douglas (Karen) Lindsay, Deborah (Michael) Coppola, Jennie (Andrea) Lindsay-Kelley, and David (Beth) Lindsay Jr., eight beloved nieces and nephews, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He will be deeply missed by them, his larger extended family, and all those who knew and cared for him.
William faced medical complications in recent months which compromised his mobility and led to a massive depression, concluding with his death by suicide. He will be remembered for the courage and strength he showed in the face of adversity, but more importantly the love and light he showed to everyone through his art.
Memorials will be held in New York and New England when public health restrictions due to Covid-19 are eased. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention https://afsp.org/.

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So sorry to hear about Billy's passing. So enjoyed talking to hear about his art.


Posted by: Beth Schechter - Nyc, NY - November 20, 2020

from 1 Lindsay to another
R I P


Posted by: mary lindsay - , - December 19, 2020