William David Ensign

William David Ensign, 80, of Bigfork, MT, passed away on March 13, 2025. William was born on January 11, 1945, in Defiance, Ohio, to William George Ensign and Julia Rex Ensign. He was raised in Billings, Montana, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Zoology with premed option and a bachelor’s degree in forestry. William dedicated much of his career to the United States Forest Service, where his passion for nature and the environment thrived. He had a deep love for trees, swimming, and dancing, which reflected his joyful and adventurous spirit. He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Ensign; children, Signe Ensign, Haakon Ensign, Astrid Ensign, Liv Ensign; brothers, Doug Ensign, Bob Ensign, and John Ensign; sisters, Peg Ensign and Kathy Thompson; and grandchildren, Nilla Swenson, Halldi Smith, Kol Smith, Orin Koteen, Lucio Koteen, and Solveig Manning. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Solveig Ensign. A burial will be held at Bigfork Community Cemetery on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. A celebration of his life will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. William's legacy of love for family, nature, and life will live on in all those who knew him.