After a courageous battle with brain cancer, William “Bill” F. Smith was peacefully called home, surrounded by his friends and family, on Dec. 28, 2017. His spirits remained high, and a smile could always be found on his face, even during his hardest days. Through it all, he never gave up his sense of humor or his love of life. He was truly inspirational.
Bill was born on June 18, 1956, in Bozeman. His family later relocated to Ferndale, where he was raised. He graduated from Bigfork High School, Class of 1974. A few short years later, he went to work for Plum Creek in Columbia Falls. It was there that he made his lifelong and loyal friends. Those relationships were unshakable, and are a testimony to his character over his 37-year career. As Bill’s health faltered, they were there with him, taking him fishing, sharing stories and laughter, and shedding tears of friendship.
In 1978, Bill married Debbie Thorson. They became involved in horseracing, which led them on many adventures throughout Montana, Washington and even Canada. Bill and Debbie welcomed their daughter in April of 1983, Jennifer, who is the love of Bill’s life. As a family they continued their adventures with horses. They made many friends who became “track” family. “Mr. Bill,” as they affectionately called him, was highly respected by all. Everyone enjoyed his smile, his willingness to lend a helping hand and, yes, his great handicapping advice.
Most think Bill was born with a fishing rod in hand. He began on the Swan River near his childhood home. It wasn’t long before he started fly fishing. Bill had a true knack for tying his own flies. His creations caught an abundance of rainbow trout. It didn’t matter the season, he loved fishing year-round. On the lakes catching pike in spring and summer, snagging salmon out of Graves Creek in the fall, or ice fishing for perch on Smith or Van Lake in the winter, he genuinely loved it all.
Fishing may have been his passion, but he also loved hunting. Once hunting season began, he and his daughter Jen would spend their weekends down in the Swan. Occasionally their hunting trips would lead them to Lincoln or the Bozeman area. Spending that time together was treasured. On days they weren’t having any luck, they’d focus on hunting for the perfect Christmas tree instead. Another tradition they enjoyed. If it didn’t take up half the house, it wasn’t a true “Smith” tree.
Bill was known for his generosity. He donated to both national and local charities. You could always see him bidding on items at benefits, challenging others not to look at how little they could pay for something, but rather how much could they give to help.
When Bill become a follower of Jesus Christ, he wanted to share his excitement with having accepted the Lord in his life. He built great friendships through his Bible study and in his church. They shared with him the gateway that would provide him strength through prayer and belief.
This man’s journey embodies the full and rich life he lived. We will remember a special soul who made this world a better place simply by passing through, and by giving so many cherished memories to those he touched.
He is survived by, and will be dearly missed by, his daughter, Jennifer Smith; mother, Lorri Schraeder-Miller (Bill); sisters, Judy Andriolo (Mike) and Vickie Bauska (Ken); brothers, Roger Smith (Debbie), Dan Schraeder (Sue) and Doug Schraeder-Waltz (Lynda); and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Bud Schraeder; and sister, AJ Slocum.