William “Bill” Richard Strong
On a nice sunny afternoon on May 8, 2014, Bill passed away to be with his wife Barb. He fought a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Bill was 71 years old. Bill was born in Helena to William R. and Jessie A. Strong on December 7, 1942.He spent his whole life in the Helena and Toston areas.
Bill served in the Navy after graduating from Townsend. After getting honorable discharged from the Navy Bill went back to Toston and met the love of his life, Barb Lewis. They were married July 16, 1966. Bill and Barb resided in East Helena to raise a family. Bill worked various jobs before going to work for Morrison-Mairele CSSA Inc. Bill worked for M&M working around the western U.S. for 34 years as a Senior Engineering Technician. Bill enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing cribbage, and taking Barb on rides.
Bill was cursed with twin boys on August 11, 1971. He is survived by sons Tom (Cheri) of Helena, Willy (Tricia) of Great Falls; sister-in-law Shirley (Gordon) Sanderson and Sharon Lewis; two grandchildren, Brenna and Cole of Great Falls; and several nieces, nephews and lifelong friends Roy and Kay Hickman.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Barb, his parents William and Jessie, and brother-in-law Mike Lewis.
A Celebration of Bill and Barb’s lives will be held at the VFW in East Helena, on Saturday, May 17, 2014, at 1:30pm.
Memorials in Bill’s name can be sent to Lewis and Clark Humane Society or organization of donor’s choice. A special thanks to the staff of Our House Assisted Living and Hospice of St. Peter’s. Big Sky Cremations & Twitchell Funeral Service is assisting the family with arrangements. To offer condolences please visit www.helenafunerals.com.
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Sharon Meyer says
My thoughts and prayers go out to each of you at this difficult time. I have known Bill for many years, he was a great man in so many ways. He was always so jolly and happy and always stopped to say hi and give a hug. Bill and Barb were the greatest couple and I feel so fortunate to have been able to know them both all these years. Now once again they are together and in peace. I will miss them both…
Love to you All,
Sharon Meyer
Sandi 'Coyle' Benson says
I many many happy memories of Bill and Barb! When I think of them I’ll always have a smile on my face! What a wonderful pair they were! Know I have the family in my prayers. “God Bless” Sandi ‘Coyle’ Benson
Shauna Longmire says
Tom & Will, I am so sorry for your loss of both your Mom and your Dad. I remember going to homecoming with you Tom and how excited your Dad was to be the “chauffer” for the night! He was so funny and I think even more excited than you and I. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. May God’s hand comfort and guide you throught this time of loss.
Sincerely,
Shauna Longmire
R.D. and Carol L. Smith says
Our condolences to the family. R.D. remembers when he came to work for Ken R. White Company and Bill was his supervisor and taught him the art of drafting in highway design from 1968-1972. RD then went back to training and riding racehorses. In 1990 we came back to Helena and he went to work for Bill at Morrison Maierle and then RD went to work for MDT. If it hadn’t been for Bill he wouldn’t been a highway designer.
R.D. and Carol L. Smith
Merry Lou Casteel says
Oh Tom, I am so sorry for the loss of your parents, this is a hard one, huh? Please know I am thinking of you. Love, Merry Lou
Sara Graveley - Knigge says
Tom, Cheri Will and family I am so so sorry for your loss. Your folks were the best. .. many happy ‘outings” shared with them! I will always remember how warm and fun they were. Thiers was a true love you could feel it just by being around them. I am sending you lots of hugs and hope you find strength in the days ahead. Sara Gravely-Knigge
Willis Wetstein says
To the Strong Family:
Nancy & I were very disappointed to hear of the passing of Barb and Bill. And in such a short time span between.
I worked with Bill on many projects at Morrison-Maierle over the years and developed a very high respect for the man. We knew that some of the projects kept Bill away from home for long periods of time and tried to minimize the away time as much as possible. Yet, Bill never complained, feeling it was a part of his job. And Barb was a real trooper in accepting this living style as well.
We feel fortunate to have known this fine couple. May both rest in peace.
Willis & Nancy Wetstein
Geri Funk says
Dear Tom and Willy,
I don’t know if you will remember me, but I remember both of you. At the time you attended what was then Clinton Street School, I was a student teacher, and then a 4th grade teacher. I am writing to tell you how sorry I am at the loss of both your parents within days. The blessing is that they a still together in eternity. My thoughts and prayers go out to both of you and your families.
Sincerely,
Ms. Geri Funk
Billings, MT
Carol A. Netolicky says
Hi Tom and Willy and family, We are deeply saddened by Bill and Barb’s passing. But we need to remember that they were deeply in love, and would have wanted to be together. May God bless them and have them at his right hand.
Aunt Lolly and Uncle loved them so much. I did to. I didn’t see them that often ,but Bill and I did chat on the computer now and then. I saw them both last, in 2008 when Mom and Dad were layed to rest. I pray for you all to pick up the pieces and get on with life and keep their memory’s with you forever. Love, Carol Austin Netolicky and family.
Wanda Cawley says
Willie and Tom, I was so saddened to hear of the passing of both Barb and Bill. I worked with Bill his entire career at MMI and he was such a joy. I always took the opportunity to visit with Barb at MMI functions. I think the last one was his retirement party. I feel blessed for having known two wonderful people.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones.
God Bless.
Wanda Cawley
Diana Kieckbusch Brinkman says
Willie and Tom, I’m so sorry to hear about both your mom and
dad. I remember lots of fun times when we were kids hanging out with your family. Your dad was always smiling! My parents are here in Alaska for my daughter’s graduation so they’ll miss the service unfortunately. However, we wanted you both to know that you’re in our thoughts and prayers. Thanks so much for calling Dad last week – He really appreciated it.
Sharon Lewis says
Lit a candle in memory of William “Bill” Richard Strong