Bill Shupe passed away on July 30, 2014, from cancer. William Joseph Shupe was born on June 4, 1947, in Caldwell, Idaho, to Helen and Lester Shupe. He graduated from Caldwell High School in 1965 and earned a degree in Political Science from Carroll College and a Master’s Degree from the New School for Social Research in New York City. Bill spent his junior year of college attending Gonzaga in Florence, Italy, and his summers working on a Hotshot fire suppression crew for the Payette National Forest in McCall, Idaho. After settling in the Helena area, Bill spent the next twenty-five years teaching adult basic education. He believed in the value of a strong public education for everyone, regardless of age, background, or social status. He was an avid skier, golfer, and a voracious reader. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, writing, science, NASA, and astronomy. He continued to pursue a variety of interests after retiring in 1998, taking up scuba diving and pottery. He has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Archie Bray and the local ceramics community for years. Bill had a constant thirst for knowledge and was pursuing new learning opportunities up until his death. To his family, he was a masterful storyteller, a vital source of wisdom, funny, iconoclastic, adventurous, knowledgeable– and will be so terribly missed.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Laurie Ekanger, and their sons, Ben Shupe and Robert Shupe, who have always been a source of immeasurable joy and pride for Bill (“How could we be so lucky to have such wonderful sons!”). He also leaves his siblings and siblings-in-law and their families: Mary Helen and Hans Gotsch, Bob and Barbara Shupe, Jodi and Richard Devine, Randy Ekanger & Karola Roos, Karin Ekanger & Jim Green, and his mother-in-law, Mary Ekanger.
Bill thanks his many, many friends and care givers who provided such kind and generous support during his illness. He was grateful to die truly blessed, with no regrets.
Bill may be remembered by memorials to the Archie Bray Foundation, 2915 Country Club Ave, Helena, MT 59602 or the Lewis & Clark Literacy Council, PO Box 67, Helena, MT 59624.
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Jim Nys says
Didnt really know Bill but knowing his wife, he had to be fine gentleman. so sorry to hear of his passing. Condolences to Laurie
Jennifer Brewer says
Thank you for allowing me to care for Bill the last week. You’re all amazing and I know Bill will be missed by you all so much. He’s was very sweet and appreciative!
Judy Thompson says
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Such a kind soul. Sending light and love to Laurie and his family. Judy Thompson
Paul & Mary Ann Smietanka says
In our own small way, we are with you Laurie. Condolences to your whole family.
Paul & Mary Ann
wendy keating says
Laurie, words are inadequate. I pray for your comfort. I am so sorry.
love, Wendy Keating
John McEWen says
Laurie and family,
Bill was a terrific guy, your memories will always be happy ones. We will all miss him very much.
Our sincerest condolences, you are in our thoughts a prayers.
John McEwen and Mary Musil
Thea Sperline says
Laurie, I was sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a very special man. May all the wonderful memories of your life together soon wash away any sadness in your heart. I am hear if you need me. Thea
Marion Erp says
We are all saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. Your family and friends will help you heal in time. Take the time to grieve, then remember the good times and great 40 years you two enjoyed together. Please know that there are so many of us ready to receive you with open arms when you come out the other side of the grieving process.
John Melcher says
Bill was a great athlete. In addition to being an avid skier and golfer, for many years Bill was a member of the YMCA where he was an able lap swimmer. He was a great friend to all the other swimmers, myself included. He was also great conversationalist–in the sauna, on the slopes of Great Divide, or on the golf course. He loved to talk politics and he loved to talk about the Chicago Bears. He had a keen intelligence, a great sense of humor, and he was kind. Students were lucky to have him as a teacher. All his friends were lucky to have known him. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.
John Melcher
Sandi Benson says
Laurie, I was sorry to read about Bill. He was such a positive and caring person in so many lives. I’m not sure anyone could even find out how many lives he changed for the better. I know he did mine and I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to know him. My prayers will include you and family for the days ahead. May you all find peace and understanding.
Sandi Coyle Benson