William (Bill) Samuel Bridge, 83, of Helena, went to meet his Lord and Savior on March 8, 2016. Bill was born to Albert and Erma Bridge on April 17, 1932 in Denver.
He moved to Montana where he married Patricia Gallagher. They had three children, Bunnie, Pennie, and Wendie before divorcing. He transferred to Cheyenne, WY in 1981 where he married the love of his life, Mary Rumsey. During their marriage they lived in Cheyenne, WY and Parker, CO. Bill and Mary had many adventures together sharing a love for Camping, Hiking and Canoeing. After Mary passed away Bill decided to move back to Montana, a state that he had always loved.
Bill is preceded in death by his Parents, Patricia, Mary, Daughter Wendie, brothers and sisters – Shirley Harropp, Winifred Suessmuth, Charles Bridge, Samuel Bridge, Alberta Langton, Maribeth Barber, and Elizabeth Eskridge.
He is survived by his daughters Bunnie (Phil) Garcia of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Pennie (Joseph) Kittilson; grandchildren, Michael Garcia, Sandy (Pat) Madrid, and Jenny Garcia-Rivera, Josh Schultz, Rebecca (Joel) Norris, and Joseph (Elise) Schultz, Amanda (Myron) Talley, Jon R.( Jenny) Klark ; great-grandchildren, Lyla, Kyla, Deacon and Elena From Santa Fe, New Mexico. Mikayla, Brie, Pennie Lea, Olivia, Heaven, and Miles, from Montana. ElaReign and Azala in Flint, Michigan.
Bill had a special place in his heart for all the people that called him Uncle Bill as well as those who shared his love for outdoors, music and his Church family both in Parker and Helena. He was a proud Patriot having served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
Memorial Services will be held at Friendship Baptist Church Montana City Montana at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 30, 2016.
Family and Friends will gather at a later date to sprinkle ashes.
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Jan Eskridge says
I am one of the many people to have the pleasure to call him Uncle Bill. He had the most wonderful smile and when he laughed he did with his whole heart and soul. There was nothing in the world better than a hug from Uncle Bill. He loved my Mom and she loved her Billy. The world has lost a truly gentle man. I love you Uncle Bill, you will always be in my heart. Give my Mom hug for me. I am attaching a picture if me when I was around 7or 8 with Uncle Bill when I caught my first fish. Thoughts and prayers for everyone who loved him.RIP
Anonymous says
Medium Dish Garden was purchased for the family of William Samuel Bridge.
Linda Trymbiski says
I’m sorry to say I haven’t seen Uncle Bill for quite awhile. The last time we were together was at the Bridge (Preston) Family Reunion in Denver summer of Aug. 2004. My mother Winifred and I who live in PA went to this reunion. We stayed with Uncle Bill and Aunt Mary. I remember how loving Uncle Bill was always giving a big hug to everyone. We had a wonderful visit with them and also the reunion was great seeing cousins I never see. Just recently I did get to talk with Uncle Bill on the phone which was very special. I didn’t realize at the time how sick he was. I’m keeping you all in my prayers as you make arrangements and adjust to his not being on earth anymore. He’s still living but in heaven. Such a blessing to know that’s where he is.
Linda Trymbiski
Amanda says
Ice Cream before bedtime.
She playd outside all day, climbing up Gramp’s big ol’ tree. To the very very top, she always tries to reach.
Half way up this time, further than yesterday; when she climbed bak down, by the pond is where she played.
The gold fish were giants, as big as Gran’pa’s hands. Jumping, and eating were the frogs on the lily pads.
As the sun got tired, and the skies begin to gray, inside she had to go, as the moon began to wake.
Bubble bath & toys as Gran’ma washd her hair, and afterwards combd it, doin so with care.
Thunder shook her ear drums, lightening ripped thru the sky. So, she sang to all of her toys, as her toys all said “gudnite!”
“Get ur jammies on! Hurry!” Gran’ma calls out to Gran’child.
Gran’pa gets the bowls ready, then he fills them with a smile.
Spoons in hand, bowls in laps, our mouths filld wit cold. This tradition, ice cream before bed is awesome to a 6 year old.
The title shows, movie starts, the bowls begin the clink.
The sound is routine, its ritual; each nite wit ice cream.
Movie is over, her eyes closed as on the floor, she rests. The ice cream made her tired, so Gran’pa carries her up to bed.
A lot of time has passed, her childhood came to an end. A woman, a wife, a mom, she married her best friend.
She misses the gold fish pond, she misses Gran’pa’s tree.
She misses so much the ice cream before bed with a lil’ whip cream.
Her mom, her Gran’pa and Gran’ma are now all together.
Looking down on the family, as they survive life’s random weather.
Memories safely tucked in all our hearts, and souls. The happiness in this reminisce, i’m proud to hav told.
I miss ice cream before bed, i miss that gold fish pond. I miss my family, i miss that tree; & forever, I’ll miss them all.
Dedicated to my Gran’parents & my mom.
By, Amanda B. Talley
Big Sky Cremation & Twitchell Funeral Se rvice says
A tribute video has been added.
Pennie Kittilson says
4 files added to the album New Album Name
Michele (Shelley) Barber says
Our sweet Uncle Bill was such a loving, gentle soul. He always had a smile and a hug and was truly interested in our lives and the lives of our children. He had a way of making me feel that I mattered in his life and that he was glad I was here. I am so grateful that I got to talk to him a few days before he passed. Thank you for that, Pennie. He was my sweetheart and I will love him and miss him forever.
Jenny Garcia-Rivera says
Grandpa’s shoulder is where my safest happiest place will always be. You are my mountain man and you will forever live in my heart. I’m glad I got to spend those last few days, hours, minutes with you. Your everything to me. I love you.
Jenny Garcia-Rivera says
2 files added to the tribute wall
Carol Bridge says
Bunnie and Penny and families, I am sorry for the loss of your father. He was a fun loving, compassionate, kind man. May your many memories of him be of much comfort to you forever. He loved you all so much. Blessings to all of you. Carol Bridge