William “Bill” Fife

William “Bill” Faxon Fife passed away on June 4, at the age of 74 “virtually” surrounded by his family. The youngest of five children, Bill was born to Paul and Agnes Fife on June 2, 1946 in Hamilton, Montana. He was a self-proclaimed hellion as a young man and loved telling stories about growing up in the Bitterroot Valley. Bill had a lifetime of health issues that he never let slow him down. At the age of 14, he was told he would never walk again, but overcame the odds for many years until he was eventually confined to a wheelchair in his late 40’s. Bill graduated from Hamilton High School in 1964. He described “love at first sight” when he met his wife Terry Lynn Rentmeister at Missoula Business College in 1965. They were married for 54 years, and together raised 12 children. He earned his Bachelor degree from Western Montana College and a Master’s degree from Colorado State University. Most of his career was spent at the Helena Vocational Technical Center, now known as Helena College. Before serving as Dean of Students/Assistant Director, Bill taught accounting and business for 17 years. He was well-liked and respected by his students, staff, and faculty. Bill was an avid reader, animated story-teller, fun-loving arm wrestler, and history buff. He spent many summers driving the Last Chance Tour Train, sharing Montana history with tourists, and camping with his family at Holland Lake. Bill was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. He served faithfully in many callings including executive secretary, teacher and Bishop. During his time as Bishop, he could be found giving kids rides on the wheelchair lift to the pulpit. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Agnes, sister Geri Smith, daughter Paula and granddaughter Kaitlyn. He is survived by his wife Terry, his children; Kirk (April), Jeff (Kris), Todd (Michelle), Laurie (Steve) Maughan, Chad (Shannon), Steve (Kristine), Mike (Christel), Julie (Geno) Donney, Theresa (Brian) Jensen, David, Zachary (Brittany), 37 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Sharon (Tom) Miller, Donna (Al) Mello and brother, Paul (Kaye), along with numerous nieces and nephews.

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