William Richmond MacPheat, 76
William Richmond MacPheat, the only American-born son of Alexander M. and Mary Richmond MacPheat, rejoined his ancestors in the Highlands of Scotland on March 16, 2007, at St. Patrick Hospital.
"Bill" was born Nov. 26, 1930, in Oak Park, Ill.
After his father's death in 1934, he returned with his mother and brother to their native Scotland for a short time, followed by a return to Oak Park. In 1948, he joined the U.S. Air Force. While stationed at Cheyenne, Wyo., he met Mary Anne Lorenz. There were married Feb. 14, 1953, in St. Louis.
Those who knew Bill will remember his sense of humor, love of people and animals, outgoing nature and willingness to lend a hand to anyone in need.
After retiring from the Air Force, he worked for Fred Meyer Stores and eventually started his own commercial refrigeration business in the Flathead Valley.
As a member of the Somers Lions Club, he spent summers at the Bitterroot Youth Camp doing maintenance on the camp buildings, plus plumbing and electrical work. He loved dogs, and he will surely be greeted at The Rainbow Bridge by Pal, Boots, Janus, Copper and April. He loved to travel, especially to Scotland, and made a number of trips back to "The Auld Country" with Mary Anne and both of his children. No Thanksgiving was complete without his recitation of Robbie Burns' "Selkirk Grace."
in his later years, Bill fought a lengthy battle with congestive heart failure and post-herpetic neuralgia, and became a research subject in the landmark SCD-HeFT trial. His courage and determination were an inspiration to many during that time. His family is indebted to those who cared for him and about him during the past 20 years for their kindness, love and support. You know who you are.
Bill is survived by his wife, Mary Anne; daughter, Terry; son, Will (Mihaela), all of Missoula. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Annie Rose. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Alex.
Memorial services are planned for 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, 2007, at Garden City Funeral Home, followed by a reception in the funeral home's community room.
In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to make memorials in Bill's name to the International Heart Institute of Montana, 554 W. Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802, or to their area Humane Society. For those who feel flowers are necessary, we ask that they plant a living memorial in the form of a rose bush, tree or another shrub.