William Arthur Prichard, 73

We celebrate the life and mourn the loss of William Arthur Prichard who passed away May 26, 2014, at his home in Columbia Falls.

Bill was born July 20, 1940, in Great Falls to Arthur Mackey Prichard and Lucille Delger Prichard.  

He raised his family in the Flathead Valley.  

Bill is survived by his wife, Marilyn June Prichard; his brother, Dennis Fredrick Prichard; and his children, Barren Fredrick Prichard and family, Giselle Evette Varn and family, and Logan Kelly Prichard and family. With seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and one more great-grandchild on the way, he cared deeply for his family and was a loving role model to them all.  

Bill proudly served his country, first in the Air National Guard in Great Falls, and then in the United States Army where he served a tour in Vietnam. Bill was always willing to help those he could and did so with his wife as foster parents to 13 kids in need. He was scout master for Pack 101 in Columbia Falls, he led the Sea Scouts (Explorer Scouts) in Columbia Falls, and volunteered his time with his bloodhound Duffy as a man-tracking team for the North Valley Search and Rescue. Bill was proud of his years as a heavy equipment operator, and particularly proud of his skills as a grader operator in his youth.  

However, being a devoted father was more important to him than a life on the road so he gave up his first career and chose instead to work a steady job at the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company where he spent 33 years and retired in 2000. An avid outdoorsman, Bill loved hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time in his yard with his water gardens.

Bill will be missed but will live on in the hearts of those who were close to him. He was a truly great man and will always be loved dearly. As per his wishes there will not be a large service kept, instead, an intimate affair. For those of you who wish to pay your respects, the next time you find yourself in the South Fork, take a moment to remember him, as this was a dear place in his heart.    

Columbia mortuary is caring for Bill's family.