William Lloyd 'Bill' Burton, 66

William Lloyd “Bill” Burton, 66, of Kalispell, died Friday, Jan. 12, 2018, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

He was born to Elmer and Rosa Lee Burton in Kalispell on Nov. 17, 1951. He attended Peterson Elementary School and graduated from Flathead High School in 1970.

After high school, he entered the Montana National Guard and served for six years.

He married his high school girlfriend, Linda Hill, on Aug. 14, 1971. The birth of Josh, Lisa and Katie were the highlights of those years. He worked at the Columbia Falls Aluminum Plant for 15 years, when a work accident disabled him in his early 30s. After that he became Mr. Mom, and then an incredible grandpa.

Bill had a lifetime passion for sports. He helped coach his children in many sports and shared his love of basketball, coaching Rotary and eighth grade for many years. He loved duck hunting, driving his ‘57 Chevy, fishing and visiting around Ashley Lake. He never missed an activity of his grandchildren’s and spending time with them became his main pastime.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Michael, and sister Betty, and his in-laws Harry and Edythe Hill.

He is survived by his wife Linda, children Josh, Lisa and Scott, and Katie and Steve; and his grandchildren, Dylan, Abby and Keeley Burton and Jacob, Eli and Mallory Maesner. He is also survived by his siblings, Nancy, Jim, Richard, Alan, Joanne and Darrell.

Friends are encouraged to visit the website, www.buffalohillfh.com, to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.

There will be an open house celebration of his life from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb 3, at 67 Redwing Court in Kalispell. Please come and share your memories. We would appreciate any donations be made to the veteran’s pantry in Kalispell.