William S. Hoglund, 77

William S. Hoglund died Sept. 11, 2019, at his home in New York City after a long illness. He was 77.

He was the grandson of William Geiger, a retired rancher who came to the area in 1917, and his wife Vera. His parents, Stewart and Hazel Hoglund, moved back to Great Falls after William was born in Salem, Oregon, on Dec. 8, 1941. They operated Hoglund Western Wear stores, where they outfitted Gary Cooper, Tex Ritter, Barbara Stanwyck and Jack Carson, among others.

William attended Great Falls Elementary and Great Falls High School, where he played football, hockey and track. He attended the University of Minnesota and competed in the World Cup tryouts for marksmanship.

Living on the edge of Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park, William had a lifelong interest in fishing and hiking.

William moved to New York City and, with his friend John Campanella, opened the Stamp Department at R.H. Macy. He went to Wall Street where he worked for Bear Stearns and Pershing and Co. He had been a member of The Union League Club, the Collectors’ Club and the Elks.

He received his pilot’s license at 14 in Montana, and kept flying until his illness. He earned a 100-ton maritime license, and enjoyed sports fishing.

He leaves his wife Janet, four children and 11 grandchildren.

A man of bravery, humor and kindness, he will be greatly missed.