William Robert ‘Bill’ Spurzem, 82
With great sadness we announce William Robert “Bill” Spurzem passed away peacefully at home March 3, 2021, at the age of 82. In the days and moments before he passed he was surrounded by his girls who he loved dearly Karla Herman and granddaughter Shea Blair to whom provided care for Bill in the last years of his life, granddaughters Alexah Herman and Amanda Canterbury and his much loved cat Bella.
Bill was born on May 26, 1938, to Ray “Pete” and Hazel Rodgers Spurzem of Kalispell. Raised on his grandparents farm northwest of Kalispell, he attended St. Matthew’s grade school, graduated from Flathead High School in 1956 and attended Montana State University-Northern in Havre from 1956 to 1958.
Bill worked various jobs until he began a new career in the natural gas industry. He worked in Seattle for Washington Natural Gas prior to moving back to Kalispell to work on the family farm. He continued his career working as a gas service man for Montana Power for the 28 years retiring as a foreman in 1999.
Bill and his longtime partner Caroline Blair, once retired, spent their winter months traveling to Yuma, Arizona. Bill and Caroline spent 42 years of their life together till her passing in 2012.
Bill was preceded by his parents Ray and Hazel Spurzem, brother Pete Spurzem, and partner Caroline Blair.
He is survived by daughter-in-law Karla Herman and granddaughters Amanda Canterbury, Shea Blair and Alexah Herman; Scott Blair (Mindi), Vanessa Munroe (Jeff), Brian Blair (Lesly) and 11 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, many close friends and cat Bella Spurzem.
Bill enjoyed spending time and talking with family, grandchildren and many friends. Bill loved people and made an impact and impression on everyone he met. Hot rods, the Glacier Street Rod Association and all of his friends in the car community were a big part of Bill’s life. As many would say “Every great hot rod story started with Bill.” Bill was a local historian and in his mind there was no better place than the Flathead Valley.
Bill never missed a game or event his granddaughters participated in and spent many hours in the passenger seat teaching his granddaughters how to drive. It was grandpa to the rescue if they needed him for anything. Bill was a true icon in the valley and he knew the history of every local car, business and building around. He was one of the most knowledgeable people known when it came to the history of Montana and the Flathead Valley. The stories of his past and the knowledge that blessed us all will be told and remembered and never forgotten. Bill “Grandpa” truly made an impression on all who had the pleasure of knowing him. “Sadly missed along life’s way, quietly remembered everyday ... No longer in our life to share, but in our hearts, you’re always there.
There will be a graveside service held on Wednesday, April 28, at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery at 1 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at Lyle’s Man Cave in Bigfork on May 15 from 2 to 5 p.m.