William "Bill" McCampbell

William “Bill” Bruce McCampbell, 92, peacefully passed away on April 24, 2018. His wife of 70 years and family were by his side. Bill was a proud Montana native and veteran. But, most important to him were his roles as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Bill was born July 13, 1925, to Bruce and Helen McCampbell in Clyde Park. He was one of five children who grew up working the family ranch. The values and knowledge that comes from ranching helped shape Bill into a hard-working and successful man. Upon graduation from high school, Bill proudly joined the Navy. After WWII, he moved back to Livingston and while walking downtown one day, Bill saw a childhood friend and neighbor, Iris Kirscher. They started dating and were married on Jan. 27, 1948, in Las Vegas. Through 70 years of marriage, their adoration for each other never faltered. Theirs was a quiet romance built on friendship, laughter, and unshakable trust.

Bill and Iris settled in Missoula in 1954. It was here he excelled as a talented construction foreman. He led the supervision and construction on many of Missoula’s landmarks — including St. Patrick’s Hospital.

Bill was a man of many accomplishments, but to him, his greatest was his family — his beautiful wife and their five children. Together they shared many adventures before Bill and Iris fell in love with their own slice of heaven up at Painted Rock Lake.

Painted Rock was Bill’s peaceful escape and his connection to nature. A priceless gift of time spent with family and friends.

Bill was an inspiration in how he lived his life, entirely focused on his wife, family, and friends — all of whom are deeply grieving over the loss of this generous husband, father, brother, grandpa, uncle and friend.

Bill is survived by his wife, Iris; brother Jim (Ellie) and sister Norma Laughlin; children Scott (Mary), Sylvia (David) Edgell, Kim (Kimberlee), Jolene Clarey, and Noreen (Jim) Swan; 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Verna and Marilyn.

Celebration of Bill’s life will be at St. Anthony Catholic Church Monday, April 30 at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s name to Meals on Wheels of Missoula.