On July 12, 2008, shortly after midnight, the gates of Heaven opened to welcome our beloved husband, father, step-father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law and uncle William Harold “Bill” McIntosh. As we look toward the heavens, our hearts will yearn for him, but we will cherish the memory of his days spent here on earth.
Born March 27, 1932 in Monarch, Wyoming, Bill was the second child of William Morton McIntosh and Ethel May Moline. He began his elementary education in Monarch and continued in Sheridan, Wyoming where he graduated from high school in 1950. He spent one semester at the Sheridan College before joining the US Navy in 1952 serving aboard the USS Valley Forge aircraft carrier as Interior Communications Electricians Mate.
Employed by the Mountain Bell Telephone Company, he was transferred to Tucson, Arizona in 1957.
In the 1960s, Bill transferred to Pacific Bell Telephone in Ventura, California and retired from that company in 1983, then contracted to General Telephone as a splicing foreman.
Paso Robles, California was his choice of location for his retirement home.
In 1990, he and an old acquaintance with whom he played as a child were reunited, and in December, 1991, Bill and the former Jeanne Moreland were married.
After 8 1/2 years as foreman on the Chimney Rock Ranch, Paso Robles, California, Bill and Jeanne decided to make the move back toward their roots. They settled into a home in Big Timber, Montana.
Bill loved to hunt and to fish, his favorite spots being in Wyoming and Montana.
Bill was a member of the BPO Elks Lodge #1430 since 1957. He also belonged to the American Legion Post #19, the Big Horn City Historical Society, and the Hospitality House/Senior Center of Big Timber. He was a country music fan, especially enjoying the music of the Bar D Wranglers.
He shared Jeanne’s joys in genealogy and the research trips they have made together.
He looked forward to family gatherings, his class reunions and the hundreds of emails from friends and family. He was well know for his sense of humor, his love and pride in his two children, his four step-children and the rest of his family, his generous, loving and caring heart, and his devotion to God and his country.
Survivors are his wife, Jeanne McIntosh of Big Timber; son, Dennis (Cathy) McIntosh of Paso Robles, California; daughter, Donalee (Carlos) McIntosh Cordova, Ventura, California; stepchildren, James (Claudia Carlson) Racheff, New York City; Jerry (Penny) Racheff, San Jose, California; Micki (Don) Pettit, Houston, Texas; Joel (Patti) Racheff, Durango, Colorado; sister, Wilma Day of Oak View California; brothers-in-law, John W. Moreland of Big Timber and Wilson (Mary) Moreland of Buffalo, Wyoming; sister-in-law, Melva Moreland Smith, Oceanside, California; twenty-one grandchildren and great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In accordance to Bill’s wishes, cremation has taken place through Lowry Funeral Home. Memorial services and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date to accommodate the convenience of the entire family.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that memorial contributions be made to the Senior Center Hospitality House in Big Timber, or the Big Horn City Historical Society in Big Horn, Wyoming, or the Ronald McDonald House in Billings, Montana or a charity of your choice.
The Sheridan Press - July 17, 2008