(Apr. 15, 2009)
William “Bill” Ephraim Fisher, 80, died April 15 at the Powell Valley Care Center after a brief, courageous battle with cancer. He was born May 16, 1928 to Frank and Lola (Skiles) Fisher in Nibbe, Mont. When Bill was 5, his family moved north of Pompey’s Pillar, Mont. Due to the drought of the 1930s, they later moved to Worden, Mont., where they lived on the Smith place. Bill resided in Worden until he met the love of his life, V. Bernice Kuntzon. They were married on June 29, 1947.
They had three children, sons Richard and Perry, and a daughter, Debra. In 1952, Bill and Bernice moved to Powell, where Bill went to work for Harold Williams, along with his future partner, Jim Cox. In 1965, Bill and Jim Cox formed their own farming partnership.
In 1974, they established Cox and Fisher Farms, and Bill was involved with the operation up until his retirement in 1994. His sons then took over his part of the business.
Bill loved to camp and fish, and he was always at home in the mountains with his family. He had a reputation for being willling to go out of his way to help people.
He was a lifetime member of the Eagles Lodge, where he spent most of his spare time. Bill was also a member of the Presbyterian Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Virginia Vrana; and daughter-in-law Judy Fisher.
Bill is survived by his wife, Bernice; sons Richard (Terry ) and Perry (Trudy); daughter Debbie Donarski (Tom); a brother, John Stanley Fisher (Irene); a sister, Evelyn Barett (Wilsey); 10 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Memorial services were Monday, April 20 at the Presbyterian Church. Thompson Funeral Home handled arrangements.