Obituaries

William “Bill” Roy Steele died suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday, March 2, 2012. Bill was born on April 14, 1956 in Springfield, Vermont. His parents are Nada (Jacobs) Steele and Charles K. Steele. Bill lived and worked in Springfield for most of his adult life. In 2002 he moved to Colorado, a dream that was inspired by a road trip he took with his uncle when he was 16. Bill met the love of his life Mary Deganhart, and they moved to the Ridgway area in 2006. On February 7, 2009 Bill and Mary were married at Wedding Canyon in Colorado National Monument. At the time of his death Bill was the Coordinator for the Public Lands Partnership.

Bill was a skilled craftsman and truly enjoyed improving “SteelHart”, the property owned by Bill and Mary in Ouray County. Bill completed a log cabin, a barn and many other improvements, as well as crafting fine pieces of furniture. Bill had recently taken up photography and loved being outdoors getting the “perfect shot”. Bill loved camping and canoeing with Mary. Bill was a kind, thoughtful, funny, loving man who will be deeply missed.

Bill is survived by his wife Mary of Ridgway; his parents Charles and Nada Steele of Springfield, VT; his brother Bob of New Tripoli, PA; his sister Natalee Roberts of Chesterfield, VT; nephew CJ Steele, and niece Jennifer Roberts; “son” Raegan Robb; mother-in-law Elizabeth Deganhart, and brothers-in-law John and Tom Deganhart; three cats – Kitten Pie, Whacky Cat, and Critter, and his beloved horse Drifter.  Bill was preceded in death by his grandparents Roy & Nellie Jacobs.

Services are scheduled for Friday, March 9, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. at Crippin Funeral Home Chapel in Montrose.  Condolences may also be sent to the family at www.crippinfuneralhome.com.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Second Chance Humane Society, PO Box 2096, Ridgway, CO 81432 or at www.adoptmountainpets.org.  Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, Montrose, Co.