William George Winnick

In the early morning hours of Thursday, January 13, 2022, with Linda by his side, Bill passed away just four days short of his 80th birthday. William George “Bill” Winnick was born in Butte, Saturday, January 17, 1942 to Mildred and William Winnick Sr. Following his father’s death in 1951, his mother Mildred married Granville “Cannuck” Wilson. While attending Emerson Grade School he played the part of a doctor in a play and afterwards was nicknamed “Doc”. In 1960 Bill graduated from Butte High school and his love of history won him the Freeborn Award for outstanding history student. While teaching bible school and conformation classes at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Bill met Linda Plate. They were married June 6, 1964 and together had two boys, Bill and Jim. Bill’s first job was running the elevator for the Anaconda Copper Company in the Hennessy Building. That led to him becoming an office worker for the company’s general office. After taking correspondence courses, he became an accountant, but due to illness he was eventually forced to retire. Bill always loved to fish and his fondness for the sport led him to Canyon Ferry. It was there that Bill and Linda would buy a summer home. Bill and Linda, together with their sons, would spend many summers there enjoying what the lake offers. When not fishing, Bill also enjoyed working on Stained glass projects. His parents and his loving sister, Shirley Prue precede him in death. Bill is survived by his beloved wife Linda, their son Bill (Melissa) of upstate New York, their children Will (Brooklyn, NY) and Emily (Binghamton, NY), their son Jim (Jeanne) of Billings, Montana and their children, Chloe (Bozeman, MT) and Jill (Butte, MT). Bill is also survived by his nephews Bill and Jerry Prue in Kennewick, WA as well as numerous cousins and extended family. Bill and the family would like to give special thanks to the nurses and staff of Highlands Hospice for their care and compassion. Band the family would also like to thank Marlene Piazzola, Bonnie and John Lundborg and the many people who texted, called and stopped by. We appreciate the prayers and concern. Many thanks to John Hossfeld and Kirk Wells at Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home for all your guidance. Memorial services will be conducted Thursday morning, January 27th at 11 o’clock in Gloria Dei Lutheran Church with Pastor Sarah Schilcher officiating. A reception will follow in the church hall. Interment of ashes will be Friday, January 28th in Mount Moriah Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Chelsea Bailey Animal Shelter or Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. After a life well lived, Bill has “Gone Fishin”.

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William George Winnick

January 17, 1942 - January 13, 2022