William Robert Cecil, 87

Bill was born August 12, 1935, in Great Falls, Mont., to Frieda Wilkens and Basil Cecil. Ed Bouska was the stepfather who raised and loved him.

Bill died peacefully March 25, 2023, in Sandpoint, Idaho, with family near: Lynne Cecil (daughter), Julie Ellis (niece), Jacque Knechtges (sister-in-law) and Christin Knechtges (niece) and Mary Jacobson (dear friend).

Bill’s wife, Jean Smith Cecil, passed away in October 2016 and his son, James William Cecil, died in February 2023. He is survived by his daughter, Lynne Cecil; and three granddaughters, Karli, Jesse and Berit Johnson in Minnesota. Renee Cecil, his daughter-in-law, lives in Helena. Bill has cousins, many nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and nephews throughout the West who love him.

Bill went to high school in Great Falls, along with Jean, and was competitive in all team sports: basketball, baseball and football. He graduated from Montana State University in 1958 in industrial design. Bill was an officer in the U.S. Armed Services and stationed in Puerto Rico for two years with Jean.

Bill and Jean had two children and moved to Minnesota. They bought and successfully ran B.J.’s Bike & Ski, a family bicycle and cross-country ski shop in Minneapolis for 20 years until they retired to Lewistown, Mont. Bill and Jean ran a quaint B&B in Lewistown and created and maintained a beautiful labyrinth in the Lewistown community park along with Jacque and Don Knechtges, sister and brother-in-law. Next, they followed Jacque and Don to Sandpoint, Idaho, where they lived out their days. Big family reunions were held annually in the summers throughout Montana and Idaho.

Bill was a talented artist at heart and used many mediums. He was always drawing/sketching and most recently painted with oils. He also loved golf, fishing and hunting throughout his life, along with playing bridge. Bill was a master at fixing anything. He volunteered many hours at The Cottage helping out wherever he could. Bill was quick-witted and loved to make others laugh. He was the life of the party and will be missed.

There was only one Bill Cecil.