William Moore

William Barry Moore passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of May 5, 2012, at Ponderosa Pines Healthcare in Billings. Barry, as he was known by all, had resided at The Ponderosa for the past two years, suffering from COPD and diabetes.

Born in Spokane, Wash., on Christmas Eve 1940, Barry spent most of his life in Northwestern Montana learning to hunt, fish and appreciate nature at an early age.

Barry attended elementary schools “up the Canyon” and graduated from Columbia Falls High School with the Class of 1958. He attended one year of college at Rocky Mountain College in Billings.

Various work experiences included employment with the Forest Service, the Boeing Co. in the greater Seattle area and as a commercial steel painter (the higher, the better).

Moving to Billings in the early 1970s, he met the love of his life, his wife Linda Lou (Bitterman) Moore, who preceded him in death in 2004. He was also preceded in death by his parents, William B. (Bill) and Hertha (Kunkel) Moore, of Martin City.

Barry is survived by his daughter Kymm, of Minnesota; three granddaughters; his loving sister and brother-in-law Lynda Kay and Don Hurter and their three sons and families, of Washington; as well as other relatives, including his special cousin Linda Jones, of Broadview, who visited him regularly, and his aunt Rosemary Kunkel, of Nampa, Idaho, who lived with the Moores for a time and shared Barry’s love of the outdoors.

Barry could be found hunting or fishing any chance he got. In fact, it was that passion that led the Montana Legislature to pass “Barry’s Bill,” which was signed into law by the governor a year ago, allowing terminally ill hunters to buy a special antelope tag even if they aren’t drawn in a specific district. “Barry’s Bill” will be a forever legacy to Barry for other hunters who, as he said, “find themselves in the same position I’m in.” He is now hunting, surely, and fishing, most definitely, in divine places.

Thanks to the mentorship of Bob Strutz, a retired pastor and volunteer chaplain with Rocky Mountain Hospice, Barry found his peace with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and this relationship became the most integral part of his life.

A celebration of Barry’s life was held May 22, 2012, at The Ponderosa in Billings. A memorial graveside service will be held Monday, July 9, 2012, at 3 p.m. at Glacier Memorial Gardens, 2650 U.S. 93 North, in Kalispell. Pastor Ken Ainsworth of Canyon Community Church will officiate, with special music provided by life-long family friend Pat Darling.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff of Ponderosa Pines Healthcare and Rocky Mountain Hospice for the many kindnesses shown to Barry and their dedication to insuring that his life was well lived for as long as it could be.

Memorials in Barry’s name may be made to Rocky Mountain Hospice, 2110 Overland Avenue, Suite 111, Billings MT 59102.