William Stewart Pattie
William Stewart Pattie, 91, a dedicated and humble man known for his quiet wisdom and love for nature, peacefully departed on Oct. 19, 2024, from the tranquil town of Troy, Montana surrounded by family and Friends.
Bill, as he was affectionately called, was born on Nov. 1, 1932, in Williston, North Dakota, to parents Donald Pattie and Hazel Dailey. A true son of Montana, Bill found his roots and purpose amid the beauty of Troy's landscapes.
As the eldest of his siblings—Donna, Gary, Daniel and Patricia—Bill assumed the role of caretaker early in life, learning responsibility and compassion from a young age. This nurturing spirit would become a hallmark throughout his life.
At 16, Bill began working at the Snowstorm Mine in Troy, showcasing a formidable work ethic and a keen eye for opportunity. His adventurous nature led him to start a seasonal Christmas tree business, stretching from Nebraska to California, which eventually financed his foray into the logging industry.
Bill's entrepreneurial spirit knew no bounds. With his truck, he single-handedly built a successful logging business, contracting with companies such as J. Neils Lumber Company, St. Regis Lumber Company, and Champion International for 27 fruitful years.
Not one to rest on past achievements, Bill returned to mining later in life, contributing to the development of a gold mining operation in southwestern Montana before retiring for a second time.
Genuine fulfillment in life came from simple pleasures in retirement: fishing in Troy's clear streams, tending to his garden and the joy of climbing through the woods to collect huckleberries. Above all, Bill cherished his family. Bill married early on and had his children Stuart, Mari and Susan. He then found enduring love with his wife, Luzviminda in 1980, and together they would spend over 44 years, nurturing their family with the addition of Jonathan and working on an upholstery business. His children, Jonathan, Mari, Stuart and Susan, along with grandchildren Jordan and Jacey, Stuart Jr. remember Bill as a generous source of knowledge and affection.
Bill's persona was marked by humble reserve and acute intelligence, always quick to offer help. His life serves as a lesson in the value of quiet determination, familial love, and respect for nature's bounty.
Surviving Bill is his beloved wife Luzviminda of Troy, his children Jonathan Pattie (Elko, Nevada), Stuart Pattie (Troy, Montana), Mari Conner (Appleton, Minnesota), and Susan Pattie (Waite Park, Minnesota). He is also survived by numerous family, Jami Pattie, wife of Jonathan, grandchildren Jordan and Jacey of Elko, Nevada, children of Stuart - Stuart Jr. of Troy, Montana; children of Mari, Michael, Steve, Travis, and children of Susan - Sam and Michael - Minnesota.
He is predeceased by his parents Donald and Hazel, and siblings- Donna, Gary, Daniel, with whom he is now reunited. Bill leaves a legacy of memories that will forever linger in the hearts of family and friends.
A celebration of life was held in his honor at Troy Methodist Church on Dec. 5, 2024. As we celebrate his life, we remember a man whose spirit will remain embedded in the Montana earth he cherished and the family he treasured.
Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.