William S. (Bill) Crismore

William S. (Bill ) Crismore, 91, long time Libby resident, passed away at his home on Nov. 16, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at the time.

Bill was born on May 9, 1933 in Camas, Montana to William H. and Sarah Crismore. He was the second of four children, older sister Pat and younger brothers Bob and Phil. He grew up in the Hot Springs area attending school at Lonepine and Hot Springs. He graduated from Hot Springs High in 1952. 

In 1954, Bill married Linda L. Graham and they moved to Lincoln County. They lived up Wolf Creek where Bill horse logged. In 1955, Bill went to work for the Montana Highway Department.

Bill and Linda had four children, Bill Jr., Cheri, Stuart and Kim. In 1966 Bill and Linda divorced. 

In 1970, Bill married Carol Joy Thompson and embarked on their 54-year love story. Carol’s sons Don and Bob brought the kid total to six for the newly weds. Later on Bill, Cheri, Stuart and Kim’s little brother Joe would join the pack.

Shortly after their marriage, Bill left the Highway Department and they started their logging business. Crismore Logging became a labor of love for both Carol and Bill. 

Bill was a passionate outdoorsman, when he wasn’t working he was most likely either fishing or hunting. He and Carol shared many an adventure fishing and hunting. He also instilled this passion in his children and grandchildren. Bill had great success as both a hunter and a fisherman, but his real joy lay in helping someone else bag their first deer or catch a big fish.

Bill competed in Logger Day competition from the start, he was an expert with both a crosscut saw and an axe. He won many sawing and chopping events throughout the years and also won All Around Logger numerous times. He also taught many a young boy and girl how to saw with a cross cut saw.

Bill loved the Libby community and was involved in many clubs and organizations. He was a Mason, a Lion, a member of Libby Volunteer Ambulance, Libby Chamber of Commerce and others. He also was a key figure in creating the Sally Sauer Community Health Fund and served on the board. 

In 1996, Bill was elected  to the Montana State Senate where he served the people of Lincoln County for two terms. Bill also served as President of the Montana Logging Association and was recognized as Montana Logger of the Year in 1983. 

Bill leaves a legacy of hard work, integrity, compassion and community service.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother Bob and granddaughter Carly. He is survived by his wife Carol Joy, son Bill Jr. (Barb), daughter Cheri, son Stuart (Rhea), daughter Kim (Glynn) Jackson, son Don (Jenny) Thompson, son Bob (Tina) Thompson, son Joe (Tamara), sister Pat Shields, brother Phil, 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service and celebration of life well be held at the Libby Christian Church at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23.

Memorials may be made to the Libby Christian Church food pantry building fund.