Bill died peacefully at his home on Dec. 18th at the age of 92. Bill and his twin sister Betty were born in Missoula in 1921 and grew up on their parents’ apple orchard. After graduating from high school in Wash. D.C., he attended the Univ. of Montana where he was the quarterback for the Grizzlies back when they played in the Pacific Coast League against Washington, USC and UCLA in the L.A. Coliseum. He was offered a chance to try out for the NY Giants, but enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he was a 2nd Lt- Pilot on the European front. He was awarded an air medal for flying troops and supplies for the Battle of the Bulge, Dec. 1944 and flying a glider across the German line in Operation Varsity.
After the war and graduating from Harvard Law School, he brought his competitive edge back to Montana as a trial attorney where he thrived on representing the underdog and challenging public utilities. He was one of the founders of the MT Trial Lawyers Assoc. Pres. of MTLA 76-77 and was awarded the 1999 Life Time Achievement Award. Bill practiced law in Helena for 60+ years.
He was an enthusiastic skier, golfer and outdoorsman, with epic stories of fishing on Seeley Lake with Rev. McLean of “A River Runs Through it” fame.
Bill met his match in confidence and wit in Corne’ Murphy- his wife of 56 years. He and Corne’ made their home in Helena where they raised their three children, Bill, Karen and Susan.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife Corne’ in 2006 and his son-in-law Mike Mikota. He is survived by his sisters Betty Dratz, and Mary Carter both of Missoula; children: Bill Leaphart (Babs), Karen Mikota and Susan Leaphart; grandchildren, Abe & Brigit Mikota, Rebecca Leaphart (Ben Brouwer), Retta Leaphart (Jeremy Osborn), Ada Leaphart, and his faithful golden doodle, Guillaume, and Timer, the Great Pyrennes.
“It takes a village” is more than a platitude.
The family would like to acknowledge the assistance of Nightingale Nursing and Hospice of St. Pete’s in helping Dad to remain in his home.
A particular note of gratitude to Dad’s long-time nurse and fellow baseball fan Marie Lavinder, for her extraordinary care and optimism. And thanks to the recent “November-December” team of caregivers whose professionalism and kindnesses provided us with an opportunity to rest at night: Shelby King, Jasmine Lucero-Benevides, Angie Hinman, and Michelle Suero.
Dr. Karen Cody and Dr. Ken Carpenter offered care and comfort both to Dad and to us during times we most needed it.
Our great appreciation to Karen Moore for her devotion to our parents and her endless patience with us over these many years. And, our thanks to Jan Hulme, whose belief in Dad’s own ability to mend and to move forward helped him to do just that until the moment that he died.
A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 28th, 2013 with a reception to follow at the Montana Club.
Memorial in Bill’s name are suggested to an organization or charity of the donor’s choice.
To offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Bill please vivst below.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday December 28, 2013
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Immediately following the Memorial Service
Saturday December 28, 2013
Montana Club
24 West 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
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Dee Barfknecht says
Karen, Susan and Bill (& families),
We were so sorry to learn about your Dad…… What a wonderful man…our hearts are with you.
Jim (Sr.) & Dee Barfknecht
Al Smith says
Bill and family, so sorry for your loss, hope you find solace in celebrating a life well lived.
Gary L. Walton says
Bill and family,
I first met your Dad more than thirty years ago and had the pleasure of renewing our professional acquaintance just a couple of years ago. He was always the professional and gentleman in my experiences with him. I thoroughly enjoyed our “legal battles” because he never allowed the “case” to come between the collegiality between counsel. He was a true asset to the Bar, his profession and the clients he represented. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Gary Walton
Larry Petty says
Bill & Family; My thoughts and prayers are with you. I last saw him at a Griz Game in 2012 when he was recognized as a past Griz at mid-field prior to the start of the game. I recently found out through Scott Brown of his severing as a pilot n World War II. As a Veteran myself , I thank him for his service. God Bless You & your Sisters.
Bob Cummins says
Farewell fellow Rattlesnaker.
Loreen Skinner says
Dear Susan and family,
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Without a doubt the care you delivered to your father was so impressive. You looked out for him in every way possible. I would have to say the biggest blessing in his life was his family. Your devotion and love will always shine bright.
Loreen, VA Fort Harrison.
John Carter says
Bill is family and mentor. He brought honor to the profession of law, as do his son Bill and daughter Susan. He also was one hell of a fly fisherman. I learned more about both those professions from Bill than can be meaningfully explained.
Larry & Margaret (Daniels) Altenbrun says
We are sorry to hear of your father’s passing. My father, Kermit, and Bill were always good friends and dad was honored to have your family dog named after him. They shared good times and mutual respect. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Megan McNamer (Carter) says
I caught my first trout on a glorious day on the North Fork of the Blackfoot with Uncle Bill and Uncle John (Dratz). They were going out that day from the Placid Lake cabin with my husband, John Carter, in the summer of 1980. John and I had only been married two years, but I saw the writing on the wall. I’d better learn to fly fish. That day, for some reason, I out-fished them all. They were all (reasonably) gracious about it, and I remember hearing that lovely Uncle Bill laugh. I loved hearing his droll stories, and I loved hearing him laugh. My love to you all.
Jeff and Melissa Sherlock says
we will miss Bill; he was bigger than life and it seems strange to not have him around; loved hearing his stories, especially about the time he was flying back from Billings and ran out of gas, calmly landing in a hay field; every time he told the tale he would add a tiny detail that made it more exciting; condolences to Bill, Karen and Susan
Steve Moore says
I only chatted with Bill Sr. at length on a couple of occasions, mostly about books we had read and enjoyed, but I grew to know a fair amount about the family over the many years my wife worked with Bill, Corne’ and their children. I always took a bit of pride in telling folks about my wife’s association with such a ”class family” and still do. My condolences and appreciation!
Marci Lynn says
I first came to know Bill when I was just a young woman employed by the Clerk of Court’s office in the ’70s. He always made an impression on me with his with his low, authoritative voice and relaxed, confident demeanor. A few years ago, I enjoyed listening to one of his World War II tales while enjoying a shrimp dinner at the Shrine consistory. Bill, you were one in a million and will be missed by many. My condolences to WW, Karen, Susan & families for the loss of their unforgettable patriarch.
Ed Malesich says
My condolences to the Leaphart family, I first came to know Bill in the very early 70’s when he set up our family ranch corporation and helped my father with his estate planning, his expertise and wise council served us well. He was or attorney for over 35 years. I always enjoyed traveling from Dillon to Helena to meet with Bill. His stories be it golf, fishing or flying were always a great listen. He was truly a great man and a great attorney, again my condolences from the entire Malesich family.
BILL MILES says
Bill was a Sigma Chi Fraternity brother of mine at Missoula in the middle 1940’s
My son Louis dated one of his daughters.
Bill had both CLASS and HUMILITY ! Bill Miles ….
Val Flansaas says
Karen. So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Clara & Art Gilreath says
Bill, Karen & Susan, Sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He was a gentleman through and through. And what a legal authority.
Our condolences and prayers are with all of you and your families.
Glen Cuchine says
Leaphart Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all. We enjoyed many years of being neighbors of Bill and Corne. Bill was a neighborhood ‘character’ and that is meant in the most complimentary way. Everyone in the neighborhood enjoyed visiting Bill when he walked one of the dogs. Helena is poorer in spirit today following Bill’s death as well as Corne’s passing in 2006. Wonderful citizens and wonderful neighbors. Peace
Earl J Barlow says
Dear Leaphart Family, Bill was an outstanding person who touched the lives of many people including mine. He dedicated his practice of law to secure the blessing of liberty and justice for all, and that is his legacy.
Earl J. Barlow
Spokane, WA
Shirley (Hartzog) Serrano says
Bill was an inspirational man. I’ve never known a truer gentleman. Courtesy and consideration for others were part of the fiber of his being, never contrived. His gentle humor, a dry wit, never came at the expense of others. He has been a central figure in my life and he is missed dearly, though I did not see him lately as much as I would have liked. To his loved ones, family and friends, I can only offer heartfelt condolences. There are no words for such a loss.
~Shirley (Hartzog) Serrano
Dianna Reber Riley and Larry Riley says
Susan and family, Our heartfelt condolences for your loss. Your Dad’s generation certainly left an important legacy–and, his legacy was a big part of it. Larry and I have fond memories of our trip around the world in the early ’80s with your parents. Your Dad was such a gentleman. May your memories always bring you great comfort. Take care, Dianna & Larry
Dorothy McCarter says
To Bill’s family, Mike and are are so saddened by Bill’s passing. He was such a wonderful person, and a very talented attorney. I have many fond memories of visiting with him in my chambers, keeping me updated on his kids. Helena just won’t be the same without him.
My deepest sympathies to you all.
Charlene Kallestad says
It was our privilege to meet the wise, fun and wonderful Bill Leaphart just a few years ago at our daughter’s wedding. He was a rare gift and we are deeply grateful for our few but memorable visits. Our deep condolences to the Leaphart family. Thank you for sharing your amazing dad with all of us.
Charlene and Kimberly Kallestad
ron casey says
Sorry to hear about Bills passing… what a great guy and I consider him one of our Helena fathers. Had some great visits with him when I delivered his mail on the gulch.
He had great stories about flying his plane. Thinking about him makes me stand tall! Sincerely Ron and Sandy Casey
Laurie and Joe Lamson says
The contributions of Bill and his exceptional family is why Montana is such a special place.
Lauire and I had the good fortune to be paired with Bill and his golf buddy numerous times on the course. Bill’s good humor, stories, and constant curiosity were always a delight.
Bless you all.
Laurie and Joe Lamson
Clyde and Mary Peterson says
Bill was a gentleman of the first order, and one of those rare individuals who was a four way role model: as a spouse, father, individual and attorney. He will be greatly missed, particularly at the Bill Roberts Golf Course! Our condolences to all of his family; but what a privilege it must be for all of you to have shared in a glorious life so well lived.
Molly & Bill Hobgood says
We just learned of Bill’s passing and send our condolences to the entire family. My Dad, Bill Mufich, held Bill in high esteem. They were great friends from college days and even shared office space in the Montana Club building.
I remember Bill flying me home from school in Missoula one weekend. He even turned the controls over to me for a short while. What a thrill! I will always remember him and Corne fondly.
Ernie Diette says
He was the finest man alive and my best friend offor 60 years and did millions of dollars worth of law work for free and a life long skier partner and golf companion and family best friend of my dad and his wife Conay of my mother my he set in peace he was the finest attorney in the world
Ernie Diette