Longtime and highly respected Helena businessman, William McBride Spilker, died on Saturday, April 20, 2019.
Bill, as he was known, was born to Alda G. and Harvey H. Spilker on November 24, 1936, in Red Cloud, Nebraska. He grew up in small towns in Nebraska where he learned the Midwestern values of honesty, hard work, keeping your word, and integrity in relationships. He graduated from high school in Minden, Nebraska, and the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He received a Rotary graduate fellowship and studied at Lincoln College in Christchurch, New Zealand. After returning from New Zealand, he married Barbara Jo (Bobby) Bible, and completed his military obligation at Ft. Knox, Kentucky and Ft. Benning, Georgia.
After his Army service the two of them returned to Minden where he joined his father in a crop and cattle feeding operation but his father’s early death took the joy out of that endeavor. For several years he did economic development work for the Burlington Railroad and Northern Gas Company in Omaha, Nebraska. In both these jobs, Bill traveled extensively in Montana, and he knew if an opportunity to move to Montana came his way he would take it. It wasn’t just the beauty but the Western value of independence that he found admirable. In the fall of 1969, Bill and Bobby moved to Helena where he became the Economic Development Director for the state.
Being a salesman at heart lead him to the private real estate business where he excelled. In 1977, he and a partner, Donald J. Erickson, started The Landmark Company. The real estate brokerage was based on just a handshake and lasted more than 30 years. He was named Helena Realtor of the Year and in 1991 he was named Montana Realtor of the Year. He was considered a “go-to” guy for working out difficult real estate transactions and more than once, one of the local judges asked Bill to help mediate a property dispute. He always liked best the young, first-time homebuyers because he thought home ownership could be an important aspect of a person’s feeling a real part of the community. He and Don were integral in the formation of Junior Achievement which helped high school students learn about forming and developing a successful small business.
His friends joked that they hated to see him coming because they knew they would be getting out their checkbook. He was a prodigious fundraiser for people and causes he believed in. Many Republican candidates benefitted from this talent. Several people told him his conservative credentials would hurt him in his business in this mostly liberal community but he maintained that if a businessman was honest, and knowledgeable and competent in his business, his politics didn’t matter and he proved it.
His most important fundraising project was to serve as the chairman of the committee that raised the local funds for the expansion of facilities of St. Peter’s Health. The committee exceeded the goal. Previously he served on the St. Peter’s Health Foundation Board. He also served on the boards of The Florence Crittenton Home and the Helena Chamber of Commerce.
Bill became vitally interested in land use issues and he closely followed that legislation and was appointed to the Environmental Quality Council. After he retired he served twice as the doorman in the Montana House of Representatives.
The couple shared an interest in collecting western art and were strong supporters of the Northwestern Rendezvous of Art which, for many years, held their annual show in Helena. They attended important western art shows in California, Arizona, Oklahoma and Indianapolis and most enjoyed meeting and befriending many of the artists and the other collectors. He took on the project of raising money for awards for the NWR artists.
In 1991 Bill joined the Green Meadow Country Club where he became an avid, but not very good, golfer. For many years he and his group were early morning golfers which gave them a chance to get acquainted with the grounds’ crew. He came to understand that those employees didn’t receive tips as did much of the help so he started raising money from some of the members to give the grounds’ crew a Christmas bonus. It started small and was anonymous. The yearly fund has grown substantially but neither the employees nor the Board of Directors knows who gives or how much. Bill was also known at the club as part of a group that followed the rules, didn’t swear and included one woman, not a wife of any of them.
Bill is survived by Bobby, his wife of 59 years, and two sisters and brothers-in-law, Dr’s. Barbara and Howard Stowe of Reston Virgina, and Dr. James and Jean Peck of Lincoln, Nebraska. Several nieces and nephews also survive. He was a preceded in death by his parents and younger sister Nancy Tempero Van Pelt.
A Memorial Service will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 26th at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral, 511 N. Park Ave. in Helena. A reception will follow in the lower level of the church. The family requests donations in Bill’s name be made to St. Peter’s Health Foundation, 2475 E. Broadway, Helena, MT 59601, St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral Foundation, PO Box 819, Helena, MT 59624, or the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, PO Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Bill.
Tom Naegele says
Bobbie and Family,
Saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. A fine and Gentleman. I was Blessed to have known him. Prayers of Support to you All.
Steve Netschert says
Bobbie, If you look up the word “gentleman” in the dictionary, there should be a picture of Bill. What a great mentor, role model and person. I am thankful for you sharing him with me.
Deb says
Bobbie,
My deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your beloved husband and life journey partner. I enjoyed seeing him come in and sing happy birthday to his doctor as well and all the other things we would chat about. His smile and humor were a welcomed sight at any appointment. It was always so heartfelt at how he would talk about how much he loved you and how amazing of a cook you are. He always said how lucky he was to have you as his wife. He will greatly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time.
Allison Tempero Nespor says
I always looked forward to visits with Uncle Bill and Aunt Bobby Jo. Uncle Bill was a wonderful storyteller, and his rich life had given him a wealth of material. He was a kind and thoughtful man and a great example.He left the world a better place than he found it, and he will be missed. Everyone should be so lucky as to have an Uncle Bill!
Julie Millam says
What a WONDERFUL man! We will miss that smile and great real estate advise!
Steve Snezek says
Bill was a great man. Always quick with a smile and an infectious laugh. He gave me tremendous advice on a variety of subjects. I am deeply saddened that he is gone.
Anyone who ever came in contact with Bill will never forget him, and will have fond memories.
Bobbie, my prayers are with you and the family.
Robert DenHerder says
Bill was always fun to be in negotiations with ! You had to come in with your game and walked away with another lesson He is truly going to be missed. Bob DenHerder
Linda Netschert says
Bobbie,
Bill was a wonderful man. I was always excited to see him and get my hug. Besides being an incredible mentor to Steve, he was a good friend. Steve and I will both cherish our memories of him. He will be missed.
My prayers are with you.
Rick and Betti Hill says
Bobby, you and Bill were such a big part of Our lives over the past 40 years. We both worked with Bill on various fundraising projects. We just adored and respected him. This makes us so sad. God bless you st this difficult Time.
Jeff and Melissa Sherlock says
We are very sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. He was our neighbor for a while and we found him always be kind and thoughtful. Bill was a conservative fellow, but was always tolerant and respectful of those who did not agree with him.I was hoping to play some golf with him because I heard he was not the world’s best player and that perhaps he could be beaten. We will miss him.
DORIS ROMANISKO says
Bobby, my heart shares your sadness. Bill was such an integral part of my success in my time with the Foundation. There are so many in our community that should be grateful to Bill and you for your generous commitment to our healthcare. I loved our conversations whether they be business, healthcare, real estate, football, golf, life, and yes, even politics. As he always said, goodbye, my friend
Tex & Yvonne Pate says
Bill and Don gave us our very first opportunity to sell real property at auction. They actually believed we could do it, and their faith gave us the confidence to succeed. After that we had more business dealings with them, followed by a bond of friendship and respect. Bill always knew who to see when it came to his fundraising efforts. Bill was kind and sincere always! Our hearts and warmest thoughts are with you, Bobby.
Mary Kay Bennett says
Dear Bobby;
We are sad to hear about Bill. I always enjoyed walking by your home in Reeder’s Village..lovely to look at & meticulously cared for.
George enjoyed joking with Bill at Crossroads.
I am so sorry 😢 Mary Kay & George Bennett
Susan and Bob Andersen says
We were proud to call Bill our friend, and, yes, our realtor! It was so easy as he was such a charming, great, fellow. He will be missed by many. Our best to you Bobby. Susan and Bob Andersen
Linda Vaughey says
Dear Bobby ~ So sorry to learn of your loss. Bill was respected by all who knew him and admired for his extraordinary support of his community and friends. Pray the recollection of all the wonderful memories you made together will sustain you at this difficult time. Arms around dear Bobby. Linda
john ilgenfritz says
What a loss to Helena, Bobby, his family and friends. I did not know Bill as well as many as we mainly talked during football season, but also having grown up in Nebraska, Cornhusker football season was year around. Whenever we ran into each other, Bill always had a smile on his face, a ready laugh and great hope for the upcoming season. I’m guessing Bill will be rooting the team on in the ultimate skybox.
Condolences, Bobby and to all who knew loved and respected Bill, a life well lived.
Sincerely,
john ilgenfritz
Byron Stahly says
Bobby, so sorry for your loss and there are very many of us who will miss him dearly. My son Rylan has extremely high regard for Bill and said “one of the best characters around”. I had the privilege of working professionally for Bill and Don (Erickson) when they developed the Landmark Addition. I got to know Bill and Don very well through this endeavor and have had high respect and proud to call them friends ever since. Bill touched a lot of people and made a positive impact on a lot of lives…what a tribute to a very good man!
GO CORNHUSKERS! that’s for you Bill.
Byron Stahly
Dudley Williams says
Sincerest condolences to you and your family Bobby. Prayers are with you.
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Dear Bobby,
We are so sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. He was such a kind and gentle soul, he will surely be missed. Please know we are thinking of you at this difficult time. We care!
Don Betts says
I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was always so very kind to me. He handled his business with humor and and honesty. I was always happy to see him walk in my office or the country club. I still have a zip lock baggie full of change he paid his last wager to me with. Bill was a gentleman in every sense of the word. I was fortunate enough to be invited to his retirement party and it was one of the funniest and most touching events I have ever been too. A true testament to the lives he touched in his professional life. I am proud to have known him on both a personal and professional level. He was genuine character. He will be missed. Go Big Red!
Jean Peck says
In our childhood I was Bill’s surrogate brother in his life with three sisters. As adults, I was delighted to share his love and passion for Nebraska sports. Health issues make it impossible for me to be with him for my last respects, but my love and admiration for him will dwell with me for the rest of my life. He will be greatly missed by many.
RJ Waggoner says
Bobby, I wanted to express my condolences upon hearing of Bill passing. I had the privilege of knowing Bill during my tenure at GMCC, from the day I met him until I resigned, he never failed to thank everyone for making the club so enjoyable for him and his friends. His gratitude spilled down to me personally when he penned a letter thanking me for all I had done and to offer his advise for my professional path. I reflect on that letter often, reminiscing of the man he was and will always be in my mind, a gentle and caring friend to all who knew him. Know I am holding you in my prayer at this difficult time, God bless you.
Marci & Steve Lynn says
Dear Bobby, we were so sorry to read about Bill’s passing. I never saw Bill without a smile on his face. What a very wonderful person in so many ways. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Pat & Gene Franks says
Bobby, The day I started at The Landmark Company, we all jumped in his car to go on “tour of Homes”. Bill drives us to a number of in town homes as we all talk, laugh and giggle— then we head out on North Montana—clipping right along at a pretty high speed—all of a sudden Bill slams on the brakes and starts to back up— on North Montana! Yikes!! ( I don’t think he even looked in the rear view mirror!). Bill speeds backward at least 500 feat and makes a turn on a side street so we can go to the next house— I’m thinking “what the heck!” No one is concerned everyone laughing and giggling! That was my career ride with Bill Spilker at the helm-good laughs, trust, respect, knowledge and more laughs! What a guy! My respect to you, Bobby. He was so very proud of you and loved your journey together.
Dean Retz says
What a great memory of Bill! In the early 80’s, my parents had to move from the lake back to Helena due to health reasons. My mother always told everyone how patient Bill was! He was so thorough and thoughtful with my parents!
He was one of a kind. God Bless.
Barbara S. Stowe says
Bill was the brother in our family of four siblings. He held his own very well among three sisters. He was a good kid who grew into a most honorable and contributing human being. In our adult lives our family has scattered far apart geographically, but every few years get together in one another’s home. My husband and I cherish the memory of one of the reunions with Bill and Bobby which included visits to the art gallery and a wonderful boat trip tracing some Lewis and Clarke travels through Montana. We embrace Bobby as part of our family and now share sadness in the loss of our Bill.
Rinay Bender says
Bobbi, I’m so sorry for your loss. You and Bill were always my favorite customers at the Country Club, always treating the staff with such respect and kindness. Bill was a wonderful person and my prayers are with on as you continue on your journey. Bill will always be with you. Love and blessings for you.
Barbara Beechner Collins says
Bobby Sending thoughts and prayers your way . What a wonderful husband Bill was. Reading about him and all the wonderful things he was involved in is amazing. Your memories will bring you peace and they will never fade away. Take one day at a time and the power of positive thinking does wonders. Our Circle of Friends are always their for us. Take care and again my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Margaret Woo says
I met Bill when he and Don Erickson started The Landmark Company. Those two guys had way too much fun starting and managing what I think was the premier real estate company in Helena, certainly one of the longest lasting. It was such a pleasure to work with him in all the projects he was involved in, which were many. During all that time, and until he retired and sold the company, he was extremely supportive of me. I am proud to have been his accountant all those years. He became a good friend. Everything everyone has said about him is so true. I enjoyed participating in the Western Rendezvous of Art events with him and Bobby, and will miss his twinkly smile and joyful personality.
Susan Wolcott says
Bill and Don changed my life. Between lively political debates; Bill surrounded himself with all political stripes; we laughed and laughed and laughed. We did not have law suits at Landmark because doing the right thing was always chosen over money. And we laughed and laughed and laughed.
Bradley Spilker Stowe says
I love you Uncle Bill.
My earliest memory of you is of a train ride we took from Michigan to Nebraska. I was little, maybe around three or four years old. I was scared to walk from one car to the next, because I could see the ground passing underneath us through the gaps.
You picked me up and carried me across, and made me feel safe.
Many years later, you met my son, Xander, and worked the same magic on him. He was so comfortable in your presence.
The world is less without you.
Joellen Hamm Barbagello says
I will miss Bill’s ready sunshine smile and warm handshake. Bill always had an encouraging word for all.
K.C. Hill says
Bobby, your tribute to Bill is so well done and so beautifully captures Bill’s classy, thoughtful, and compassionate personality. Wishing you lots of strength at this difficult time.
Julie & Jim DeMars says
So many wonderful memories of Bill Spilker…GMCC and Helena won’t ever be the same. We are sending our sincere condolences to Bill’s family and many friends.
Kay Mathews says
Dear Bobby, my happiest years in Real Estate were the years spent working with Bill at Landmark Company. He and Don were always there for me. He had a great sense of humor, but knew when to be serious. He will be missed! I am sorry I won’t be able to attend his memorial as I am wheelchair bound.
My sincerest sympathy, Kay Mathews
Diana Dowling says
Bobby,
So sad to read this. I didn’t get to “know” you or Bill very well but just your names stir up words like intelligence, fairness, hard work, kindness, as well as classy.
Karen Crogan says
Bobby,
Opening this morning’s paper brought a gut punch when I read Bill’s name in the obituary column. He was a true gentleman and all-around nice person. One of my fondest memories from working at GMCC is that Christmas when I helped you “hide” Bill’s brand new red golf cart. What a wonderful surprise. Condolences to you and the family. I won’t be able to attend the memorial as I have a prior appointment.
Tom & cathy cherry says
One of the GOOD Guys! Always held a lot of admiration for Bill. Our little family will never forget those Orange Bowl tickets. We,ll all have to suck it up to fill the void of such a class act and gentle soul. Fondly tom/cathy cherry
Sandy (Bill) Bradford says
Dear Bobby – My heartfelt condolences to you in the loss of Bill. What an amazing gentleman. Worked with him in the House of Representatives for several sessions. He was kind, courteous, funny, challenging and convicting. He was so interesting to visit with. Will never forget his kindness of bringing in breakfast from Micky D’s one early morning during Legislature for me and a co-worker – what a surprise! He was always thinking of someone else and how he could help. Will miss him – his face and smile would always light up a room. He touched so many and changed so many lives. Thank you, Bill!
Jan Sassano Funston says
Bobby
I’m sorry to hear about Bill. I have known him since high school when he started JA. Those two years in the program laid out the path for my career in business. I’m sure you couldn’t begin with I count the number of lives that you and Bill affected in profound ways. He will be greatly missed and greatly remembered!
Gina Barr Eiger says
Bobby,
I’m so sorry to hear about Bill. Being a part of the Landmark Company team was such a great experience. Bill and Don combined a strong sense of ethics and good business practice with a healthy dose of fun. He was a great mentor and someone who you could always depend on for good advice. He was fun and funny, his outlook on life was always optimistic, he loved people and i was proud to have him as a friend.
John and Pam Harrington says
Bobby,
Our thoughts are with you.
What a long and enjoyable association our family has had with you and Bill starting when Bill came to New Zealand via Rotary to study. On the occasions when our family ( there have been three generations) got together either in the States or New Zealand Bill was always welcoming, generous, friendly with a good sense of humor.
I can remember him making a great Father Christmas, going to peoples homes at night, finding the presents that had been hidden and bursting into the house the the delight of the children – he had the perfect build for the job !
There must be hundreds of these wonderful memories to remember him by.
Susan Near says
Bobby,
I am so saddened by Bill’s passing. He was a great guy…I learned a lot from him and will miss him. Please take care, thinking of you.
Sue Near