William “Bill” C Wood passed away, Friday September 22, 2017, after a lengthy battle with extreme emphysema and COPD. He was born Dec 23, 1945 in Helena to Barney and Mary Wood. He grew up in the best of times. His childhood shaped him from a boy into a service ready man.
Not wanting to be trendy and get drafted like his friends, he ditched his draft card in the mail and enlisted in the US Navy. He ended up in Vietnam and served 42 of his 48 months in a combat zone. After the service, he eventually made it back to Montana, the place he loved.
Speaking of love, he met his wife of nearly 46 years, Rose Marie “Ree” Faltermeyer. They married in May of 1972 and eventually had two children, Kevin and Angie. He had a soft spot for Rex a little orphan kitten that grew into his buddy.
He thought the best way to serve his community was to become a police officer. He served on the Helena Police department from 1972 until retiring as rank of Lieutenant in 1994. He enjoyed trying to make a difference and reaching out to those who needed the help.
His love of the outdoors and hunting led him to many great adventures. He shared those with friends and family and instilled wisdom to anyone who would listen. He loved motor sports especially snowmobiling. He thought that was the most fun and enjoyable motor sport ever.
He is survived by his wife Rose Marie Wood; son, Kevin and his partner Alyssa; daughter, Angie and husband Randy; and granddaughter, Kendra. He is also survived by his brother, Byron “Jim” wife Francie and family; his brother in law, Bob Faltermeyer and wife Susan. He was preceded in death by both parents and brother.
Our family would like to thank the medical staff, especially Dr. Anglim at Saint Peter’s Hospital.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Thursday September 28, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
To follow the celebration of his life.
Thursday September 28, 2017
ASW Social Hall
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Military Honors
Thursday September 28, 2017
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
3550 Hero's Lane
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Thursday September 28, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
To follow the celebration of his life.
Thursday September 28, 2017
ASW Social Hall
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Military Honors
Thursday September 28, 2017
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
3550 Hero's Lane
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59635
Share
Kim and Henry Flatow says
Ree and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Bill had such a wonderful laugh, just like his mother’s. Hold tight to your memories. God bless you all.
JD Sauter says
Many good years of memories hunting with Bill and the gang. Always will be remembered. Condolences to the family. JD “Rabbit” Sauter
phillard balsley says
so s very sorry for all of the family, Bill was a great guy ! will remember the sno-mobile rides, and the poker games that happened ,from cards on the table, to cards in our pocket during a poker ride! will miss you Bill!
Karen Bryson says
Ree and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was a gentle giant.
May happy memories help you through this journey of grief. Keeping you in my prayers.
Karen Bryson
Wayne Allen says
Ree and family,
We loved Bill and he was a good friend. Wayne and Bill shared many snowmobile trips and lots of meals at Shelly’s Cafe.
Bill was a good man and a gentleman. We will miss him but now he is out of pain and able to keep chasing bad guys!
Sue Bailey Lane says
Growing up in the 6th Ward, everyone knew everyone and had alot of fun with Bill. I am sure he will be missed greatly by his family and I would like to offer my condolences for his loss . RIP…….
Lisa Kleeman says
Bill was great to talk to, I learned from him and laughed with him he will be greatly missed. To the Wood family thought and prayers are with you.
Anne Jacobson says
Ree, So sorry for your loss! He helped me a lot when I first started at the PD. He will be greatly missed. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom and Anne Jacobson
Jeanne Fullerton says
Ree, Kevin, Angie and family, glad we got to know and love YOUR Bill. God bless. Love and prayers, Bill and Jeanne and family
Rod and Pat Burke says
He was a wonderful man. Always had a smile on his face. So sorry for your loss. You have lost a great man, but heaven has gained an angel!
Leon and Marsha Belville says
Ree-We are saddened to hear of Bills passing. Our thoughts and prayers to you and the family
Rick Broadwater says
Ree, Kevin and Angie. My condolences and prayers go out to you for your loss. Bill was one of the good guys and a great friend. He helped and mentored me early on and throughout my career. Never in a bad way and was there when things were rough or tough. We had long talks about the past and present. Some pretty good laughs and a beer or two. He did love that snowmobiling and we got to meet up on the trail four wheeling from time to time..
I’ll miss him and have him in my thoughts and prayers . God Bless.
Peter T. Rehmann says
Ree, Karen above said, Bill was was a gentle giant. Those were my words to Deb, this morning, upon learning of Bill’s passing. Bill was always there, as a Police Supervisor to protect citizens & officers, but had a “Gentle Giant” side to him. He loved his family, & I still remember that ear to ear grin he had when his “little girl” was born, it was precious. Thoughts & prayers are w/you & family.
Peter (HPD 755 Retired), Deb (HPD/ACO 753).
Tom Juhl says
Another school mate, Sixth Ward, and good friend R.I.P. Bill you will be missed by many……
Salty Payne says
Bill retired two years after I joined the City. Bill was the ultimate Police Officer. Many have called him a “Gentle Giant” which is very appropriate. He was bigger than life and nicer than anyone would ever expect. RIP my friend.
Cathy Murphy says
Ree, Kevin and Angie. I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was such a good man. You are all in my prayers.
Dennis and Darlene Abeyta says
Ree, Kevin, Angie : Bill was always so kind. I remember him coming to my rescue when someone slammed into my car in Old Pizza hut lot around 1974. I was so relieved when I saw him. We are so very sorry for your loss. Remember all your good years of memories. He was a good good man.
LORETO "PWEE" McCullough says
Ree I am sorry for the passing of Bill,he was a great guy & will be missed by all GOD Bless you all.
Terri Losey says
I had recently run into Bill after not seeing him for many years. He was one of the GOOD GUYS. I worked with him at HPD years ago. My Thoughts and preayers are with him. My condolences to his family. R.I.P. Bill.
Terri Losey says
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Margo Hoare says
Ree, I am so sorry for the loss of your Bill, your rock, and am thinking of you with love and prayers. May God bless you and your family. Margo
Anita Buchanan says
SO SORRY TO HEAR OF BILLS PASSING. MY HUSBAND LYNN ,,AND BILL ,, WERE FRIENDS, ALWAYS HAD A LAUGH OR TWO . BOTH WERE IN LAW ENFORCEMENT. God bless you and your family.
Kelly Schroeder Rhimer says
To the family of Bill Wood,
I originally met Bill when he worked for the HPD, which was awhile back. He always remembered me and when we would run into each other he would always say hi and check how things where going. I was in the ER the day Bill was admitted to St Petes, this last time, wanted to pop in and say hello but didn’t was to interrupt. I now wish I would have. I love Bill as a dear friend and will miss seeing him. My prayers go out to his family.
Dave Anderson says
Ree ~ My condolences to you and your family. Bill was a good friend and partner during our HPD time together. He will be missed by all of us who knew and worked with him. One could not have asked for a better or more “got your back” kind of officer. May the memories you shared sustain you.
Charla Bacon says
Kevin & family, Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your Dad. May you find comfort in the memories you have of your life together.
Donna Coman says
Ree & family,
I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I always knew him as Billy. Not too sure if he appreciated it, tho. Treasure your memories. Let your family, faith & friends help you.
Trudy Cady says
I worked with Bill way back in the 70’s. He was one of my favorite officers and such a gentle man. Keep your memories close in your heart.
Pinky & Sue says
We have and always will have special memories of Bill and the Wood families. Bill’s out there riding his sled, and we can’t keep up! Hang on to those memories, they are precious!
Jim McClure says
Ree,Kevin and Angie
I was so sorry about hearing about Bill passing. He taught me a lot being a Police Officer and I so enjoyed working with him. He was a great man and friend . He will be missed very much but never forgotten.
KIm Keltz says
Ree, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family.
Dave & Donn Bley says
Many great memories of hunting and snowmobiling with Bill. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Billi Heigh says
Ree, and family, you can rest easy knowing that Bill’s struggles are over. He was an amazing man and a great cop, he was my training office when I started with the HPD. He always had your back and gave advice freely. I have a life time of great memories, and always loved working with him. Great man, great soldier, great cop, but most of all a great family man. May he rest in peace.
Mel Smith says
Bill moved into my neighborhood when I was maybe 10 years old. He was an instant friend and a big inspiration in the neighborhood because he was a few years older than most of my friends, but not old enough to hang around with my older brother and his chums. Bill was instrumental in getting me interested in baseball and on a team. He was a good friend throughout childhood and into high school. He graduated two years ahead of me and we went separate ways, but he was always a friend. I heard of his passing a little while ago. I live in Phoenix now and word came via my brother who still lives in Helena. Very sorry he’s gone and wish I’d known him better in later life. In my younger life, his influence was huge. Great guy!
Bill Slaughter says
Bill was a cops cop.
I moved from Helena to Bozeman and became a Sheriff’s
Deputy, we trained together and I always admired
his quite confidence and presence.
Best damn police officer I ever had the pleasure
of knowing……..
Mel Smith says
I grew up on the same block as Bill and Jim. Bill brought a love of baseball to our neighborhood and he was quite the rascal. Oh, the stories I could tell. Great friend growing up. We weren’t close after reaching adulthood, but it was a joy every time I ran into him. I feel lucky to have had him in my life. Best to the family.