William Bridenbaugh

1932 - 2015

William Bridenbaugh
1932 ~ 2015
William Bridenbaugh passed away at his home with family by his side on Veteran's Day. A Funeral Mass will be held at 1 pm on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at St. John's Cathedral, 775 N 8th St, Boise, ID 83702, with burial to follow in Morris Hill Cemetery. William was born in Upland, California on April 26, 1932, the third child and only son of Ernest and Dorothy Bridenbaugh. He was pre-deceased by two older sisters; Louise and Mary Fair, and is survived by his youngest sister, Bobbi. During World War II, his family moved to Nebraska where they lived on a small farm and Bill attended a rural one room school. Many will remember the stories he often told of his stern teacher, Bertha Krausy, who not only taught all 8 grades, but firmly kept him on the right path. Additionally, he often spoke fondly of raising his pig and riding his pony to that school. After moving to Salt Lake City, Utah, he continued his education, graduating from East High School where he was Junior Class President and then Westminster College where he excelled in athletics, especially basketball and tennis, graduating with a degree in Business Administration in 1956. In between his studies at Westminster, he served in the Army during the Korean War; he completed his graduate studies at Stanford Business School earning his MBA in 1958. His first marriage to Edrie Allred was blessed with two daughters; Julie (Danny) Durrance and Karen (Mark) Wolfgramm. In 1966, Bill married Gail Howard Bridenbaugh. They shared a special devotion for 50 years. Bill always put her above all things. They were blessed with three children; William Craig (deceased), Elisa Bridenbaugh and Angela (Mike Wolff) Clark Bilay. Upon his graduation from Stanford, he was hired by Boise Cascade. He rose through the ranks, working first as a Plant Manager and eventually becoming a Senior Vice President for the company. He successfully guided his divisions which included the European Division, where he met many lifelong friends. He made it a point to get to know his employees by name and their families. He believed in empowering individuals to have control over the work they produced and was the innovator of Total Quality. He was active in the community and gave of his time to organizations such as Junior Achievement. In addition to his exceptional drive to be the best in his professional life, he was also a superior athlete. He was a world class tennis player who played competitively for Westminster, Stanford, and The Army and locally; at one time, playing opposite the Australian, Ken Rosewall, a Grand Slam champion. He was a Minor League Baseball player. He was also an avid and competitive runner. As a back country outdoorsman, he was ahead of his time. He, with other daring friends, would helicopter to the peak of a snowy mountain and snow shoe out. Though top of the line in those days, the equipment was heavy and cumbersome. He loved snow camping and was joined by daughter Elisa on occasion. Bill had a dry, quiet sense of humor and that quirky smile. He was known for his humorous stories and quick wit. Bill had strong convictions, but was fair. He was generous to the end and always put the needs of others before his own. After his retirement, he and Gail purchased homes in Hawaii and later Rancho Mirage, Ca. to relax and finally have the time enjoy each other under the palm trees and sun. They loved their "snowbird" life together spending each winter in warmth with their little dog Lulu. Bill and Lulu adored each other and she a was a great comfort to him in his last days, always near his feet. Daughter Elisa has been a true gift to the family; giving selflessly around the clock for the last three years, dedicated to his care. She has educated herself to be able to provide the type of cares usually provided by skilled nursing and with only scant respite. Bill is survived by his loving wife Gail, his daughters Angela (Mike), Elisa, Julie (Danny) and Karen (Mark), grandchildren; Ian (Jessica), Clara, Lucas, Kateri, Zachary and Jordan and great- grandchildren; Luke and Wes; and his sister Bobbi and her family. The family wishes to thank Exceptional Caregivers, Legacy Home and Hospice, Boise Fire Dept. - E1, St. Luke's doctors and staff and so many others. We will always be so grateful to you all. Condolences may be left for the family on Bill's page at www.cloverdalefuneralhome.com