William James Mazurek

1949 - 2024

William James Mazurek

February 8, 1949 - January 11, 2024

William James Mazurek passed away in the love and care of his sons on January 11, 2024 at the age of 74 years young. Family and friends are welcome to honor his life and share stories at a celebration of life in Big Sur, California March 16, 2024 and Helena, Montana on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 12:30 pm at the Green Meadow Country Club.

Bill followed his beloved wife Margret and brothers Joe and Charles Mazurek home to the Lord. Bill is survived by children Brian and Chris, brothers Byron and David, sisters Sonia and Nancy, and his four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Bill was born on February 8, 1949 in Fort Worth, Texas. Bill and his gaggle of brothers grew up proud Texans /[Go Horn Frogs!/] before the family moved to Montana. Bill graduated from Helena High School in 1967 and two years later joined the US Navy. Bill served on the Navy Destroyer USS Aggerholm in the Vietnam War. On their way back his ship traveled to New Zealand and Australia before completing its tour, making port in San Diego. Billy Boy was discharged from the Navy in San Francisco and stayed in the city for a stint. Bill found his way into unique musical moments with the likes of Janice Joplin and played the bongos once with Carlos Santana.[ya%]

[cw31][cs0][f19][p10][s9.3][v11.5][ya][ya%]

[cw31][cs0][f19][p10][s9.3][v11.5][ya]Bill attended the University of Montana, where he met the love of his life, Margret Berry. They were married on September 17, 1973. In 1977, they welcomed their first son, Brian James Mazurek, born in Helena, Montana. They moved to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma to attend Rhema Bible School. In 1981, they welcomed their second son, Christopher Stephen Mazurek, born in Tulsa. Later the family moved to Spokane, Washington in 1987. As the children's talents and interests bloomed into sports, Bill became a local leader and advocate for youth sports in town. After much work fundraising and planning, Spokane Valley Junior Soccer Association opened the Plante's Ferry Park & Sports Complex.[ya%]

[cw31][cs0][f19][p10][s9.3][v11.5][ya][ya%]

[cw31][cs0][f19][p10][s9.3][v11.5][ya]Bill's entrepreneurial spirit was a driving force in his life. Bill served on the initial Board of Directors for the first Missoula food co-op. Bill came up with the name "Mr. Natural's Good Food Store," and it is still in operation today as the "Good Food Store." Bill applied his mind and talents to many business ventures throughout his career, which included helping found the health food store, becoming the top selling tanning bed rep, and founding a sports complex.[ya%]

[cw31][cs0][f19][p10][s9.3][v11.5][ya][ya%]

[cw31][cs0][f19][p10][s9.3][v11.5][ya]Though dementia took its toll on his words, it could not damper his gregarious and joyful spirit. He spent the last few years finding creative ways to express himself, to joke with you, and to share his love and excitement with his physical antics.[ya%]

[cw31][cs0][f19][p10][s9.3][v11.5][ya][ya%]

[cw31][cs0][f19][p10][s9.3][v11.5][ya]The family is incredibly grateful for the care and love Bill received from the amazing people at the Oregon's Veterans Home. In lieu of flowers, please consider volunteering or donating to your local VA. [ya%]