Ervin McMillin

Santa Claus (AKA Bill in a big red suit and long beard) came to the McAlear house on Christmas Eve. The McAlear kids would be so stunned that no one would speak, which was a very rare happening for the McAlears.

For a short time, Bill and Dorothy also helped "feed" the family. Before McAlears purchased the grocery to go with the pharmacy, Dorothy often brought us the uneaten soup from the Wagon Wheel Cafe, which she was running at the time.

I cannot forget their kindnesses to the "new" family in Twin Bridges in the 1970s and 80s.

Marie McAlear

I remember not so much about uncle Bill. I do remember driving up with my mom and grandmother and stopping for a visit, he was always so nice and willing to do any activity or show us around town. I always loved driving up to Montana to see all the family and I really enjoyed going to aunt Dor's and uncle Bills. You're greatly missed uncle Bill we love you.

Bill and Dorothy welcomed me into their home for the first time back in the early 80's and I always looked forward to visiting with them when I was in Twin Bridges. I have so many, many fond memories of them and I will never forget their wonderful hospitality and their kindness. Nor will I forget all those fascinating stories Bill loved to tell.

I will miss him dearly!

I will dearly miss Uncle Bill and Auntie Dor. Now they are together traveling with each other. I spent many summers living with them during my youth and it was a home away from home. I'll forever remember the trip we took together to the state of Washington to go deep sea fishing. The seas were rough that day and not a fish was caught but we were sea sick instead. There were several drives to the back roads around Twin Bridges too. I will truely miss you both and until we see each other again I'm sure you will have many stories to tell and places to show me.

Janie and Judy

I are truly sorry about the passing of your father. He was a great friend for many years and I have many fond memories of him. The many trips I made to Montana were the most enjoyable of my life. The hunting and fishing trips with Bill were wonderful. And of course I can never forget Bill's dear wife, Dorothy, and the small girls Janaie and Judy. Now that your Dad is gone I wish you the best.

To the family of Bill (and Dorothy) our visits to Twin Bridges will never be the same. Bill seemed like family since I first met him in 1967. We had a very nice phone visit about 3-4 weeks ago. We will always cherish our memories of Bill and Dorothy.

I can't begin to say how much I will miss my Uncle Bill. Uncle Bill always had the time to play with his nieces & nephews. He was makings you a sandwich and serving juice. There was a motor bike or and old lawn mower (less mowing deck) to drive and a patient uncle to help you along. Uncle bill would take you for a treat from a local store and a ride to the cemetery to see that all was in order. If we were in the old ford he told you when to shift the four speed, "Clutch now Shift ok now you got it". What a man! As an adult I would call and get my update on life from him, and mark my words you will see he'd say. Bill seldom missed. I will sure be lost with out this patriarch in our family.

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO YOU

We're sure going to miss Bill. Always so friendly.

To The McMillin Family,

May you remember Bill as everyone else did; always ready to lend a hand and always with graciousness and good humor.

Sincerely,

Anne Carey Wentz

We will certainly miss the visits with Bill on our trips to Montana. Bill was a wealth of information and someone who enjoyed life to the fullest. We recently had the opportunity to visit with him in May and will always treasure the time we took a day trip across the Gravelly Range with he and Dorothy. Bill was a "special and dear friend" to many people from North Carolina and our favorite "ole cowboy" will be sadly missed.

My entire family loved Bill. I don't know what my parents would have done without him! Twin Bridges will not be the same without Bill and Dorothy!

We will remember "Bill" as a very kind and loving person. We enjoyed the many stories he told us about the "Old West". The love he had for family and friends was very evident.