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William A. Harrigan
William A. Harrigan
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William Harrigan Obituary
Oct. 23, 1920
Dec. 8, 2014
Bill was born in Gardnerville, Nevada. He graduated from Reno schools where he excelled in academics and athletics. After high school, he started his college education at the University of Nevada's Mackay School of Mines. When World War II started he joined the Army Air Corp. seeing action in North Africa, Italy, and France with a photo-recon squadron. After the war, he continued his education at the Mackay School of Mines graduating with a BS Degree in Mining Engineering. In subsequent years he served on the School of Mines Advisory Board. In 2010 he was recognized as the Benefactor of the Year to the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering. This year Bill was named a Mackay School of Mines Distinguished Alumni.
Besides Nevada, Bill's mining career took him to Arizona, Colorado, California and Utah. In Utah he was Mine Superintendent and Director of the Newpark Mine in Park City. In Nevada he held different positions with Getchell Mines, Copper Canyon Mine, and the Bristol Silver Mine.
After his mining career, he returned to Reno and took an engineering position with the Sierra Pacific Power Co. Subsequent to his retirement from Sierra after 22 years of employment, Bill entered the consulting engineering field, developing groundwater sources of supply for various entities throughout Northern Nevada, including Sierra Pacific, where he was instrumental in developing the largest capacity well at that time in Sierra's system.
He had a keen wit. His humor and satire were legendary among his friends. His knowledge of Nevada history, archeology and geology was well known. Bill was a consummate gentleman and will be missed by his many friends and associates. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Peggy, and brother, Neal. His special friend Emily Garaventa was with him at the time of his passing in the hospital.
There will be a celebration of Bill's life at the Coney Island Bar, 2644 Prater Way, Sparks on Friday, January 9, 2014 at 2:00 pm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Michael Warren
December 21, 2014
Bill was a great friend of my father's, Norman Warren, for many, many years, since their Mackay School of Mines days, and I am proud to have met him. Dad always looked forward to their lunches together, and Bill's visits, after Dad was bed bound. Truly one of the nicest people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting!
During a visit at the house
Billy Newman
December 20, 2014
Mr. Harrigan,, I will miss talking to you about "Smallsville" and what is new in town. Thanks for thinking of Hoot and establishing a scholarship fund. He would have loved that. I just spoke with you a few weeks before and am so happy about your birthday but mostly as alumni of the year for the Mackay School of Mines. And I am happy for you getting oldest alum at the Reno High School All Class Reunion. Rest in Peace
December 19, 2014
We always only knew you as Harrigan. And always appreciated all the good times with you and Emily, and Mia too.
You epitomized the glory of Nevada and our heritage! We'll always remember your wit and wisopdom. A life well lived, Bill Harrigan. Godspeed!
The Joyce Marty Hammerlun Family
December 19, 2014
Bill, you were the last of the eldest generation of our family,(Anderson's being my connection. I am very saddened to learn of your death. I will miss our mail exchanges. I loved your stories and your adventures, especially the stories of you and your cousins, you made me laugh. I am so sorry I could not be near. Love you Bill Harrigan!! Lorna Chapman Roberts (2nd cousin)
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Josie Fontana
December 19, 2014
He was a wonderful friend to Robert and I. My deepest sympathy.
Jean Hagemann
December 17, 2014
You will be missed,by so many.
Moira Bengochea
December 17, 2014
So many fond memories of Bill. I'll never forget his laugh! Wish he'd of granted me membership in the Blue Jays but the only woman given that honor is (I think) Sally (Leathers). What a good man. God love ya, Bill.
Kyle Jones
December 17, 2014
Bill will be greatly missed by our family. I had the pleasure of meeting Bill when I moved out to Reno in 2009. He always had a story to share and they usually involved Reno or the mining industry or his work at Sierra Pacific. My wife, Charlyn and I shared our wedding anniversary with Bill's birthday and he would always send us an anniversary card. We feel very fortunate to have known him and that we got to take him out to breakfast on his 94th birthday in October. Our hearts ache today knowing the void that you will leave, Bill. May God rest your soul in peace. Love, Kyle & Charlyn
December 17, 2014
Love you Uncle Bull. I always remember our holidays together at Grandma's house. You made everything fun :)
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875 West 2nd Street, Reno, NV 89503
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