William Wilding "Bill" Papich

I was blessed to work with Bill at the Farmington Daily Times. He was an extraordinary reporter and he was respected and appreciated by every reporter, photographer, editor and his wicked sense of humor made every day a memory. I think of him often and his "Billisms" always make me smile. Miss him and am grateful to have been a friend.

Thinking about you JoAnn, and remembering Bill, as I so often do. He left us too soon and my thoughts and prayers are with you today and always. Miss that crazy wonderful guy and all he brought to our lives.

So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I was his 2nd year room mate at Monmouth. We shared many good times, laughs and memories which I will always cherish. He was a very good person, funny, thoughtful and kind. We last saw each other over dinner at his home in Arlington, Va. in 1969. I regret we didn't keep in touch but it sounds as if Bill led a fruitful and full life. God Bless him and my prayers to his family and friends.

Bill....we will miss you. We called you Milt at Monmouth College.
Ken (freshman year roommate)

I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I had the pleasure of working with Bill at the BLM. He was always willing to help when I needed a story prepared for a recreation event, or a brochure reviewed and edited before it was printed. He could always make me laugh and the world can always use more of that. My sympathies to his family and friends. Rest In Peace Bill.

Thinking of Bill and the good times we had at 706 Oak Street in Anaconda probably 53 to 55 years ago.. We followed his lead and did crazy innocent stuff with him especially the 4th of July lighting fireworks.

Stevan Papich..First Cousin

Bill, I took you by the hand when you walked into the Bureau of Land Management office as a public relations officer and you shared alot of stories about your career especially the military. I will always remember your statement: "The weeds won the west" and I will not forget the statement you made in the Majestic Magazine about our working relationship (outstanding). RIP Bill.

Bill knew the true meaning and value of friendship, offering his help freely and unselfishly. Our lives were enriched and blessed by having known him. Wishing JoAnna peace and tranquility.

With love,
Dan and Melinda
Hesperus, CO

Missing you so much, Bill! You were one of the funniest guys I ever knew. I remember the time I asked JoAnn to remove you from my hospital room as I was laughing so hard, it hurt. You had gone into great detail about the rickey elevator ride you took.

We had some great times and that's what matters the most. Happy trails, dear Bill.

Dear old friend,

Your pain and suffering is over and I will miss you for the rest of my days. As a journalist you were always fair and accurate with a razor-sharp wit. You always made me laugh. I appreciated your sense of moral outrage the most; I promise to continue the fight.

I am a better person for having shared your friendship and for that I will always be grateful.

It certainly was a pleasure to know and work with you. We will miss our wine and dine at St. Claires with you and JoAnn. We were happy to be able to visit last May. Our thoughts and prayers are with you JoAnn. Such sad news, RIP our good friend.

JoAnn - Bill was an interesting co-worker and he often spoke of how very special you were to him. I'll never forget the sound of him banging on his keyboard like it was a manual typewriter. RIP Bill.

I remember Bill as an ethical anchor of The Daily Times and a friend with whom I worked on publications after we left the newspaper. Bill was a joy to be with and was never ever boring. He was a wonderful person. Our hearts go out to JoAnn.

Joann:
You are in my prayers. If you need anything, please let me know.
Anita and the Ladies at Howard's Cleaners

A good friend and an uplifting personality, always comfortable to be around him.

Vaya con Dios Amigo

Al Cabral

I knew Bill from the days when he was a reporter with the Farmington Daily Times newspaper. I was the PIO for the Farmington Police Department and had the duty of dealing with the media. I must admit that some of the reporters I dealt with were a challenge but I always enjoyed dealing with Bill. He was straightforward and honest and he never tried to turn my words around or pressure me for more information that I felt comfortable releasing. Bill was a pleasure to work with. I bet he's running down a lead up there right now!

Fun and funny, outspoken, fair, kind, and a man of integrity always come to mind when I think of Bill Papich. As a reporter, Bill kept every single note for every single story he ever wrote. He was meticulous in making sure his stories were accurate as well as informative. Bill is the only person who could ever EVER get me interested in weeds -- but he had a passion for things out of the ordinary, because he was an extraordinary man. He brought so much to the lives of every life he touched and his passing brings much sorrow to everyone who knew him. Rest in peace, my friend, knowing you are a legend to everybody blessed to work with you and know you. I will always cherish the memories and the great times we had. Will miss you always. . . .

Fly high Bill♡ I will miss your unique character at the office. My children were sad to hear the news of your passing, little Rosie shed a tear for you♡ When I would bring her to the office you would stop what you were doing and hold a conversation with her♡ I am thankful you were in our lives for the short time we had♡ Many prayers of healing and strength to all♡ ~Caroline, Bon, Isaiah, Isabella & Rosie Vallejos

So many memories, saddened at your passing. Rest peacefully.

Bill, you will be missed. I enjoyed working with you over the years at BLM. You were a hard worker and will miss talking to you. We had such great discussions and I'll miss your friendship. Rest in peace my friend.

Rest in peace, Bill.

Bill will certainly will be missed. The photos he took are still beautiful and will always represent the beauty he saw in life. God speed and prayers to all.