William Reese Pope

Richmond, Utah - - William Reese Pope

Richmond - William Reese Pope passed away on Nov. 3, 2009 in Logan, UT surrounded by family members. He was born in Moulton, Cassia County, Idaho to Adam William Pope and Ester Elizabeth Webb Pope on May 5, 1916. His early years were spent on the family homestead in Junction Valley, Cassia County, ID. Their family later moved to a farm in Clifton, Idaho where he attended High School. After graduation he was called to serve in the Swiss/German Mission for the L.D. S. Church from 1935 to 1938. He had many memorable experiences during this time and developed a great love for these countries. He was able to attend the summer and winter Olympics and tour Europe before returning home. Upon his return, he lived and worked on the family dairy farm in Park City, UT and together with his father and family he was instrumental in forming the HI-LAND Dairy Co. While living in Park City, he met and married Margaret Louise Heward in 1939. He spent the next few years working on the dairy farm and in the mines at Park City during the war years. Reese and Margaret spent their lives together raising their family on farms and ranches in Park City, UT, Rockland, ID, Arimo, ID, The Big Hole Valley, MT, and Medicine Lodge, MT. The winter months were spent in Orem, UT during the years from 1952 - 1957 where he spent his time developing mines in Delta and southern UT. His later years were spent in his ancestral home of Richmond, UT where he and Margaret resided until their passing.
He was known for his expert farming and ranching abilities, especially raising crops, cattle and irrigation and for his keen knowledge of mining and minerals. He was an expert marksman and was affectionately known as "Hawkeye" by his family and friends. He developed his talents refinishing furniture in his retirement years and raising a garden. He was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by son Richard Pope of Lewiston, UT, daughter Diane (Boyd) Briggs of White Sulphur Springs, MT, son Glenn (Patreece) Pope of Provo, UT, and daughter Colleen Howe of Richmond, UT, sister -in-law Emily (Vance) Pope of Logan, sister-in-law Flora Knipfer of IL, and sister and brother-in-law Elaine and (Glen) Shields of Layton, UT, 18 Grandchildren and 32 Great-Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret, son Steven, grandson Brandon, parents, brother Vance Pope of Logan, sister Gayle(Belton) Hatch, brother Merle, sister Elaine (Ronald )Rice and brother Max (Margaret) Pope and three great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Friday, November 6, 2009 at 12:00 noon in the Richmond 4th Ward, 150 South 100 East in Richmond, Utah. A viewing will be held Friday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the church in Richmond. Interment will be in the Richmond Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Webb Funeral Home in Preston. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com.
Special thanks go to Alpine Hospice Care especially Pat, Shalise, Joyce and Courtney and to Alpine Home Care with special recognition to Tammy Ellis for her many years of devoted service and friendship. Thanks is also extended to Sunshine Terrace Foundation to all those who helped in his care his last few days.
In lieu of flowers, the family graciously suggests that donations be made in honor of Reese to the Beaverhead County Museum ~ 15 South Montana Street ~ Dillon, MT 59725.