William Matthew

William Matthew passed away Thursday, July 21, 2016 while still sharpminded at 100 years of age. William (Bill) was fortunate to pass while close family members surrounded his bedside. His century-long life began on May 30, 1916 in Hanna, Wyoming where he was born to Scottish immigrant parents, William Matthew Jr. of Forfar and Margaret Gorrie of Dundee. The Family, including sisters, Helen and Mary, moved to Superior early on and to Rock Springs in 1928. There, they were associated with the Union Pacific Coal Company, the Congregational Church, and the local chapter of Freemasons. Bill attended Rock Springs schools and excelled in sports; baseball, basketball, and track. It was often said that his pole vaulting record stood for decades after his high school graduation. In 1938, he agreed to dance in a floor show at the Green River LDS Church. A local sassy, little brunette agreed to do the same. Her name was Etheljean (Jean) Miller. The two enjoyed dancing on many more occasions before tying the knot on December 31, 1939. The couple was married for a remarkable 72 years. Though part of "Americas Greatest Generation," Bill was not called to serve overseas in WWII because the war effort needed his electrician skills in the Wyoming mines. Shortly after the war ended, Becky Sue came along. She was Bill and Jeans only child and the light of their lives. Bills work history included a year with Union Pacific Railroad and 6 years with Jake Holt Electric in Rock Springs. He eventually moved the family to Pocatello and took a position at FMC where he remained for 23 years. Two avid hobbies, bowling and golf, remained a big part of his life well into his 90s, but nothing meant more to him than spending time with his family and friends. Included in those friends are Bills kind caregivers of the past two years. Bill was preceded in death by Jean; his son-in-law, Bart J. Parrish; grandson, Bill Parrish; great-grandsons, Keegan, Liam; and their mother, Cathy ("Ross") Parrish. Those who have yet to be reunited with him include, Becky; her husband, Bill Robinson; granddaughters, Michelle (Ferron) Pincock, Kristi (Brad) Curtis, and Carri (Brian) Curtis; as well as 16 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Family and friends are welcome to gather at Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 S. 4th Ave. Pocatello, ID from 6-8 pm on Friday, July 29, 2016. Services will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2016 at 11 am also at Colonial Funeral home, with a viewing for one hour prior. Graveside observances will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 S. 5th Ave. Pocatello, ID 83204.

Visitation

07/30/2016 10:00

11:00:00

Colonial Chapel

2005 S 4th Ave

Pocatello

Idaho

83201



Visitation

07/29/2016 18:00

20:00:00

Colonial Chapel

2005 S 4th Ave

Pocatello

Idaho

83201



Funeral Service

07/30/2016 11:00



Colonial Chapel

2005 S 4th Ave

Pocatello

Idaho

83201