William Earley
POLSON — William (Bill) Albert Earley, 65, of Polson, went to heaven on Sunday, July 29, 2012. He died of natural causes. He was born in Phillipsburg, Pa., Dec. 16, 1946. Bill spent his childhood with his family in the woods of Pennsylvania developing his passion for fishing, hunting and the outdoors, with his dog Fatts by his side. Bill attended Miami Dade University where he studied accounting, became an accomplished gymnast, and befriended his pet manatee while fishing the local waters. After school, Bill moved back to Pennsylvania where he met and married his wife Patricia, mother of his four girls. In Pennsylvania he started his sixteen-year career with FMC, which took the family out west to Wyoming. Destiny, and a life-changing decision, moved them to Montana. In Montana his dream of owning his own business was fulfilled. For years, Bill and his family owned and operated the Finley Point Store, Tackle Box Bar and Steamers Seafood House, a community-gathering place for many.
Bill and his longtime friend and wife of seven years, Linda, resided in Polson and were active members of the Elks Lodge 1659. Together they loved to camp with their dog Tarr. Bill continued to weave his passion for hunting and fishing along the rivers and land of western Montana. At home he delighted in working on his final stronghold and savoring all that was sweet in life by tending to his gardens of berries, grapes, and flowers.
His beloved mother Anna Earley, who always had a special place in Bill’s heart; father Thomas J. Earley, and brother Thomas, precede Bill in death.
He is survived by his wife Linda Vandeveer; his daughters Melissa, Megan LaRose (Kevin), Kate, and Shannon Brilz (John); his stepson Jacob Korf (Sarah); nieces Bonnie and Beth Anne; nephew Jeff; and the nine joys of his life, his grandchildren: Savannah, Emma, Julianna, Tyler, Shain, Brett, Koby, Mckenna and Addison. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 9, at the Elks Lodge in Polson. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Bill’s name to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or the Elks Lodge in Polson.
