Samuel Wills Bishop

VICTOR - Samuel Wills Bishop, 85, of Victor passed away December 12, 2011, at home with his family around him. Sam (Wid) was born and reared in Westfield, Massachusetts, the son of Samuel and Grace Bishop. He attended grade school and high school in Westfield, Massachusetts; Michigan State College (Bachelor of Science degree, Cum Laud in geology); University of Kansas (Master of Science Degree in geology). Sam answered his country's call and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Sam joined Humble Oil and Gas Company in 1952 as a geologist and later became a minerals geologist for Exxon Oil Company. He retired from Exxon having enjoyed 34 years of satisfying work with dedicated people.

Sam married first Nancy Terrill in 1948 in Springfield, Massachusetts. They had one daughter, Pam. In 1961, Sam married second Frances Reynolds in Midland, Texas. They had two children, a daughter, Susan and a son, David, both born in Midland.

During Sam's career, he lived in Texas, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. He and Fran retired to Victor, Montana where he lived out his years in a place and community that he loved. During their lifetime together, Sam and Fran enjoyed traveling as much as possible through all 50 U.S. states plus other countries including England, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania. More traveling was planned, but poor health kept that from happening.

Sam is survived by his wife, Frances, one son, David with his partner Barry; two daughters, Susan with husband Randy, and Pamela; grandson, Richard, and brother, Edwin with wife, Ann.

Pallbearers (honorary) are: Brit Alexander, Jeff Darrah, Larry Draper, Clint Flynn, and James King. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials be make in Sam's name to Aspen Hospice, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, or to the American Cancer Society.