William Henry Sugg, Jr. (Shunga Wakan Ska), age 70, passed away on February 7, 2019 at the VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. A vigil service will be held on Wednesday, February 13 at 6:00pm in St. Raphael’s Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, February 14 at 3:00pm in St. Raphael’s Church with internment and military honors at Highland Cemetery, followed by a meal at the VFW. Condolences for the family may be left at bellmortuarymontana.com.
Bill was born June 6, 1948 in Great Falls, MT to Mary Evelyn Beauchamp and William Henry Sugg, Sr. Until he was 8 years old, Bill was raised by his grandparents, Edward “Shorty” and Annie Beauchamp, near Porcupine Creek on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.
Bill’s grandpa, who worked for the Etchart Ranch, taught him to hunt, fish, and build fences. Bill attended Glasgow Schools, and at age 14, he went to work for Gene and Mitch Etchart and spent his summers out south at the Stone House.
In 1965, at age 17, Bill enlisted in the Marines and attended basic training at Camp Pendleton in San Diego and then Camp LeJeune in North Carolina. He was deployed to Vietnam in 1967 where he was a Scout Rifleman for the Third Platoon of the Delta Company. Despite being severely wounded in the jaw by an enemy grenade, and having several other puncture wounds throughout his body, Bill continued to fight. He inspired his fellow Marines with his aggressive fighting spirit, inflicting much harm on the enemy, who outnumbered the Delta Company. Under cover of darkness, Bill helped to carry those who were unable to walk and saved several of his fellow Marines. He was awarded the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Mast, Marksman Rifle & Pistol Badge, and the Good Conduct Medal. He earned his GED while in the Marines.
After spending several months recovering in the hospital at Bremerton, Washington, Bill returned to Glasgow and his cowboy lifestyle at the Stone House. This became his refuge and a place to heal his many wounds. He also worked for masonry companies and competed in rodeos as a bareback bronc rider. It was during this time that he met Mary Anne Walker. When he got bucked off and broke his wrist, he decided it was time to quit rodeoing.
In 1972, Bill started working for Tumpane/AVCO Company at the Glasgow Air Force Base as a security patrolman. He was eventually promoted to Desk Sergeant and ultimately to Shift Lieutenant.
On November 30, 1973, Bill and Mary were married at St. Raphael’s Church in Glasgow. He patiently tolerated Mary’s dedication and involvement in the church and eventually became curious enough to join the RCIA program. With much prayerful support from family and friends, Bill was baptized and received the Sacraments of Initiation in 2013.
Bill worked for the Bentonite Plant for several years and then for the State Department of Natural Resources and Northern Border Pipeline, where he retired at the young age of 55. In “retirement”, he worked part time for the Farm Service Agency while taking care of his own farm/ranch operation. Bill had a deep love for all livestock, especially his paint horses. Another “retirement” job was the Glasgow Flower & Gift Shop, which he and Mary purchased in 1989. Bill was instrumental in the delivery portion of the Flower Shop operation during holidays, often making hundreds of deliveries in the area. He knew where everybody lived!
Bill was very active in the VA as a volunteer representative for northeast Montana. He helped many of his fellow servicemen get enrolled in the VA benefits to which they were entitled. Bill was Post Commander of VFW Post 3107 in 2009-2010. He was always in tune with the happenings at the VFW, whether it was fix-it projects, meetings, or events. Bill was one of the first people to be called whenever anyone needed anything. The Flag Pole Project was one of the things he relentlessly worked to complete. Bill was successful in coordinating and completing the mission to acquire the French Legion of Honor medals for local WWII veterans Lloyd Eide, Kenny Newton, and Gordon Olson.
Hunting and fishing with his sons, Ed and Levi, was a huge part of Bill’s life. He faithfully followed them in their sporting adventures – whether it was wrestling, football, basketball, or baseball. He spent lots of time in the bleachers. Bill never missed an event that his grandkids were involved in. He was a good Papa to Wyatt, Willow, Walker and Rivers. Horseback riding was an activity enjoyed by the whole family.
Beginning in grade school, Bill cultivated his artistic spirit. He started with pencil and pen then graduated to India ink and sketch pens on paper and wood. For the past several years, his sketches were of wildlife on sun bleached shoulder blade and rib bones from various animals. Bill was extremely generous and gave most of his art work to friends and family members.
Bill was preceded in death by his grandparents, Shorty and Annie Beauchamp, and his parents, Jack and Mary Sugg.
He is survived by his wife, Mary; sons Ed (Dawn) of Verndale, MN and Levi (Bobi) of Glasgow; grandchildren Wyatt, Willow, Walker, and Rivers; siblings Ernie (Barb) of Glasgow, Jeff of Longview, WA, Judy Bow and Joe Sugg of Wolf Point, Margaret Aguiar (Jimmy) of Glasgow; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Salt Lake City VA Fisher House (690 S. Valdez Dr., SLC, UT 84113), VFW Post 3107 in Glasgow, or a charity of your choice
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 13, 2019
St. Raphael's Catholic Church
412 3rd Ave. No.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Mass
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday February 14, 2019
St. Raphael's Catholic Church
412 3rd. Ave. No.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Burial with Military Honors
4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thursday February 14, 2019
Highland Cemetery
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Luncheon
4:30 p.m.
Thursday February 14, 2019
VFW Post 3107
1222 Hwy 2 West
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 13, 2019
St. Raphael's Catholic Church
412 3rd Ave. No.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Mass
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday February 14, 2019
St. Raphael's Catholic Church
412 3rd. Ave. No.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Burial with Military Honors
4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thursday February 14, 2019
Highland Cemetery
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Luncheon
4:30 p.m.
Thursday February 14, 2019
VFW Post 3107
1222 Hwy 2 West
Glasgow, Montana 59230
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Nancy says
Dear Mary and family,
Even though I did not know Bill just knowing you I feel he had to be someone special! I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincerest sympathy and prayers.
Much love,
Nancy Lierow
Lorraine Hughes says
Mary and family,
My heart hurts for all of you right now. I have been praying for your peace and comfort as you endure this pain. May your wonderful bank of memories be your stronghold. Blessings to all of you.
Rose & Greg Speer says
Mary and family,
I so enjoyed working with Bill up at the Law Enforcement Center at the old Glasgow Air Force Base. I have many fond memories of him. He always had a smile and a Hello when you say him. Your family will be remembered in our prayers.
Beth Ann Johnson Wiedeman says
Prayers to you, Mary and your family in this time of grief.
steve schindler says
Semper Fi Marine
Joan Taylor says
Mary and family.
Sending you our sympathy, prayers and love.
Joanie and Roy Taylor
Jeffrey D Sugg says
To my big brother, your spirit will live in all who knew you. Your true love for family, cousin’s, aunt’s and uncle’s, grandparents, and all relatives, will always be remembered. You did it all,you served,you worked hard,played hard,and living life. I will miss you because I missed you grow into someone I looked up to,they broke the mood when you came into this world,one of a kind,I.love you so much,may the lord be with you
Mandy Bell says
Mary, Ed & Dawn, Levi and Bobi, Wyatt, Willow Mae, Walker and Rivers,
I am honored to have such wonderful memories of Bill and yet in reading about his life, there was so much I didn’t know about him. He was a humble, strong, and courageous man who always had a witty remark and joy in his eyes. I can’t believe that he is gone from this earth but we will see him again in heaven. Our family has all been touched by yours and we are all saddened by your tremendous loss. You are all in our prayers.
With love,
Mandy and Brian
Morgan, Erin and Devyn
Linda Ritten says
Mary, My heat felt condolences to you and your family. Bill was a great guy!
Paula & Andy Hicks says
Mary, Ed and Levi….much love, hugs and prayers for you all….was so hoping and praying for you all and Bill to have a recovery when we saw you in the hospital….so very sorry…we send our deepest sympathy….prayers to you all…RIP Bill🙏🙏❤❤
Carolyn Bachtold says
So sorry for your loss! Thinking of you during this time of sorrow! Know he will be missed. Cherish your fond memories! Love Carolyn
Ken and Connie James says
Mary, Ed, Levi and your families
We we so sorry to hear of Bills passing. It is never easy to say goodbye to someone you love so dearly. We would like you to know we are keeping you in our prayers for healing. You have some wonderful memories to help you to heal.
Take care
Ken and Connie
Debbie Vine says
Prayers and condolences to Levi and all the family.
Lawrence Pisarick says
Mary, Ed and Levi, I wish I could be with you in the Celebration of Bill’s Life. You have been in my Prayers ever since the 7th. Montana will never be the same without Bill. May God give you the Grace to care on. Love Larry, Uncle Larry
Andrew McKean says
Our prayers and thoughts extend to Mary, Ed, Levi, and the entire Sugg Nation. Bill was a role model to me, as a strong leader, reliable volunteer, and fun-loving friend of animals, women, and children. His legacy lives on in his boys and grandchildren. Be strong! – Andrew, Lih-An, Ellis, Merlin, and Iris
Mark and Kathy Johnston says
Mary, Levi, Ed, and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was truly a good man and will be missed by all. He did so much good during his life and showed what can be accomplished through hard work.
Prayers,
Mark and Kathy
Arnold & Ann Hill says
Dear Mary and family,
Our deepest condolences to all. I had the privilege to work side-by-side with Bill for 18 years on a great variety of projects. We learned new things from each other while on the job. I genuinely appreciated his colorful sense of humor, one-of-a-kind verbal phrases and his natural artistic talent in drawing. Here is a story, one moment in particular that stands out in my mind, that demonstrates just how artistic Bill actually was: One project in the welding shop was to build flag poles for the scout park in Fort Peck. Bill happened to be walking by and a staff technician called him over to the welding table. The technician said, ‘Bill draw me an eagle on this steel plate for the top of this flag pole.’ Bill picked up a piece of soap stone and drew an outline of an eagle in seconds. The drawing was then cut out and mounted to the top of that pole and is still standing. For me, that eagle is a lasting icon, a fond reminder of Bill.
With love and prayers,
The Hill’s
Arnold & Ann
Bob Warren says
Mary, Levi, Ed and Family,
I wish to express my sincerest condolences to you and the entire Sugg family. I was in the same squad with Bill the day he was wounded on operation Union 2 in Vietnam. He was severely wounded, and yet, continued to do all he could for his Brothers. We were greatly outnumbered, but were able, under the cover of darkness, to find our company lines and get all the wounded to safety, none were left behind! He was an inspiration to all that served with him, he was a true “Warrior” in every sense of the word. Semper Fidelis Marine, may you find peace and rest in the loving arms of our Savior.
Bob Warren, Delta Co 1/5, USMC
Carol Neufeld says
Dearest Mary and family, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband, father, grandpa. God bless each one of you and may He bring you the peace that passes all our human understanding. Roy & Carol
mike prescott says
Good man, good father, good husband, and made many friends along the way helping others in need. Thanks to Bill for attending and participating in my own grandfathers funeral.
My condolences,
Mike Prescott
Rose Scoville says
Mary, Ed, Levi and all other family,
So sorry to hear of Bill’s death. I have known Bill since he and my husband worked together at security on the GAF base. Bill was always kind and loving. We considered him a friend always. Remember your good times and cherish your memories.
Dale and Ann Tribby says
Sugg Family – Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.
Cadillac Courchene says
I am very saddened to hear of his passing , he always made a person feel included in the conversation at hand and always had a good-humored smirk I’ll always remember !! To the family , just know there was love in his midst , wherever he was
Bird says
Bill you were one of a kind and you were who you were. Very glad I got to know you and enjoyed every visit. Would love to sit down with you one more time though!
Terri (Lawrence) Marko says
To My Dear Friend Mary, and family
I am so sorry for your loss, i have a heavy heart for you. My early childhood memories had such fun thoughts of “Suggs”, as i called him. My uncles, Leonard and Wally were his sidekicks too, and they all called him Suggs too…Around our house he was alway there and smiling and always nice and polite to us pesty girls and respectful to my grandma “Madeline”, and my mom Jeannie….she and i feel this loss pretty deeply as he was such a large part of our lies before he went to Viet Nam…we will miss him greatly….
Marco Rojas says
Marco & Gloria Rojas
To my dear friends and extended family. Please accept our sincere condolences and respect for the lost of your family patriarch. Bill and I served together in VN from late ’66 to May 12 of ’67. Bill was our top lead men scout, none were better. In Operation Union 1 (April-May ’67)Bill and other Marines exposed them selves to withering dangerous enemy fire to load me into a med-evac helicopter for evacuation. (The last one that day) With this heroic action I was able to survive my wounds.
I’m grateful and forever indebted to Bill and my brother Marines for saving me.
Bill will always be with me because of a promise I made to him. I was impressed with his bravery and rifleman skills that I told him if I ever had a son I will name him William after him. (My sons Name Mark William)
Rest in peace Marine and march proudly through the Pearly Gates.
S/F-Marco and Gloria
Rose Scoville says
Sorry to hear of Bill’s death. He has been a friend for years, dating back to the time Jim worked with him at GAFB for security. I never saw him when he didn’t have a smile and a hug for his friends. I will miss seeing him when I am in Glasgow.
Andrea Billingsley says
Mary and family, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Jack & Andie Billingsley
Larry Tade says
Mary, Ed , Levi and families. So very sorry for your loss. A true warrior is missing from the village. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Larry and Bev Tade
Linda Rees says
Mary and family I’m so very sorry for your loss. May your many fond memories confort you in this difficult time.
Kenneth Simon says
Mary and family. I am very sorry to hear of the loss of Bill! I went to school with him at GHS and recall some
very interesting and comical things from the homeroom our freshman year! I also worked around Bill at the
GAFB with Tumpane LE! I will always remember even from high school that he always wore a smile. After I left
the base, I never saw Bill again until I ran into him during one his trips checking gas wells I believe and there
was that smile. We had a good visit and that was the last time I saw him. Our thoughts and prayers are with
all of you. RIP Marine – Thank You for your service Bill!
Ken & Corinne Simon and family
Dan and Laurie Enebo says
Mary, Ed, Levi and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. We have read so many wonderful tributes to Bill, a special person for sure! Wishing you comfort in all of your wonderful memories. Peace be with you all. You are in our thought and prayers.
Dan and Laurie Enebo
Leah Erickson says
So sorry for your family – we didn’t know all of Bill’s extraordinary accomplishment and military service. What a hero. We honor him and the family. Prayers to you all. Lynn and Leah Erickson
Peggy Baerg Baus says
Mary,
I’m so sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. My heart goes out to you and your family. May you all find healing in your memories of him. Love ya.
Peg
Sue Tihista says
I had the honor of knowing and working with Bill. Whenever I left from visiting with him, I felt inspired and left with a smile on my face. Will meet you again my friend. Sue Tihista