Charles William ‘Bill’ Koon
Bill was born on Oct 31, 1943, in Great Falls, Mont., to Bertha (Amburs) and Charles Koon. He graduated high school and served our country in the U.S. Army with four years of service in Oakland, Calif., and Worms, Germany.
Bill married Diana Lynn Gray on Sept. 18, 1965, in Great Falls and they enjoyed more than 43 years of marriage together before his passing.
Bill received a bachelor of arts from the Montana State College, Bozeman, and went on to earn his master’s in marketing from the Montana State University Bozeman. He was a high school teacher for 30 years at Helena High School in Helena, Mont., before retiring.
Bill’s life was defined by his love for his family and his passionate career as a teacher. He thoroughly loved the outdoors. Included in that was fishing here in Montana at the Big Hole and Fort Peck with longtime best friends, and enjoying Alaska’s big fish at Cabins in Alaska, in Craig Alaska. Gourmet meals and “fine” whiskey were always on the menu for seasonal hunting trips. His passion for photography graduated him from black and white slides to today’s digital camera.
Mr. Koon’s career of teaching was never a job. His students meant the world to him. He learned just as much from them as they did from him. His spirit lives on through all of us. Bill is preceded in death by his father, Charles William Koon. He is survived by his mother, Bertha (Amburs) Koon, of Spokane, Wash.; his wife, Diana of Helena, Mont.; a son, Charles William (Chad) Koon and his wife, Deena Koon, of Salt Lake City, Utah; a daughter, Dana Leigh VanSteenvort, and her husband, Jadin VanSteenvort, of Salt Lake City, Utah; and his granddaughter, Ryan Isabella Koon. He is also survived by a brother, James Koon, of Spokane, Wash.; and a sister, Sharon Little, of Spokane, Wash.; and numerous well-loved nieces, nephews and their children.
A Memorial Service commemorating Bill’s life is scheduled for noon on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.
Burial with military honors will follow the service at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison. A reception will follow the services at Jorgenson’s Restaurant in Helena. Memorials in Bill’s name are suggested to the Helena High School DECA program, care of Helena High School, 1300 Billings Ave., Helena, MT 59601. To offer condolences to Bill’s family or to share a memory of Bill, please visit www.mem.com.
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Reader Comments:
Ruth Delich wrote on Dec 7, 2008 10:56 PM:
" Many years ago, our daughter Tara was traveling home to visit by herself. Her car did not have enough power to make it up the Helena hill to Great Falls. I called my dear friend Bertha, Bill's Mother, and she suggested I call Bill. Bill graciously guided Tara to a garage to work on her car and took her home to sleep for the night and drove her back to her car after it was repaired. What a compassionate, kind man! "
Classof1999 wrote on Dec 5, 2008 12:17 PM:
" Mr. Koon was one of my favorite teachers, he make Marketing such a fun class. One of my favorite pictures from my senoir year had him in it. In fact I majored in Marketing at MSU because of him. The world is short one less stellar teacher now. His memory will live on in his many students he touched!! He made a difference that's what counted!!
There is no way to lessen the sorrow
of losing someone so precious to you but please remember that others care very much and wish you strength and comfort at this sad time
Tina Wagner Class of 1993 "
There is no way to lessen the sorrow
of losing someone so precious to you but please remember that others care very much and wish you strength and comfort at this sad time
Tina Wagner Class of 1993 "
skbutler7 wrote on Dec 4, 2008 9:29 PM:
" I have wonderful memories of my high school career thanks to Mr. Koon. He was never without words of wisdom and that contagious smile!! I think a lot of his students will agree that we all think of Mr. Koon to this day when we hear "Takin' Care of Business", which he would always play at the beginning of every semester! He will be greatly missed, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Shannon Butler-Riley Class of '97 "
Shannon Butler-Riley Class of '97 "
anderson59313 wrote on Dec 4, 2008 12:53 PM:
" I will always remember Mr. Koon. I am now a business teacher in Baker, MT and owe a lot of my success to this man. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. "
jkcameron wrote on Dec 4, 2008 11:55 AM:
" Bill was the inspiration for me to start my career in the business world and is the epitome of what it means to be great at the art of teaching. We will all miss his warm personality, his out of the box approach to learing, and his quick wit and great musical taste which he shared for all in the classroom during our sessions. He left a real impression on all his students and it's indeed a sad day to see that he has moved on. (jkc '95) "
Brandi Foster wrote on Dec 3, 2008 10:22 PM:
" Although Mr. Koon is gone, he will live on forever in the hearts of his students, family and friends that were touched by his warmth and wit. I was fortunate enough to be a student of his and a member of DECA. In fact, I made my first trip to New Orleans with Mr. Koon and his wife. What a precious memory! I will never forget his encouragement and unconditional support, as well as his ability to challenge you and his unwillingness to accept less than your best. We'll miss you Koon. "
Gwen Felstet wrote on Dec 3, 2008 5:59 PM:
" Mr. Koon was a wonderful teacher and an inspiration to all of his students. He left a positive lasting impression on all of us. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his daughter, my classmate Dana. I'm so sorry for your loss. Class of '92 "
daniellecassidy wrote on Dec 3, 2008 3:09 PM:
" It is sad to see such an inspirational and uplifting person like Mr Koon leave us, he will truly be missed. I think it is safe to say that everyone that had him for a teacher has him in the favorite teacher catagory. He cared for each of his students individually and taught us about life, integrity, and how important it is too live life to its fullest. His class was the highlight of my junior and senior year and he will be missed, but not without leaving his mark on generations. My prayers are with his family. "
Dan Rispens wrote on Dec 3, 2008 10:21 AM:
" Bill Koon, What an inspriation to the rest of us!! He was an amazing teacher and just an all around great guy who always had a positive comment. You will be missed Bill. "
tgleich wrote on Dec 3, 2008 9:41 AM:
" Some of my fondest memories of high school involved my classes with Mr. Koon and involvement in DECA. He was funny, real and left a lasting impact on my life. Thank you Mr. Koon.
Class of 91' "
Class of 91' "
exMT wrote on Dec 3, 2008 8:03 AM:
" Bill was so full of life. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. "
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. "
Brenda Blackburn wrote on Dec 2, 2008 9:27 PM:
" I am so sad to see the passing of Mr. Koon. He was a great teacher and gave the best hugs! He will be remembered by many! I lost my father earlier this year and he is also buried at Fort Harrison. I feel like he now has good company. I am so sorry for your loss. HHS Class of 1987 "
Bob Sa mson wrote on Dec 2, 2008 9:27 PM:
" We're all sad to hear of Bill's passing. I had the privledge of being in Bill's first DE class in the fall of 1972 at HHS -- he convinced me to drop chemistry and add his class! Not a tough decision given Bill's passion for business and people. Our best wishes and prayers for the entire Koon family. (class of 1974) "
JC Sherley Mattson wrote on Dec 2, 2008 8:26 PM:
" I cannot believe that he is really gone! The world will be a sad place without him. He was one of the best and most influential teachers I had at HHS! I will never forget Marketing Ed first thing in the morning, he could wake you up better than a cup of coffee! I admired him, and feel honored to have known him! I still apply the things he taught us in my career now! God speed, Koon.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family!
JC Class of '99 "
My thoughts and prayers are with the family!
JC Class of '99 "
Kathy Janus wrote on Dec 2, 2008 8:03 PM:
" My thoughts simply echo those of the many other students who's lives were touched by Mr. Koon. Although it has been over 20 years since I had the pleasure of attending his classes, his teaching have remained with me and will for a lifetime. (Class of '82) "
Tom Carlson wrote on Dec 2, 2008 7:51 PM:
" Mr Koon was a good man who inspired so many. I'm thankful to have known him and my heart goes out to Chad and the Koon family.
(Class of '88) "
(Class of '88) "
Shelly Sanders-Horne wrote on Dec 2, 2008 7:51 PM:
" Mr. Koon was one of the best teachers I've ever known he inspired all of us to reach higher and believe in our dreams and goals, my prayers and thoughts are with his family and I know his memory lives on in everyone of his students God Bless "
Don Stock wrote on Dec 2, 2008 7:38 PM:
" Bill was one of the best teachers at Helena High. He always was lots of fun in and out of class. I will never forget him. (Class 89) My thoughts and prayers are with you! "
Kathie Thiede Frank wrote on Dec 2, 2008 5:37 PM:
" Mr. Koon was a big influence in my life and I have thought of him often when making life decisions. He will be missed by many and will continue to inspire through his spirit. We all loved him at HHS. Our prayers are with his entire family. "
Matthew Scow wrote on Dec 2, 2008 5:06 PM:
" What a terrible loss to all who were blessed to have known him. He was a dear friend of the family and an inspiration that has guided me throughout my career. He taught so many about the value of work ethic, integrity and the thirst for knowledge. I will never forget that. He will truly be missed! My thoughts and prayers go out to Chad, Dana and Family. Class of 93 "
Shannon Bartole wrote on Dec 2, 2008 4:42 PM:
" Sorry to hear about Mr. Koon's passing. He was such a wonderful teacher and mentor. I had his marketing class first thing in the morning and was always late. He never marked me tardy once!! He will be missed. (class of 1994) "
Janie Hedstrom wrote on Dec 2, 2008 4:20 PM:
" Words cannot not express the sadness that I feel about Bill's passing. Bill was always so sincere and passionate about what he did, whether it be teaching or his outdoor activities. Bill was a wonderful mentor. In my beginning years of teaching, Bills love for students and teaching was infectious. At the conclusion of every DECA conferences, I always left with such a positive attitude about teaching and the students. My thoughts and prayers are with Bills family. (Havre High School Teacher) "
Shauna Longmire wrote on Dec 2, 2008 3:19 PM:
" Dianne, Chad, & Dana ~
Mr. Koon is one of the teachers that I will always remember. He always had a quick smile and an even quicker story to make you feel better! I actually learned a lot in Marketing Ed because Mr. Koon had an incredible gift of teaching without making us realize we were really learning!
My thoughts and prayers are with you all! Mr. Koon will be missed, but you can bet he will be teaching a lot in Heaven!!
Shauna Longmire (Class of '88) "
Mr. Koon is one of the teachers that I will always remember. He always had a quick smile and an even quicker story to make you feel better! I actually learned a lot in Marketing Ed because Mr. Koon had an incredible gift of teaching without making us realize we were really learning!
My thoughts and prayers are with you all! Mr. Koon will be missed, but you can bet he will be teaching a lot in Heaven!!
Shauna Longmire (Class of '88) "
Kristi Gross wrote on Dec 2, 2008 3:00 PM:
" Mr. Koon was so full of life and energy!
His presence lit up a room! Everytime I
think of this wonderful man, I cannot
help but smile!! Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers!
"Someone so SPECIAL can never be FORGOTTEN!!" "
His presence lit up a room! Everytime I
think of this wonderful man, I cannot
help but smile!! Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers!
"Someone so SPECIAL can never be FORGOTTEN!!" "
Kelly Keeler wrote on Dec 2, 2008 2:44 PM:
" Mr Koon was indeed a great person. I really enjoyed my two years of class with him. Bill will be deeply missed and my prayer go out to the Koon family
(class of 82) "
(class of 82) "
Mark Reese wrote on Dec 2, 2008 2:12 PM:
" To the Koon family:
Mr. Koon was an inspiration to anyone who was fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him. Whether it was a field trip to the mall to learn how to dress for success, or simply a reminder on how to properly brush one's teeth (and tongue!) before an interview, Mr. Koon's life lessons will never be forgotten. His classes were always a unique experience. God Bless. "
Mr. Koon was an inspiration to anyone who was fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him. Whether it was a field trip to the mall to learn how to dress for success, or simply a reminder on how to properly brush one's teeth (and tongue!) before an interview, Mr. Koon's life lessons will never be forgotten. His classes were always a unique experience. God Bless. "
Cindi Stenbak wrote on Dec 2, 2008 1:35 PM:
" My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Mr. Koon was my favorite teacher and I am very sad to hear of his passing. I was in his DECA class and have used his teaching throughout my life. I have many times shared advice he gave regarding job searches and interviews. In fact just a couple of weeks ago I shared his knowledge with a friend and once again it was successful in helping win the job in these tough economic times. What a fabulous person Mr. Koon was and to think advise he gave me some 30 years ago will still hold true in the workplace today. We are all so lucky to meet a person like him at least one in our lifetime. (Class of '77) "
Mark S. Gray wrote on Dec 2, 2008 1:20 PM:
" Diana and Family:
Bill was one of a kind! He was always cheerful and so willing to listen, not only to students, but to colleagues as well. I learned a lot about "handling people" from him, and those mini-lessons have served me well as a teacher and parent. God bless him and God bless all of you.
Mark S. Gray
HHS Journalism and A.P. English Teacher 1981-1994 "
Bill was one of a kind! He was always cheerful and so willing to listen, not only to students, but to colleagues as well. I learned a lot about "handling people" from him, and those mini-lessons have served me well as a teacher and parent. God bless him and God bless all of you.
Mark S. Gray
HHS Journalism and A.P. English Teacher 1981-1994 "
Jon Ahmann wrote on Dec 2, 2008 1:14 PM:
" I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing today. He was a great person, wonderful teacher, and a proud father. He will be missed greatly... To his family, a prayer of love and wonderful memories to keep you through your tough times. I love you guys! "
Curt Scott wrote on Dec 2, 2008 1:07 PM:
" Mr. Koon was one of the best teachers I ever had. Going to his class was always an adventure and no matter how bad my day seemed to be going I always left it with a smile on my face. His class never felt like "school" but his lessons have stuck with me to this day. He will be greatly missed. (Class of '88) "
Gil Alexander wrote on Dec 2, 2008 12:53 PM:
" Diana, Chad and Dana,
My heart is heavy, but my memories of Bill are flights of fancy. Bill's winning personality had a positive influence on all of us who called him friend. I'm so glad I got to talk to him a week or so ago. He was up-beat and positive as we talked about past fishing trips, our kids, and the prospects of getting old and creaky. I'm so sorry for your loss and ours. We will all miss our dear friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. "
My heart is heavy, but my memories of Bill are flights of fancy. Bill's winning personality had a positive influence on all of us who called him friend. I'm so glad I got to talk to him a week or so ago. He was up-beat and positive as we talked about past fishing trips, our kids, and the prospects of getting old and creaky. I'm so sorry for your loss and ours. We will all miss our dear friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. "
RUSTY GUSTINE wrote on Dec 2, 2008 11:36 AM:
" Bill was with out a doubt the best educator in Helena, he was a fantastic teacher as well as a friend I'll never forget. If you never heard Bill play the Banjo and sing you missed quite an experience. My prayers and thoughts go out to the family. "
Tim Curtin wrote on Dec 2, 2008 11:27 AM:
" Chad, Dana, and family,
So sorry to hear of this loss. Bill was one of a kind and impossible to replace. My thoughts and prayers are with your families at this hard time.
Class of '88 HHS "
So sorry to hear of this loss. Bill was one of a kind and impossible to replace. My thoughts and prayers are with your families at this hard time.
Class of '88 HHS "
Rhetta Street wrote on Dec 2, 2008 11:19 AM:
" Mr Koon was and is the one teacher that made and will continue to make a differance in my life. He a was a great person that taught me a great deal. Class of 1981.
Mr Koon you will be very missed. My thought and prayers go out to the family. "
Mr Koon you will be very missed. My thought and prayers go out to the family. "
Kara Fenton Stanger wrote on Dec 2, 2008 11:01 AM:
" I am so sorry for you loss. Mr. Koon was a wonderful teacher, and I will never forget the way he held the attention of everyone in class. His laugh is irreplacable and he had a smile that could break down in stubborn student. I will never forget him. May memories bring you peace.
So sorry for you loss~ Former Student "
So sorry for you loss~ Former Student "
Brenda Brewer wrote on Dec 2, 2008 11:00 AM:
" Bill was the best teacher, he taught us life lessons that many of us still use everyday. He will be dearly missed by so many. His lessons, love, and laughter live on in all of us. "
Lesly Guipre Beers wrote on Dec 2, 2008 10:56 AM:
" Mr. Koon was one of my favorite teachers at Helena High (class of '86). He always had a skip in his step, a friendly smile and a warm hello. His enthusiasm for teaching was remarkable. I wish you peace and comfort in your time of grief. "
Tabatha Duel Reisbeck wrote on Dec 2, 2008 10:53 AM:
" Mr. Koon was a wonderful teacher. I will always remember him faking a heart attack in class. He was trying to teach us that people cause situations in public to distract people from watching what is going on around them (like theft). He was also excited about the new Dodge pick-up design and how it resembled an 18-wheeler's front end. He was our DECA leader, and we had great times with him on those trips. I'll never forget Mr. Koon... What an awesome leader he was in our community. Class of 95. "
Tricia WernerKrei wrote on Dec 2, 2008 10:43 AM:
" I am so saddened to hear of my favorite teachers passing. I truly respected this man and was a great example for all of his students. He taught us about living your life to its fullest and there wasn't a class period that he didn't talk about having dignity, in everything you do. Wow I will truley miss you Mr. Koon. I have some wonderful memories of him taking a group of us to Pheonix. we were downtown and he was up the street from us and I started yelling "hey Koon" he came running up to me and telling me not to say that. I had NO idea what that meant and felt so stupid after he explained to me that is something a person shouldn't yell in downtown Pheonix.:)He said your lucky you didn't get shot or jumped!!! We will meet again. Love you Mr Koon Class of 2001 "
Adam Bell wrote on Dec 2, 2008 10:40 AM:
" I can still see everyone heading to Mr. Koon's class with a smile on our faces. It was always the best part of the day to attend his class, and to get a coke out of his coke machine. He showed us what right looks like day in a day out. A true example of a man, friend and professional. He touched so many people and set a higher standard with his own level of integrity. He loved and admired his students and believed in their future contributions to the world. May he rest in peace!
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family for your loss. Mr. Koon will truely be missed by all. (Class of 95) "
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family for your loss. Mr. Koon will truely be missed by all. (Class of 95) "
Steve Linnea wrote on Dec 2, 2008 10:30 AM:
" Bill was one of our most memorable colleagues at Helena High. He had tremendous passion for teaching and cared deeply not only for his own students, but for all who walked the halls of HHS. He was a great friend and colleague, always offering guidance and support to students and teachers alike. His enthusiasm will live forever in our hearts.
We are so sorry to learn of Bill's passing and offer our thoughts and prayers to his family. "
We are so sorry to learn of Bill's passing and offer our thoughts and prayers to his family. "
Caron Kellogg Smith wrote on Dec 2, 2008 10:17 AM:
" Diana and Family,
Bill was a wonderful and inspirational teacher. His is why I stayed in the retail industry for 31 years. I recall being a babysitter to the kids. He was a father figure as I was raised in my high school years by a single parent. He will be sorely missed by all who's life he touched.
(Class of '77) "
Bill was a wonderful and inspirational teacher. His is why I stayed in the retail industry for 31 years. I recall being a babysitter to the kids. He was a father figure as I was raised in my high school years by a single parent. He will be sorely missed by all who's life he touched.
(Class of '77) "
Kara Bonahoom wrote on Dec 2, 2008 9:45 AM:
" I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I had him for a DECA teacher in highschool and later did presentations for his DECA class. He never forgot me and I will NEVER forget him!! The best teacher and person ever! "
Charlene Bird wrote on Dec 2, 2008 9:33 AM:
" I feel blessed to have met Bill, he was a wonderfull, kind man. He had the best stories. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family at this very difficult time. His smile and good humor will be missed by many. "
Paul Bisom wrote on Dec 2, 2008 9:15 AM:
" Mr. Koon was a great teacher, man and friend! Thanks for all the memories and for how much you cared about your students. (Class of '80) "
Kristi Vollmer Blackburn wrote on Dec 2, 2008 9:13 AM:
" Chad and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great person and great teacher. He had a gift for making everyone feel valued and appreciated. He touched so many lives and inspired those of us who became teachers to really connect with our students and make a difference in their lives. We share in your sadness but remember the joy he brought to everyone. "
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great person and great teacher. He had a gift for making everyone feel valued and appreciated. He touched so many lives and inspired those of us who became teachers to really connect with our students and make a difference in their lives. We share in your sadness but remember the joy he brought to everyone. "
Sue Morgan wrote on Dec 2, 2008 9:05 AM:
" Mr. Koon was one of my favorite teachers at HHS (class of '81). I am saddened to learn of his passing and my thoughts are with his family at this time. "
Melissa Loy wrote on Dec 2, 2008 8:52 AM:
" My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Koon family. It is impossible to think of Mr. Koon without having a smile on my face, and I was fortunate to get to know his son Chad, who shares his fathers love of life, and beautiful smile and laugh. I graduated from HHS over 20 years ago, and still recall what a dynamic, wonderful teacher he was. He was my daughter's favorite teacher as well. He will be missed by so many. God Bless "
Paula Tobol wrote on Dec 2, 2008 8:52 AM:
" Bill was an amazing teacher. His compassion, love and energy has affected everyone he was in contract with. He made me a better person and I will miss him and remember him with much love and joy! My thoughts and prayers are with the family. "
Karen and Kristi Gross wrote on Dec 2, 2008 8:02 AM:
" We pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief. We send you thoughts of comfort. "
Tim Tobel wrote on Dec 2, 2008 7:50 AM:
" So very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. His gift as a teacher, friend and mentor changed my life forever as I'm sure it did for many other of his students. My thought are with during this difficult time. Class of 74. "
Leslie Murray wrote on Dec 2, 2008 7:24 AM:
" Bill is in my top ten of best teachers of all time. He didn't just teach a subject: he taught you how to be a better person. The world is a little less bright without him. "
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Air Force wrote on Feb 3, 2009 1:27 AM:
Craig Kirwin (class of 82) "