William “Bill” Christie passed away on March 15, 2022 after a short illness. He was born on October 25, 1957 in Butte, the second eldest of four children born to Alex and Myrtle Christie.
Bill graduated from Butte High School in 1975 and relocated to Portland, Oregon in the early 1980’s. He worked as a Cadillac dealership master mechanic, Harley Davidson mechanic, and later became a master carpenter – retiring in 2011. Bill continued to use his expertise helping friends in all things from mechanics and woodworking to sewing machine repairs and preservation of antiques.
Bill had a great sense of adventure and loved the outdoors. He found peace and enjoyment exploring new places and meeting new friends riding his Harley, taking along his fishing pole to “wet a fly” in the beautiful waters of the Pacific Northwest.
After returning to Buxton upon his retirement, Bill found passion as a coach/volunteer with the Anaconda Smelter City AllStars Special Olympic team where he took great pride in his support of the athletes. Bill also volunteered his time with the Anaconda Community Friends 4H Club and supported its members every year at the Tri-County Fair.
Bill was very proud of his Scottish and local ancestry which included the family names of Christie, Leys, Lee, and Lindsay, who were so integral in the early history of Butte. Some notable family members included Judge John Lindsay (judge during the Copper King days), A.S. Christie (optometrist/jeweler) and James Leys (jeweler) co-founders of Leys Jewelry, Colin Christie (optometrist/jeweler) who became the owner of Leys Jewelry, where his parents also worked until it closed in the late 1960s.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Alex and Myrtle Christie; and close friend Lloyd Autrey.
Bill is survived by his son Brad (Cori) Brooks (Nevada) and grandchildren Leah and Beau; and by son Ezra (Lauren) Alexander (Oregon) and granddaughter Meta. He is also survived by siblings: brother Jim (Judy) Christie (Nevada) and his daughter Malia; brother Bob (Kerianne) Christie (Washington) and his children Jacob and Nicole; and sister Jan (Doug) Torpey (Buxton) and their children Michael and Lindsay.
Fly high Wild Bill, “Uncle” Bill, “Cousin Eddy”!
A Celebration of Life Service, privately organized by the family, will be held at Mount Moriah Cemetery in Butte on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 2:00. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice.
Please visit below to leave a condolence for the family or to share a memory of Bill.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Bill and his family.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday April 9, 2022
Mount Moriah Cemetery
2415 S. Montana St.
Butte, MT 59701
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday April 9, 2022
Mount Moriah Cemetery
2415 S. Montana St.
Butte, MT 59701
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Steve Mullen says
I used to work with Bill and his siblings at Fairmont, as lifeguards, during high school. Had great memories. My condolences to his family.
Bob & Linda says
Thank you Bill for being part of our family. You will be sorely missed. You are probably up there fishing with mom. Rip!
Susan LaRue says
Jan and family, so sorry to read about Bill. The obituary was such a nice tribute to him, sounds like he was very involved in doing great things for children of the community. Knowing him and going to school with him all through Ramsay, he was always such a character and a very sweet guy. I’m sure he leaves behind many great memories to help you all through this tough time. Thinking of all of you. Susan (Peterson) LaRue
Marilyn Boyle says
We are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing, our prayers are with all of you. We truly enjoyed visiting with him at 4-H functions. Bill was kind and gentle and a true spirit of caring. The Christmas you spent with us will always be a happy memory of Bill. May the good memories sustain you now and give you comfort. We send our love and prayers. Bill and Marilyn Boyle
Cindy LaSalle says
Jan, Doug and Family — My heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your brother. I pray that our Dear Lord will comfort you all at this time.
Kaye & Mark Youngren says
Bill and Lloyd Autrey worked for our company, Community Management, Inc, for several years. when my husband, Mark, wanted to hire Bill and Lloyd I said I had to meet them. It was friendship at first site. Bill was more than an employee, he was a treasured member of our CMI family. We have so many Bill and Lloyd stories that we would love to share. I remember when we celebrated our 30 years in business, Bill showed up on his Harley. I hopped onto the back and he took me for a wild ride while I held on; I will always remember that special moment . Bill had a heart as big as the MT skies. He always had a smile even when he was undergoing pain from his surgery. He had a wonderful personality and was always there for you – no matter what! When he came into my office to tell me be was moving back to MT to be with family – we both cried. Lloyd and Bill were inseparable. When Bill left Portland, Lloyd was never the same. It was as if part of his heart went with Bill. Our sincere love and prayers go out to the family. We know God has a special place for him in heaven where we shall see him again someday. All our love
Thomnas Wong says
RIP my friend! Its been a long time since we worked together in Vancouver at Bill Copps, almost 40 years ago to be exact, yet it seems like yesterday. I am glad we reconnected at least via Facebook even though we haven’t physically seen each other for a very long time. I am betting you and Rod are having a great time together in heaven right now! Take care my friend someday we will meet again.