William T. Weatherill

William “Bill” Tomberlin Weatherill was born September 16, 1936, in Sterling, Colorado to William P. and Helen Weatherill. He had two older siblings, Joe and Patricia Weatherill, and his “little brother” Jim Weatherill.

Bill graduated from Sterling High School, where he excelled at football and track. After high school, he attended Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, then went on to finish his bachelor’s degree in physical education at Western State College in Gunnison. Eventually, Bill also received his master’s and Education Specialist degrees.

After receiving his BA degree, Bill taught high school in Yuma and Ouray, Colorado. He started his administrative experience at Mapleton Junior High School in Denver and shortly after took a high school principal job at Middle Park High School in Granby, Colorado. It was Middle Park where the then-sitting superintendent had to leave mid-year and Bill was asked to step in for the remainder of the school year. At the end of the year, he was asked to continue in the position, making him the youngest superintendent in the state. After his tenure at East Grand School District, Bill moved his family to Brush, Colorado, having another successful run as superintendent. He retired from Colorado to move to Basin, Wyoming to lead the school district. After a short stay in Wyoming, Bill and Joyce returned to Colorado and Bill again found his niche in the small rural district of Edison, Colorado. After leaving Edison and being partially retired, Bill continued in education as the Pikes Peak BOCES Director, commuting to Colorado Springs for a year to work with the local area superintendents. Bill continued his retirement in Cañon City. Teaming up with his brother Jim- the two created their own superintendent search company to assist school boards throughout the state.

Bill met Joyce Ann Haggard in Ouray, Colorado while working as a scenic jeep tour guide while school was on summer break. They were married and made their home in Thornton, Colorado. Their first son, William Shawn, was born in January 1965. More children were added to the family with Elizabeth Ann in 1967, and Brent Allen in 1970. Additionally, Donna Lutz (Woolwine) lived with the family for her sophomore year of high school. Her connection lasted and she was unofficially accepted as a daughter and older sister.

Bill and Joyce are proud grandparents of six grandchildren: Kypp age 31, Savannah age 30, Cole age 25, Alexandra age 22, Nakaya age 21 and Karli age 20.

Bill was proud of all of his accomplishments, including all the relationships that were built throughout his journeys; the passing of the bond issue in Grand County that built three new schools; being a charter member of the Colorado Association of School Executives; building an a-frame cabin with a buddy; and only paying cash for any vehicle, so that he could avoid monthly payments.

His clocks, toy automobiles as well as his classic cars adorn his home. A home that he and Joyce designed and had built to look over Canon City.

In later years, Bill frequented thrift stores and auctions to collect small automobile toys and clocks. For several years he and Joyce spent part of their winters in Port Aransas, Texas. One of Bill’s favorite memories was spending time there with his siblings and their spouses. Much of the time there was spent enjoying walking the beach and visiting with family. At home, Bill frequently went out for coffee. He cherished his interactions with others, often joking, teasing, or just listening to others’ life stories. He loved getting together with his poker group, where they tried to meet once a week to take money from each other.

Bill seemed to always be pushing others towards being better or towards what his idea of excellence was. He liked things to be in order and that included making sure people understood exactly where he stood and how he felt. Bill was always genuine, and his bigger-than-life attitude will forever be missed.

The family cannot express enough how appreciative they are for all the prayers, well wishes, and love directed to everyone feeling this loss.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Wilson Memorial Chapel, 1449 South 9th Street, Cañon City, Colorado.

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