William "Bill" Hiner

Bill Hiner passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 21st, 2022. All of his family, including all his grandchildren, were able to spend time with him and say their goodbyes.

Bill was born on February 7th, 1945, in Lewistown, Montana to Clyde Romulus Hiner and Margaret Muller Hiner. He joined an older sister, Marjorie “Doc” and was later joined by a younger sister, Kathryn “Kid.”

Bill and his siblings were raised on a ranch six miles north of Harlowton. Growing up they helped hay, lamb, calve and even had to help raise turkeys! Many referred to Bill as “Willy.”

Bill attended Harlowton elementary and Harlowton High School. He loved sports and in his words, “Did pretty good in football and track and played basketball!” After graduation he enlisted in the Army National Guard. He remembers being anxious to come home in November after basic training. His scheduled departure was the same day as the John F. Kennedy assassination. Bill and his fellow guardsmen were worried that they would not get to go home. There was no delay and they came home as scheduled.

In January of 1964, Bill began attending Western Montana College on a full ride track scholarship. He made the NAIA national track finals in Provo, Utah in June of 1967. Coincidently, that was the year he met his future wife, Bobbie! His first heat included future Olympic champion Jim Hines in the 100m dash. Bill was very proud of his 440 yard dash record, standing for 24 years. It was broken by his son Todd as a 400m equivalent.

Bill and Bobbie were married in August of 1967 and Bill began his first teaching job in Jordan, Montana. In December of 1968, they welcomed their first son, Todd. In August of 1968, Bill began teaching in Oregon. Daughter, Tracie and son Travis were born while they were in Oregon. In the fall of 1973, Bill, Bobbie and family moved to Judith Gap, Montana where he finished his teaching and coaching career. In June of 1979, Bill became the Agriculture Loan officer at the Continental Bank in Harlowton. He retired as the Vice President from the bank in 2007.

After retirement, Bill and Bobbie enjoyed traveling, but their biggest joy was watching grandkids in numerous activities and sporting events.

Bill was proceeded in death by his parents, Margaret and Clyde Hiner. He is survived by his siblings, Marjorie Barrows and Kathyrn Hiner. Bobbie, his wife of 55 years, and their children Todd (Kay) Hiner, Tracie (JP) McCrossin and Travis (Peggy) Hiner. His grandchildren, Josh (Annah), Ryan, and Zach McCrossin. Alia, Romulus, Nick and Rachel Hiner and her fiancé Jacob Gradwohl. Along with two great granddaughters, Elmira “Emmi” and Matilida “Tilly” McCrossin.

Services are at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Harlowton. Rosary is Monday, Dec. 26th at 7:00 pm and Funeral Mass is Tuesday, Dec. 27th at 10:00 am.

Memorials should be made to charity of your choice or a sponsor you know would benefit from a donation. He was an avid follower of the Harlowton Sports programs, and your consideration of a donation supporting them would be appreciated.

 Condolences may be shared with the family at perkinsfuneralhome.com.