William R. “Bill” Sayles, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, went to be with the Lord on July 9, 2013. Born Jan. 15, 1938, in Austin, Minn., he was a longtime resident of Huson, Mo. He served in the Army. He retired after many years of working for Missoula Cartage. In recent years he has enjoyed being the ranch manager at The Check Point Ranch. In fire seasons he drove a water truck for Leading Edge Aviation.

We will always remember him as a master of all trades, for his love of nature, his compassion for animals, his wonderful sense of humor and his true joy for life. Over the years he has touched us all. He will forever be in our hearts.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, MaryEllen Sayles of Huson; his children, Diane Thornton and her husband Rob of Kennewick, Wash., Scott Sayles and his wife Diane of Spokane, Mo., Kent Sayles and his wife Emily of Missoula, Mo., seven grandchildren, Mathew Piatt and Jennae Piatt of Kennewick, Wash., Jason Sayles and Brian Sayles of Spokane, Derek Fenton-Sayles and his wife Nickie, Shawna Sayles and her husband Charlie Dodd, Scott W. Sayles of Missoula. He is also survived by his two brothers and their families, Robert Sayles and his wife Marilynn of Rio Rancho, N.M., and Creighton Sayles and his wife Marcia of Florence, and many nephews, nieces and loving friends.

Memorial services were held Sunday, July 14, at the Grand Menard campground, one mile past the Nine Mile Ranger Station, from 3 to 7 p.m. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory be made to the Missoula Food Bank and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.