William "Bill" McCormack
February 23, 1929 ~ December 19, 2017 (age 88) 88 Years OldShare using:
William Richard McCormack passed away December 19, 2017. He was born February 23, 1929 in Portland, Oregon to William R. and Ellen (Dahl) McCormack.
He graduated from Crook County High School in 1947 and from Oregon State College in 1952. Bill was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
He entered into the United States Army in 1953, where he was stationed in Germany. He was discharged in 1955.
Bill took over running the McCormack Ranch at his father’s death in 1956.
Bill married Donna C. U’Ren, June 16, 1956 in The Dalles, Oregon. They resided on the family ranch on Bear Creek and raised their family there.
He ranched with his sons and their families until the time of his death.
Bill always knew that water was the key to their ranching operation. He constructed two reservoirs, Antelope Reservoir and Bear Creek Reservoir. He was instrumental in McCormack Ranch being presented with Local, State and National awards for their work in Natural Resource Management.
He was member of the Crook County Stockgrowers, Oregon Cattleman’s Association, The Center for Holistic Resource Management, A founding member of Country Natural Beef Co-op, served on the Oregon Cattleman’s Public Lands Council, member of the Prineville Elks Lodge and many other organizations within the community and the cattle industry.
He is survived by his wife Donna C., sons Bill (Jeri), Jeff (Runinda) of Prineville and daughter Kelley (Steve) of Portland. Grandchildren Christopher (Valarie) of Phoenix, Cindy (Tyler) of Bend, Holli (Ryan), Tyler (Barbara Jayne) all of Prineville, Allison and Megan (Portland), Kurt (Jamie) of Burns and Janie of Hermiston. Three great grandchildren Cody, Madison and Cassidy.
A private graveside internment will be held December 27, 2017 at Juniper Haven Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial Contributions can be made to: Redmond Hospice (732 SW 23rd St., Redmond OR 97756), Alzheimer’s Association (Oregon Chapter, 1650 Northwest Naito Parkway, Suite 190, Portland, OR 97209-2532) or Crook County Historical Society (246 N. Main St., Prineville, OR 97754)
