Bill Gene Moomey

Bill G. Moomey, age 95, died peacefully in his sleep, Tuesday, December 28, 2021, in Vail AZ. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sandra Westen Moomey; his four daughters, Kathy Smith, Lisa Hoyer (Tom), Julie Adams (Mark), and Cody Moomey, all of San Diego CA; his son, Bill W. Moomey (Amy) of Oconomowoc WI; eleven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren; brother Don L. Moomey (Judie) Sun City West, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lynn and Alnetta Moomey and his sister, Gayle Towle.

Born in York NE on July 23, 1926, Bill’s life path took him many places. He was an artist, sculptor, and award-winning designer whose work is represented in 15 countries. He graduated from the University of Nebraska where he played football for the Cornhuskers; clipped the world record in the 60-yd indoor low hurdles, and was voted “Athlete of the Century” - York Nebraska Centennial; Inductee, Nebraska Sports Hall of Fame for football and track; Inductee, YHS Alumni Hall of Fame. He received his graduate degree from the University of Colorado, where he taught design and drawing. He was Director of the Denver Academy. Bill served his country in WWII as a US Navy pilot. He was a big game hunter, documentary film producer, big band singer, producer of the award-winning Vince Lombardi TV show, author, and leading breeder of world champion quarter horses. Bill was a Director of the American Quarter Horse Association; Inductee, Wisconsin Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame; and Chairman of the Board, Milwaukee Zoological Society. His stallion, Coy’s Bonanza, was inducted into the AQHA Hall of Fame in 2015.

Bill’s accomplishments didn’t fully define who he was. Guided by his faith in God, he saw the best in humanity. He had the soul of a lion and the disposition of a dove. He gave his time without limits. He was a friend to everyone he met. He was kind, strong, and lived with conviction. His sense of humor was always there, and he easily shared his experiences and stories. People often asked Bill Moomey, how did you do it all? Bill always responded, “Throughout my lifetime I’ve found lots of things I’ve loved to do. I’m still looking for something I can be good at, and a way to pass it on.”

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service, Friday, February 18, 3:30 p.m., at Rincon Mountain Presbyterian Church, 8445 E. Tanque Verde Rd., Tucson AZ 85749. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Rincon Mountain Presbyterian Church or Friends of Western Art (https://friendsofwesternart.org/donate-in-memory-of-bill-moomey).