William O. Ellison

June 11, 1945 - December 8, 2011

I, Grand Junction resident William “Bill” Ellison went to my spirit form on Dec 8, 2011 with my loving wife and my sister by my side. I was 66 years young.

I was born in Charleston West Virginia on June 11, 1945 to William C. Ellison Jr. and Phyllis L. Ellison (Higginbotham). I spent my childhood in Charleston, West Virginia. I graduated from West Virginia University in 1974 with a Masters degree in Engineering. Shortly afterward I moved west to work for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in Grand Junction, Colorado where I have lived since. I, enjoyed wood carving, and along with my wife was an avid outdoors person. I loved anything associated with the mountains and wilderness, and especially enjoyed these places being with my wife. My favorite sayings were “Mountains are Medicine” and “My worst day in the wilderness is far better than my best day in town”. I leave my wife and soul mate Karen Ellison of Grand Junction and sister Evelyn Parkins of Ripley, West Virginia. I was preceded in death by my brother Douglas W. Ellison, and my mother and father. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado. A memorial party will be arranged at a later date – more than likely outdoors somewhere. Cremation arrangements are under the care of Martin Mortuary. My ashes will be spread over the beautiful wilderness areas of Colorado and West Virginia.