William Mack Cline

Services for William Mack "Bill" Cline, will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at Newcomer Family Funeral Home in Casper with interment to follow on Monday, April 8th at Lovell Cemetery at 1 pm. William Mack "Bill" Cline, eldest child of Shirley (Cogdill) and Ralph D. Cline passed on Tuesday, April 2, 2013. Bill was born on June 14, 1939 in Lovell Wyoming. As June 14 is Flag Day, as a boy he thought all the flags were out because it was his birthday. He grew up in the Big Horn Basin and Worland, graduating from Washakie County High School (Worland High School) in 1957. He served in the Navy and attended several colleges and universities including Casper College.
Bill had several careers beginning with bucking bales, moving cattle and putting out salt and ending in various related energy ventures. Raised within a very strong work ethic, he 'wormed out' on the oil rigs the summer he was 15. He would eventually work in this area for thirty years in various positions from a derrick hand to 'Company Man' all over the world. He particularly liked his time spent in the Middle East as it allowed him to explore and understand their culture and ancient history. He 'befriended' a stray white Arabian horse in the desert and amused his co-workers by riding across the desert "Wyoming Style" (no tack). This behavior probably contributed to his nickname of "Wild Bill". He had homes in Manchester, England and Palma de Majorca for many years while working in the Middle East and Europe. His favorite pub in Manchester is full of Wyoming memorabilia because no matter where he was, he was always a very proud Third Generation Wyoming Native.

Returning to Wyoming, he worked with his brother, Click, for the next twenty years in the NDT (Non Destructive Testing) area. He retired five years ago due to declining health.

Bill was a voracious reader and particularly loved history and archaeology. He remained a serious student of all historical periods and all cultures his entire life. He had assisted on archaeological digs in the Big Horns. He was a great dancer, loved music, loved to have a good time, loved the Big Horn Mountains where he grew up and which remained his favorite place in the whole world. He was a natural athlete, excelling in baseball primarily, although he participated in football and track. He loved to play cards and played all kinds very well. He enjoyed playing and watching golf in his later years (both on the links and on the gaming machine). He was an accomplished caver and was honored several times for various rescues and assists through the years. He had explored caves all over the world.

He always wore a good Western hat and good boots. No matter what the occasion or dress code – top hat and morning coat included – he wore his black dress Justins. He was a member of the American Legion and The VFW.
He is survived by his children Paula Cline of Denver, William Golden "Bill" (Heather) and grandson Sean Cline of Winder, Georgia and Jennifer Lucero of Brook View, NJ; his sisters Robbie D. Cline-Humble and Dale (Wayne) Bundy both of Casper and his brother, Clifford Ralph "Click" (Joy) Cline of Farmington, NM. He is also survived by many very special nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. He will be warmly greeted by those gone before – his parents, beloved aunts and uncles, cousins, a nephew and a grandniece and his lifelong best friends Bobby and Kent. There will be a festive reunion filled with love and laughter, no doubt! "Oh, the stories we could tell…"
Special thanks and love to the staff of Central Wyoming Hospice for their exemplary care of Bill and the comfort to him and to us all through this transition. It was greatly appreciated.

Donations in his memory would be appreciated to Central Wyoming Hospice or Mallory Ryan's Memorial Scholarship Fund. At Bill's request, "Take your lady out to dinner and then dance the night away; tip one up for me!" Go rest high, indeed. You will be missed.