William Tobin

William F. "Bill" Tobin

Mass of Christian Burial for William F. "Bill" Tobin, 79, will be held Thursday, March 22, 2007 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church at 2 pm. Father Michael Carr will officiate along with celebrant Monsignor James O'Neil. Public visitation will be held Wednesday, March 21, from 4 to 5:30 pm at Newcomer Family Funeral Home followed by Rosary Service at 5:30 pm.

Bill entered peacefully into eternal life on March 18, 2007, after a courageous battle with cancer. His loving family was at his side.

"Develop high moral principles and the courage to live by them," "Set a good example so that others may enjoy and profit from my company," "Be honest with myself and others in everything I do and say." These are just a few of the many principles that guided the life of Bill Tobin. As a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, rancher, coach, teacher, mentor and friend, Bill had a positive impact on all those whose lives he touched.

Bill was born June 9, 1927 in Casper, Wyoming to Richard and Nora Tobin, who emigrated from Ireland in the early 1900's. His father founded the VI (Victorious Irish) Sheep Company in 1902, just outside of Casper, to which Bill devoted much of his life. Many fond memories were made on "the trail" herding thousands of sheep to and from the mountain land each year with family, friends and Bill's devoted horses and dogs. Baby lambs were an annual joy and a reminder to Bill of the promises of spring.

Bill attended St. Anthony's Catholic School and Natrona County High School. He was an avid athlete and played on the 1946 State Championship basketball team. He enlisted in the Army on June 9, 1946 and served in Japan. He received a WWII Victory Medal and an Army of Occupation Medal, before being honorably discharged on January 7, 1948. Following his service, he attended the University of Colorado.

He met the love of his life, Peggy (Ray) Tobin in high school, which he regarded as one of his fondest memories. They were married by the Justice of the Peace on December 29, 1949 in Rawlins, Wyoming. Together, they raised four children; Kathryn, Patricia, Steven and Richard. His professional life consisted of ranching, teaching and coaching high school football and basketball.

Bill retired from teaching in 1992, however still remained active in ranching. He enjoyed sports, spending time with his family and found pleasure in the simple things life had to offer such as dancing with Peggy, holding his grandchildren and taking trips to Las Vegas.

Bill is survived by Peggy, his wife of 58 years, his children; Kathy (Greg Abrams), Patricia Aufmuth, Steven Tobin (Trixie), Richard Tobin (Christine), his grandchildren, his great grandchild, his brother Jim and sister Mary. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jack and his sister Teresa. Memorials may be made to The Garden's of St. Elizabeth Foundation, 2835 West 32nd Avenue, Denver, CO 80211. Attn: Beth Breen – Donation for Skilled Nursing Facility.