Billy Vreeland Fayle

Billy Vreeland Fayle was born January 7, 1937 to William L. Fayle and Wilda (Babe Vreeland) Fayle. He joined two older brothers Leroy and Dale. Their little sister, Loree arrived ten years later. It was 54 degrees below zero the night he was born and 54 degrees above zero the day he passed.

Bill grew up on the family ranch in Leadore, Idaho. He inherited his love for ranching from his grandparents, Will and Annie Vreeland and William H. Fayle. He was the third generation on the ranch.

Bill attended school in Leadore. He graduated in 1955. He played basketball, football and was a member of the 4-H. His number was 55 and he remained a dedicated Leadore Mustang his entire life. Bill and his junior class carried all the rocks to build the L on the mountain by Jake’s canyon. It still survives today. He was class president his senior year and they were the first class to have caps and gowns. After graduation he attended Idaho State University and studied in their welding program.

He married his high school sweetheart, Sandra. Two children were born to this union, Tonia and John. After twenty-six years they divorced but remained friends until her passing.

Bill was a true craftsman in pipefitting and welding. He worked at Thiokol helping build the Minute Man missiles during the Vietnam war. He joined the Pipefitter’s Local #648 union in Pocatello and was a proud member for sixty-two years. He really enjoyed the brotherhood. He mainly worked at the INL Site. He had an outstanding work ethic and was quite proud that he got to help build the protype of the first nuclear submarine. He was forced into retirement at age 62. With the COPD and asbestosis on his lungs he couldn’t pass the respirator tests. Bill loved to work and had little patience for those who choose not to.

Bill loved his family with all his heart. He didn’t always say the words, you were just supposed to know. Tonia, John, the grandkids, great grandkids, nieces, and nephews brought him great joy. Some of his most treasured memories were of taking Tonia and John to the Vreeland ranch to brand or hay. Then later in life taking the grandkids and going for rides in the mountains just to look around. He enjoyed it when the grandkids or Judy’s family came to the ranch to visit. He always gave them chores to do and taught them ranching wasn’t always fun and games. He would tell them that picking rocks built character. But he was always good for a six pack of donuts and a cooler of Pepsi.

Bill was a good man, a true cowboy an exceptional pipefitter/welder with a heart of gold. He was loved and will be missed by so many. He was a proud man and like good clothes. He always wore the best boots and hats he could afford. He could also be quite stubborn and set in his ways.

Bill married Judy on Christmas Eve in 1990. She always teased him by saying the only reason he wanted to get married was because he needed a night calver, flood irrigator, all around ranch hand, bookkeeper and cook. They loved to dance and could be found most Saturday nights anywhere live music was playing. They spent seventeen years on the ranch loving, living, and laughing. Bill was a good husband to Judy. They celebrated their thirty-fifth anniversary this past Christmas.

Bill loved ranching and that lifestyle. But that didn’t pay the bills so he always worked away from home and hired good help to run the ranch. He spent thirty-five years driving back and forth to the INL. He was a good steward of the land and raised Hereford cattle and sheep. He was a long-time member of the Lemhi County Cattle and Horse Growers association and the Idaho Cattle Association.

Bill really enjoyed the outdoors. He didn’t have many hobbies but he liked going to rodeo’s, hunting, and auctions. He never missed an auction with two hundred until his health declined.

When his health really deteriorated, he sold the ranch and they moved to Shelley, Idaho. Judy cared for him at home with part time assistance from Nuclear Care Partners. For the past two years he had twenty-four-hour care from Judy, United Energy nurses and Brio Hospice. His family truly appreciates the kind, compassionate care he received from his team. He passed away at home with Judy holding his hand.

Bill is survived by his wife, Judy: son John (Julie) Fayle: grandchildren, John (Megan) Fayle and children Kaitlyn and Kaden: Amy Kinghorn and daughter Torie: Denielle Fayle: Lacie Link and daughter Avery: Katie Link and daughter Remi: many nieces and nephews: Judy’s son Michael Schultz (Doug Duncan) and all her family that loved him dearly.

Bill was proceeded in death by his parents, Bill and Babe Fayle: brother Leroy and his wife JoAnn: brother Dale: sister, Loree: daughter, Tonia and her two baby girls, Courtney and Lisa Marie.

Bill wished to be cremated with his ashes buried in the family plot in the McRea Cemetery in Leadore, Idaho. A Celebration of Life will be held May 16th, at noon, at the Leadore school gymnasium with a luncheon to follow. His life sketch will be read and anyone who wishes to share memories of Bill will be appreciated.

The family is under the care of Nalder Funeral Home in Shelley.

*