William Cone Obituary

Bill Cone was born July 7, 1949 in Ocala, Fla. He died peacefully amongst family on Saturday, June 4, 2011 in Cortez. Bill Cone was the sort of man that every man wishes in his heart of hearts to be. He was kind and gentle. His children knew him as a wonderful father – teaching them the things that every father should teach his children – how to fix possessions, how to do the right thing and how to be kind to others for no other reason than for kindness' sake. He was strong, hardworking and extremely resourceful.

People knew that when he gave his word it was good and will remember him for his twinkling eyes, beaming smile and laughter which would fill rooms. He had an incredible mustache, a big heart and big arms that held so much more than a man can physically encompass.

Raised in Florida, the Carolinas and Massachusetts, he attended T.L. Hannah High School, where he was named a National Merit Scholar. He attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, where he studied economics. Bill served his country in the infantry during the Vietnam War and afterwards returned to live with friends in northern Colorado. Soon after, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma and during his battle with cancer he met the love of his life, Patsy Sanders; and through her love and support he became a 31 year cancer survivor. Patsy and Bill were married in November of 1980 and celebrated their 30th anniversary last fall. They were blessed with three children, Craig, Brian, and Sally, whom they consider their greatest assets.

Bill worked hard and played hard. During the course of his life, he was a journeyman carpenter, a certified welder, a superior irrigation foreman and a computer jockey. He loved to be outside and this was reflected in his love of camping, canoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, fly-fishing and sailing. He was an avid reader and loved puzzles and games, especially the N.Y. Times crossword and cribbage with friends and family.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Patsy and his children; Craig and Courtney of Austin, Texas; Brian of Salt Lake City, Utah; and Sally of Cortez. He is also survived by his mother Wilda Cone of Cortez, and his siblings Polly Cone and John Neyenesch of San Diego, Calif., Carole Doolittle of Clearwater, Fla., and his niece Kristen and D.J. Jarae and their children Nick and Cade of Myrtle Beach, S.C. He is also survived by a large, loving extended Sanders family and many lifelong friends. He is predeceased by his father W. Henry Cone Sr. and his brother Jon "Jack" Macy Cone.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for contributions to the Montezuma-Cortez High School Alumni Scholarship Fund (available at 1st National Bank of Cortez) as Bill was an avid supporter of literacy and education. There will be a memorial service held at Ridge Point Overlook at McPhee Reservoir at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday June 11. Following the memorial, there will be a gathering for friends and family at the Percy's home located at 25454 C.R. N in Cortez.