William Mckean

William T. McKean, 96, of Fort Collins died January 6, 2008. He was born January 1, 1912, in Longmont, Colorado, the youngest of four children of Mary and Thomas Dayton McKean. He grew up in Monte Vista, Fort Collins, and Longmont, Colorado. Bill earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Colorado and then worked in the Civilian Conservation Corp in Grand Canyon National Park. For 5 years he taught elementary school in Lyons and Longmont, earning his Lifetime Teaching Certificate. In 1937 he married Anna Francis Hambright. In 1942 he received a Master of Science degree in Wildlife Management from Utah State University and thereafter he worked as a wildlife biologist and botanist. Some of his fondest memories were of life with his young family and work as a Ranger Naturalist in Grand Teton National Park. He later also worked in both the South and North Dakota Departments of Game and Fish. Following the death of Anna Francis and infant son in 1953, Bill returned to Colorado and finished his career with the Colorado Department of Game and Fish. This included many years happily managing the big game wildlife research unit at the Little Hills Experiment Station in Meeker. In 1959 he married Pauline Bateman, with whom he spent 48 wonderful years. After retirement Bill and Pauline traveled extensively, including various trips to elder hostels. They were both also avid Denver Broncos fans. He is survived by his wife Pauline, sons Bill, Marty and Jim, daughter Mary Ann Wright, 6 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his 2 brothers and his sister. A memorial service will be held at 2 pm, Friday, January 11, 2008, in the Chapel of the First United Methodist Church at 1005 Stover St., Fort Collins. A reception will be held at the church after the service. Donations in his memory can be made to the First United Methodist Church, Ft. Collins or the Colorado Wildlife Society.