William L. (Bill) McPherson passed away August 23,2026 at home with his wife Susan and his Bassett Hound Clyde by his side. It was a hard-fought journey through many health issues. He made the decision that the fight was over and passed from my loving arms to the loving arms of the Lord.

Bill was born May 1, 1947 in Portland, Oregon to William E. McPherson and Della N. Stump. He had a younger brother Robert McPherson. His parents divorced when he was young. His Mom remarried and his step dad, Nick Calvert who was a Lutheran pastor. They ended up in Park City, Utah before it was a resort. They later served at a church in Murray, Utah. In these last months he would have me Google stores and places that he remembered while living in the SLC area. He gained two half-brothers, Nick and Mark. His parents divorced and his mom brought the boys to Jerome to be near family. He remained in the Magic Valley area the rest of his life.

Bill joined the Laborer’s Union and worked construction for many years mostly highway construction.

After some health issues put an end to that, his friend Mark Kidd asked him to come to work at Valley Engine/Kidd Performance. He was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes shortly after. He worked for Mark for approximately 20 years until his health declined.

I met Bill on the cruise. A big burley, smart mouthed red head. He drove a bright yellow 50 something four-wheel drive pickup. I was smitten. We became inseparable. After living together for 30 years we finally made it official on paper May 8, 2007. I was finally a McPherson.

I learned quickly that cars and dogs were Bill’s passion. His cars were very well maintained. He was extremely organized and his vehicle, garage, and work space could not be walked away from unless it was cleaned up. I tried to keep his truck washed and wiped down inside when he was no longer able too. He just would not do something if he couldn’t do it right. He would be frustrated if he saw something jerry rigged.

About the dogs! He liked them much better than people. Growing up he had several. Our first Christmas, he got me a Bassett Hound. Against my wishes he and Bill Mraz named him Homer. We went on to have Henry, Penney, Brutus, Fred, Ben, Molly, Lila, and Clyde. They were his dogs but my responsibility. He always kept dog biscuits in his vehicle and in his tool box at work. His regular visitors knew and expected a treat from him. For 30 years Bill would occupy his time while I worked the long Thanksgiving weekend by making dog toys. Then I would deliver them to the Animal Shelter. Even though it was a huge struggle I helped him make them for last Christmas.

For many years right after work 4 days a week Bill and the crew from United Automotive would meet at Norm’s for coffee. He and Dick Hoyer continued until Covid put an end to it. Bill didn’t let a lot of people into his life but if he did there was no one who would have your back better.

Bill did not like to leave home so I had a built-in dog sitter when I traveled. I now have to come up with a new plan. He loved our home and refused to look at anything else. It served our needs just fine.

Since breaking his hip last year his life was forever changed. We were lucky to have Horizon Home Health and Hospice by our side for his care. I couldn’t have got through his daily care without their weekly visits. His care team of Blake, Stephanie, Shannon, and Sandy felt like family. Just like

Bill’s unique personality, his health did not fit the norm. He challenged the team with how to treat his issues. I was thankful to have Shannon with us in his final hours. I would also like to say thank you for my neighbors. Especially Flo Ostrander who put her nursing experience to use many times for Bill. The loving support of family and friends is immeasurable.

I will have graveside service May 1, 2027 at the Jerome cemetery. He would never let me celebrate him on his birthday so now I will on what would have been his 80th birthday. If you would like to memorialize him, I know he would love if you donated to the Twin Falls Animal Shelter.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and in laws Don and Helen Broughton, all his brothers, and his son Russell Poole.

He is survived by his wife Susan, his buddy Clyde, granddaughter Shaelee Anguiano, daughter-in-law Carol Smith, brother-in-law Dennis Clark (Ardyth), sister-in-law Diana Thomas (Linn), nephews and nieces Chad, Dale, Nicki, Kristi, Karen, Kevin, and Sean, and many great neices and nephews.