William Frank ""Wild Bill"" or ""Big Bill"" McConnell

“Wild Bill” or “Big Bill” McConnell was born in Boulder, Colorado in 1950. He grew up in Boulder and California and was very close to his brother, David, who was 2 years older. As a teenager he lived for several years with his father, Wayne, and stepmother Louise at Hillcroft Acres Riding School in Golden, Colorado. While living there, he rode jumping horses and bought a colt called Kwiliteer whom he spent many hours with. Upon meeting a new riding instructor he introduced himself as “Ernie.” From then on he was called Ernie by that instructor. You could always count on Bill to be a wise guy—whether it was to a riding instructor, waitress or any cute girl. He was very proud of being one of the “McConnell brothers” along with Mike, John, Bill and Jim. After high school he enlisted in the Marine Corps and intended to replace his Marine brother, David, in Vietnam. Two weeks before he was scheduled to leave, David was killed in action during an operation on June 19, 1969. Bill had an adventurous spirit which showed through his jobs and hobbies. He spent several years as a crew member for the Coors hot air balloon, panned for gold and made beautiful stained glass. He owned the Wild West Art Gallery in Boulder and later owned his own Heating & Air shop called Sub-Zero. He built several Harleys that he treasured and spent hours travelling with his friends. He was also a Harley Club member. In December 1975 Bill, Mike and friend Jeff travelled to Mexico. They drove to San Antonio, flew to Guadalajara and rode a bus (with chickens) to Puerto Vallarta. They stayed a few nights in a hotel and then a few nights on the beach. They caught and ate both turtle and shark. Bill also helped Mike celebrate his 21st birthday in San Francisco. Bill loved traveling and his motorcycles, but he loved his Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs, Spot and Unit, even more! Before 2004 he suffered a stroke and was later hit by a truck while riding his motorcycle in the mountains. He was confined to a wheelchair from that time on. In 2008 Bill moved to Wildflower Assisted Living and lived there for the past decade. His family wishes to express their sincere thanks to the excellent care he received at Wildflower. He is survived by his half-brothers Mike McConnell, John McConnell, Bill McConnell, Jim McConnell and their families, daughter Amy McCallister, grandchildren Will and Violet McCallister and step-siblings Terry Scheid, Scott Scheid, Bob Scheid and Sharon Scheid-Thompson (deceased) and their families. Memorial Service will be held Thursday, June 28, 2017, 11:00AM, Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 7577 West 80th Avenue, Arvada, Colorado 80003.