Billie Chess

Biography

Bill Chess, 78, of Moore, Idaho, passed through this world into the next on March 17, 2017, from complications of a long hard fight with cancer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, and a son, Boe Chess. He is survived by his sons, Lonnie (Tammy) Chess and Larry Chess; a brother, Marvin Chess; and soul mate and best friend, Connie. Bill grew up in Fairfield, Idaho, where as a young boy, he ran the prairie plains, enjoyed fishing and hunting and taught himself to play the guitar. After his school days ended, he served our country during the Korean War enlisting in the U. S. Air Force. When his service to our country was over, he married Shirley Ann Marsh, and together they raised three boys: Larry, Boe, and Lonnie. The Chess family lived in Twin Falls, Idaho; Alaska; and Eagle, Idaho, while Bill was working on his pilot’s license. He flew for the Federal Government, was a bush pilot in Alaska, a forest fire bomber, crop duster by helicopter, and worked on the Alaskan oil fields and with Western Construction. After this chapter in life, Bill and Shirley decided to move to Montana to build their dream ranch, which they did with a lot of love and pride. At this time, Bill worked in Alaska in trucking and construction of the Alaskan pipeline. After Shirley’s unexpected death, Bill sold his Montana ranch, bought a fifth wheel, and went back to work for Western Construction, where he traveled extensively driving truck. Retiring from Western in 2001, he traveled awhile to Mexico and Arizona, working part time once more for Western. When Bill was done with working, he lived a short time in a remote cabin in Patterson, Idaho. At a later date, he decided to buy a three-acre farm and settle down in Moore, Idaho. Many hours were spent renovating the house into a relic of the old west in all its glory. He restored new life to the trees and lawn and the outside of his home began to look like a beautiful park setting. At age 70, Bill built a little log cabin on the back side of his property, where he spent a lot of time drinking coffee, watching the sun go down, watching nature and the mood of the mountains, and enjoying the fruits of his labor. A self-taught musician, Bill could play any string instrument, the guitar being his favorite. When he combined his music with his singing you were in for some wholesome entertainment. Other hobbies and professions were professional bull riding, professional trap shooting, building violins, hunting, fishing, camping, four wheeling, motorcycle riding, and always creating something new and unique. Bill appreciated the simple pleasure of life. He could be your best friend or your worst enemy, depending on your views of politics, good neighbors, truthful facts, and respectful ways. If you had all of these qualifications, you were okay in his book. He even made some exceptions. Bill was a little complicated at times, but had a heart of gold, and was a reliable friend to the end. Those who really knew him, understood and respected him. Bill, your friends and family will hold you in their hearts and live on the memories you have left us until we see you again. You were one of a kind and the last of your kind - We love you! No service will be held.