William "Bill" Frances Sharkey, 85, of Butte passed away in his home, Sunday, January 3, 2016, surrounded by friends and family. Bill was born January 23, 1930 to the late John and Catherine (Runkle) Sharkey. He was a four year Navy veteran of the Korean War. He met and married the love of his life, Shirley (Foley) November 5, 1955. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years; Shirley; children and grandchildren , Mick, Peggy, Hanne, Julia, Cora, Sharkey family of Idaho, Bill, Debbie, Jennifer, Ristina, Joshua, Aleshia, Sharkey family of Butte, Tom ,Nancy, Ryan, J.T., Sharkey family of Butte, Mark, Annette, Marki Jo, Tyler, Sharkey family of Helena, Karen, Brody, Connor, Crane family of Arizona, Steve, Shawn, Katie, Erin, Alison, Mathew, Sharkey family of Butte; great grand children, Addelynne Bleken, Cade and Kaisley Crane, Cambry, Huck, Holden, and Kale O'Neill; a brother, Joe Sharkey of Anaconda, a sister, Mary Lu Wilson of Butte and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he is also preceeded in death by his brother John Sharkey, sister Rita Driscoll, nephews, Joe and Danny Sharkey, nieces, Margie Ann Driscoll, Kathy and Luann Wilson, grand daughter, Bailey Crane.
He attended local Butte Schools. He worked as a mechanic and heavy equipment operator for years, later attaining his BA degree in Industrial Arts from Northern Montana College.
Bill enjoyed square dancing, working with special needs adults and teaching. His greatest gift and joy was spending time with his wife, kids and grand children. He could be found on any given day as a volunteer, teaching square dancing to local elementary schools, camping at Georgetown lake, fishing the Big Hole or sitting in his truck supervising the hunting expeditions of his boys.
Friends may call from 10 to 11am Friday, January 8th, at the Immaculate Conception Church Caledonia St. Memorial Service will follow at 11am with Father Patrick Baretta.