William Russell "Bill" McCalla Jr.
Marriages
Lois Ethel Palm - 1955
Obituaries
Steamboat Today - August 28, 2017
William Russell McCalla Jr died July 19, 2017, with his family by his side at Westwood Specialty Care in Sioux City. He was born in Laramie, Wyoming, on May 7, 1930, to William R. and Dorothy (Lynch) McCalla. He attended Laramie High School, then served in the Army from 1948 to 1949. He graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1953 and went on to graduate from Creighton University Dental School in 1957. He married Lois Ethel Palm in 1955. He practiced dentistry in Laramie from 1957 until 1980, when he and Lois relocated to Saratoga Wyoming, where he continued his practice in nearby Hanna until 1990. He then practiced dentistry on the Pacific island of Saipan for two years before eventually retiring to Steamboat Springs. In 2013, Bill moved to Sioux City to be closer to family.
His youth was spent hiking, fishing, camping and skiing in the Snowy Range mountains of Wyoming. A dedicated athlete, he competed throughout his life, in high school, as captain of the football team, and as a ski racer for the University of Wyoming. He participated in many running races, usually winning his age group. He completed Ride the Rockies and the Boulder Bolder in his 70s. Often, he was able to accumulate up to 2,000 miles during a season on his bike. In the winter, he seldom missed a day of skiing. He became affectionately known as "Doc Sport" to many and led an active, outdoor, fun-filled life that he inspired and encouraged everyone to strive for. He loved to include newbies and often played the role of tour guide on his forays.
He is survived by his son, Dr. Ken (Debbie) McCalla, of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota; grandsons Cody McCalla, of Denver, and Taylor McCalla, of Carbondale; and his daughter, Jody (Ron) McCalla Miller, of Loveland. He is fondly remembered by his cousins, Willis Jensen and Don Jensen, along with his nieces and a nephew.
Bill was preceded in death by his former wife, Lois, and his sister, Marge Castle.
A memorial is planned for Bill in from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, at the Steamboat Community Center, 1605 Lincoln Ave. in Steamboat
