Bill Townsend Remembered

Dec. 29, 2005

By Rick LaBelle

The holidays were dimmed dramatically on December 26, when we learned of the passing of our friend and soulmate, Bill Townsend, of Jackson, Wyoming. He was 59. His truck hit ice a mile from his home, and the living legend's era suddenly ended in a solo rollover, very prematurely. He is survived by his lovely wife, Ginny, and daughter Heather, also of Jackson.

William "Bill" Townsend was born on Aug. 19, 1946, in South Fork, Pennsylvania. He moved to Jackson in the 1964, right after high school graduation, intent on being a bull rider. Starting off as a rodeo clown, he quickly decided that was better than trying to ride them, because you always end up on the ground anyway. He worked as a ranch hand at Bar Y Ranch, and as a bouncer at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. For over 20 years, Bill was a horseback outfitter by summer and snowmobile guide by winter, and he knew this country like the back of his calloused hands. He was also an auctioneer, donating his great talent and time to many charities.

Bill was one of R.U. Outside's very first customers, back in 1992. He liked the product, so a couple of years later he walked into our booth at the West Yellowstone Expo, and said: "I'll bet ya a drink I can sell ten pairs of boots for you in the next hour." Needless to say, I bought Bill a few drinks that night, the first of many.

Bill began representing R.U. Outside at tradeshows around the country, and quickly became a favorite among staff and customers. He was an icon, in his cowboy hat. He knew the product, told the truth, always sent the customers away smiling, and always had fun. As time went on, Bill also became involved in R.U. Outside product development, and recently began modeling for our catalog. He was without question the most recognizable model in the history of our catalog.

Bill was one of the founding fathers of Jackson's now-famous World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb. In 1977 and 1982, he was King of the Hill. He served terms as President of the Wyoming State Snowmobile Association and chairman of the Western Chapter on the International Snowmobile Council. He was also honored as the American Council of Snowmobile Associations' Snowmobiler of the Year, in 1994.

Everyone who knew Bill smiled as soon as they saw him. It was impossible to be in a bad mood around the guy. Working with him didn't even feel like work. Even with the physical pain of his bad back the past few years, he made everything fun. No matter how miserable the circumstances, he always had a punch line and a genuine laugh ready for you. What a gift.

Bill and his wife Ginny enjoyed their weekends on Jackson Lake, with many friends. They had recently become frequent visitors to the big island of Hawaii, too, where they planned to retire. "It's just nice to be warm for a change," he often told me. He would even wear stylish Hawaiian shirts and do his cowboy version of the hula when given a chance. Things were never boring around Bill.

I've always felt that Bill personified Jackson Hole. Knowing he was in Jackson, just over the hill, was reassuring; things felt right. The town won't be the same without him. He was what you expected when you came to Jackson: an authentic western cowboy and guide, with a twinkle in his eye; a man's man, yet a gentleman around the ladies, too; someone whose word had meaning, whose handshake was real, who worked as hard as he played, and whose laugh was contagious.

They aren't making 'em like Bill Townsend anymore. He was unforgettable, and he will live on in this region for many, many years. He's a part of the land itself - the mountains, the trails, the lakes, the rivers, the golf courses. More importantly, he's a part of our hearts.

It was an honor and a pleasure to associate with him. Thank you, Bill, buddy. Here's to you.