William Mitchell Calhoun, 84
William “Bill” Mitchell Calhoun, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away on October 1, 2017 at the age of 84, after a long illness. He was born on November 2, 1932 in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Ralph Emerson and Josephine “Jo Jo” (Pickett) Calhoun. Bill married Carolyn “Lynn” Mulford in 1963 and together, they raised two sons in Silverton, Idaho, where they lived for the last 48 years. As a mining consultant, Bill often traveled abroad, including to Russia and South America; however, as an ardent hunter and fisherman, the Silver Valley was his favorite place in the world.
Bill graduated from Texas Western College (now University of Texas, El Paso) with a degree in Geology. After graduating, he proudly served his country as a First Lieutenant in the Army. Bill began his career in the mining industry working for American Zinc Company in 1958. He went on to manage the Calhoun Mine in Deep Lake, Washington, before moving to the Silver Valley in 1969 when he accepted a position with Day Mines, where he rose to the rank of Chief Executive Officer. Bill began his private mining consulting firm in 1983, providing services to companies worldwide. In addition to his consulting business, Bill served on the Board of Directors for Seabridge Mining Company. He was also instrumental in the creation of the Mining Heritage Exhibit at the Wallace Visitors Center.
Bill was a member of the Society of Mining Engineers, the Registered Professional Geologists, the Wallace Elks Lodge #331 and the Wallace Gyro Club.
Bill is survived by his loving wife Lynn; his sons John (Jacquie) Calhoun of Brier, Washington; and Robert (Shannon) Calhoun of Lakewood, Washington; granddaughter Mariah Calbero of Mill Creek, Washington; grandson Gavin Calhoun of Brier, Washington; brother Robert L. (Shirley) Calhoun of Albuquerque, New Mexico; sister Ann (Fred) McMurray of Knoxville, Tennessee; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and infant twin sons.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at 11:00 A.M., at the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church of Wallace with Father Jerome Montez serving as celebrant. A reception and a gathering of family and friends will be held at the City Limits Pub & Grill in Wallace following services; everyone is welcome.
The family wishes to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to all of those who helped Bill through the many years of his illness- beloved friends, neighbors, Gyro Club members, Dr. Tony Branz, Loving Care & More, Silver Wood Good Samaritan, Brookdale Nine Mile of Spokane, Spokane Hospice and other healthcare professionals in the Valley; with special thanks to Holly Mullen.
The family suggests memorial donations in Bill’s memory be made to the Mining Heritage Exhibit, P.O. Box 469 Wallace, Idaho 83873 or to the Wallace District Mining Museum, 509 Bank Street Wallace, Idaho 83873.
Visitors are invited to sign Bill’s online guestbook at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com
SHOSHONE FUNERAL SERVICES KELLOGG, IDAHO is entrusted with funeral arrangements.