William Henry Tooker Jr

The life of William Henry Tooker Jr., affectionately known as "Bill," was a tapestry woven from threads of service, love, curiosity, and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Bill passed away peacefully on February 16, 2025, at the age of 92, surrounded by family in Great Falls, Montana. A hometown that witnessed the latter months of a remarkable journey that began in New London, Connecticut. He was born on August 1, 1932, to William and Laura (Chute) Tooker, and even in his early years, he displayed traits that would shape his character and influence those around him.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at O’Connor Memorial Chapel.

At the tender age of 17, Bill made a decision that would set the course for much of his life: he joined the United States Navy. His service during the Korean War not only demonstrated his courage but also instilled in him a sense of duty and commitment to his country. After his honorable service, he continued to honor that commitment through the Navy Reserves, standing as a testament to a generation that faced extraordinary challenges with resilience.

Bill's professional life was marked by a long tenure with the Department of Defense, where he dedicated 24 years to General Electric, embodying professionalism and integrity. However, retirement did not mean the end of his learning journey; rather, it became a new beginning. Entranced by the emergence of technology, Bill developed a passion for computers, starting with the TRS-80, an early home computer that symbolized the dawn of a new era. His enthusiasm for technology morphed into a teaching career, where he shared his knowledge and expertise at Delgado Community College, Crescent City Tech, and ATAC. Bill’s legacy as an educator was defined by his ability to inspire others, instilling in them the same lifelong love of learning that he cherished.

Family was the cornerstone of Bill's life. He married Regina Mae Ostrowski, and together they created a home filled with love and support, raising their daughter, Deva Anne. Their 58-year union was marked by shared adventures across various cities, including Kirkville, New York, New Orleans, Louisiana, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and finally Great Falls. These moves were not just geographical; they represented the growth of a family unit bound by love, respect, and shared experiences.

In addition to his dedication to family and his professional pursuits, Bill had a diverse array of hobbies that reflected his inquisitive and imaginative spirit. He was fascinated by all things related to aliens—an interest that highlighted his penchant for the unknown. He enjoyed the strategic complexity of chess, the imaginative realms of Magic: The Gathering, and the adventurous challenges presented by Mage Knight Pyramid. He shared that gaming love with his grandsons, who still enjoy today. Bill found enjoyment in the realms of television as well, relishing series like Star Trek and exploring conspiracy theories, which fed his insatiable curiosity about the world.

Bill leaves behind not only a loving wife, Regina; a devoted daughter, Deva Anne; son-in-law, Robert “Bob” Pinski; but also two grandsons, Devin Anthony Stewart (Kari Cannon) and Dalton-Matthew Stewart; and two great-granddaughters, Rylee Alaia and Rori Layne Stewart. His legacy of curiosity, love, and commitment to family will undoubtedly live on through them. Though he was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Elaine, the memories of his life will forever remain vivid in the hearts of those he touched.

As we remember William Henry Tooker Jr., we celebrate a life well-lived. His journey reflects the ebb and flow of the human experience: the courage of service, the warmth of family, the richness of knowledge, and the joy of exploration. His spirit will endure in the laughter of his great-granddaughters, the stories shared by his family, and the lessons imparted to his students—all testaments to a life that mattered deeply and will be cherished forever.