William Law

William (Bill) Dean Law

August 27, 1937 – August 24, 2020

The road to heaven is one hell of a ride.

Chris Ledoux

Our loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend joined his Heavenly Father on August 24, 2020, surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born in Fort Morgan, Colorado, to Ted and Mildred (McCloud) Law. He spent his childhood years alongside his brother growing up on the wide-open plains of Peace Valley, in Eastern Colorado.  Some say Bill was simply just born a cowboy. The vast expanses of the Eastern Plains gave vibrant life to his wild west childhood dreams.

In his early teen years, Bill listened to an Oral Roberts radio broadcast that challenged him to read the entire Book of Psalms.  Bill took on that challenge, and he accepted Jesus Christ as his savior. He later encouraged the rest of his family to know God personally for themselves.

Bill attended Fort Morgan Junior High School and achieved his high school diploma from the American School.  Bill graduated from the College of the Rockies Bible School in Golden, Colorado. After college, Bill became a youth leader with both Youthorama and Commandos for Christ. He touched numerous young lives through his heartfelt leadership.  During the Beatles first visit to the USA, Bill was handing out bibles to guests at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Bill had the opportunity to meet with the Beatles and they offered to sign one of the bibles for him. Bill, of course, declined their offer because he didn’t know who they were nor did he believe their signatures should be on a bible. Throughout Bill’s entire life he took every opportunity he was given to share the story of Jesus Christ. If any of the residents of the Western Slope ever discovered a bible tract in a very random place, chances are Bill placed it there for you to discover in your own time. He never stopped studying the bible. His final bookmark rested on Hebrews 4:14-16 which reads “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Bill and Sally (Kembel) were both raised in and near Fort Morgan, Colorado. They met when they were in junior high school, and Sally recalls often that he would play pranks on her to get her attention. In the spring of 1956, the two of them eloped to New Mexico and returned to Fort Morgan where they began their journey as Mr. and Mrs. Law. Their 64 years of marriage is a beautiful testimony to what true love and grit are made of. As Bill passed peacefully Sally sang angelic hymns while they held each other’s hands. Sally outwardly praised God for the many years and memories that they were able to create together.

Bill was always a cowboy at heart with a real passion for the great outdoors. He had a great love for horseback riding, photography, camping, hunting, fishing, four wheeling, and all things rodeo! During his early years he worked on large cattle and dude ranches on the Eastern Slope of Colorado. In 1966 the family relocated to the Grand Valley. Bill owned and operated agricultural supply companies (Ag Services and B & B Farm Supply) in Fruita, Delta, and Rifle. In 1976 the Laws moved to Mesa, Colorado, where they became proud owners and operators of a cattle ranch. While living on the Mesa for nearly 40 years, Bill turned many of his dreams into reality including running his own businesses: Bill Law Guide Service, the Mesa General Store, and Grand Mesa Elk Ranch. In addition to running his own businesses, he taught Hunting Guide Courses through Mesa State College. He was also employed by Powderhorn Ski Resort for over 21 years during the winter months. Ironically, he had a lifetime ski pass but he never once strapped on a pair of skis.

The Laws hosted annual family reunions at their ranch, fostered every stray animal they could assist, took in those that just needed a helping hand, and hosted tons of youth group and 4H/gymkhana events.  Bill was always eager to give carriage or sleigh rides with his prized teams of horses.

Together Bill and Sally, raised three children and forever cherished and missed two children that passed at birth. They were deeply blessed to be grandparents and great grandparents. Each grandchild brought so much joy to their hearts. Bill was an incredible Papa that was so proud of each one of his grandbabies.

Bill and Sally’s home always had an open door where everyone was treated like family. They value that they have true friends from every corner of the world. Bill mentored so many young men throughout his lifetime. Today, many of these grown men with their families of their own are still treasured as their boys.

Bill volunteered countless hours and served on many boards to include: Commandos for Christ, Rocky Mountain Plant Food Association, Agricultural Advisory to Governor Lamm, President of the Colorado Guide and Outfitters Association, State of Colorado outfitter licensure legislation lobbyist, Colorado Elk Foundation, Plateau Valley Cattleman’s Association, and various water boards.

Bill is survived by his wife, Sally (Kembel) Law, three children, and many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren:

Russell (Dana): Misty (John) Kyle, Lane, Zoe, Lily Ziva; Gary, Bentley, Frances, Augustus; Lori (James), Jerrica, James Jr., Justin, Shayona, Timmy, Dakota

Barbara (Larry); Megan (Rory), Kendra; Kamren

Leslie (Tad); Blake; Joe (Amanda), Kaysen; Isaac

The family would like to thank the staff of the St. Mary’s Cardiac Unit and the staff at the Residence of Grand Mesa for their compassionate care.

Formal services are not planned for the near future.

A youth scholarship fund has been established to honor Bill's legacy.  Memorial contributions may be made as follows: Write checks payable to Fruita FFA, add memo line "Bill Law Memorial Fund". Please mail checks to Barbara Bennett (Bill's daughter) at P. O. Box 154, Fruita, CO 81521.