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Michael Bushfield, Eureka, MT, is the winner!

William G. 'Bill' Crutcher is the answer for Clearwater History Trivia #645, a special feature to celebrate the history and heritage of Clearwater Country.

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Monday: Rotary

Tuesday: Clearwater Memorial Public Library

Wednesday: Worked in a mill

Thursday: Loved to fish

Friday: Motel manager

Saturday: A coach

William G. 'Bill' Crutcher was born in Ahsahka in 1930 "in the little house up on the hill that looked over the river" to James and Mary Crutcher. He was raised in the Orofino area. He had one brother, Jim, and one sister, Mary Ellen.

As a youngster, he loved to fish and hunt in the area where Dworshak Dam is now located. He served in the Korean War returning in 1954. He was at the Empire Cafe when he met "a little, bubbly red-head' named Marilyn Williams. He escorted her home every night after that until they married in June. They had three children and though they later divorced, they remained good friends. He later married Earlene Ewing in Orofino. They later divorced.

As a young man he worked at the Riverside Mill. He served in the Idaho State Senate from District 7. He moved his family to Boise where he became Director of the Disability Determinations Unit. Later, he spent years managing various motels in the northwest, ending up in Walla Walla, WA.

Bill was involved in many civic, fraternal and Governmental organizations such as Jaycees, Odd Fellows, Eagles, Elks, AMVETS, Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club. He was also involved in Orofino Little League as a coach and umpire for 17 years. For 40 years, he was the auctioneer at the Orofino Lumberjack Days. His obituary says he loved this because he would prank many of his friends such as selling a box of cigars worth $7 for $45 or a hair permanent to a bald guy.

He passed away July 9, 2011 in Walla Walla.

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Orofino, ID 83544
Orofino 476 0733
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