A full and rich life came to a sudden end with the passing of William "Bill" Louis Delaney, on Wednesday, April 1, 2015, at his home in Custer, SD.

Bill was born in Hot Springs, SD, on October 12, 1943, to William John and Alice Marie (Harding) Delaney, joining older brother David Michael, and later welcoming brother Patrick John, to this loving family. Bill spent his entire life in Custer. He was a baptized and confirmed member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church; he attended and graduated from Custer High School in 1963. A dedicated and hard-working man, Bill spent 20 years working for Custer Lumber Company before moving on to work the next 32 years as the "Papa Smurf" of the Custer County Highway Department before retiring in 2014. Bill's service to his community didn't stop at the end of the work-day as he spent many years with the Army National Guard and provided valuable assistance with rescue, recovery and clean-up in the aftermath of the June 9, 1972, flood. Always looking for ways to help, Bill dedicated 32 years to the Custer Volunteer Fire Department, serving as Fire Chief for 18 years.

He married his best friend and soul mate, Shari Hancock, on May 30, 1965, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. They would spend almost 50 years together. In October 1969, Bill and Shari added their son, Thad Scott, to the family and in September 1972, welcomed daughter, Kimberley Ann. Bill and Shari worked together raising their children with much love, support, guidance and laughter.

Family, and spending time with the family, was Bill's greatest joy. He enjoyed teaching his children how to hunt safely and responsibly, and how to enjoy life. A true joy for Bill was tinkering with and restoring classic vehicles; and he loved having Shari at his back and the wind in his face when he rode his Harley-Davidson down the road. Bill's life was made fuller and richer when grandchildren were added to the family, and he got to share his knowledge and most of all his love with another generation. The addition of a great-grandson to the fold was an extra special joy for Bill who saw yet another opportunity to share his special brand of love and knowledge.

Grateful to have shared and celebrating Bill's life are his wife Shari; son, Thad (Stephanie) Delaney of Gillette, Wyoming; daughter, Kimberley Cowan of Custer; grandchildren, Cassidy Cowan, Caitlyn, Casey, Kelsey, Anthony and Sabriana Delaney; great-grandson, Jesse James Delaney; brothers, Michael (Donna) and Patrick (Lou Ann); his father-in-law, Ralph Hancock; brother-in-law, Ralph (Carolyn) Hancock; and sisters-in-law, Candy (LaVon) Hughes and Leah "Cookie" (Gene) Randall; and Bill's God-daughter, Aubrey (Delaney) and Dusty Hunter; nephews, Jeremy (Shayla) Delaney, Sean (Julie) Delaney and niece, Ann (Jim) White. Special friends who enriched Bill's life are Mike Carter, Mike Dailey, Rick Wheeler, Corbin Herman, Larry Walker, the crew at the Custer County Highway Shop, and members of the Custer Volunteer Fire Department. Bill will be remembered by countless family, friends and neighbors with whom he shared his life.

Preceding Bill in death and awaiting him in Heaven were his parents, John and Alice Delaney, son-in-law, Ron Cowan, grandson, Chase Cowan, and sister-in-law, Melisa (Pat) Delaney.

The family wishes to thank everyone for their love and support and asks that you join them to celebrate the life and legacy of an exceptional man. Services will be conducted Monday, April 6, 2015, at 10:00 A.M. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Custer, with Pastor Bob Gardener officiating.

A memorial has been established to provide for the education of Bill's grandchildren and great-grandson.