William Harter Cooney

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of William Harter Cooney. He battled with addiction and ultimately his addiction got the better part of him. We take comfort in knowing that his tortured self is no longer suffering.

He is survived by his beautiful boy Miles, his ‘white knight’ of a dad Gary, his beloved mama Debbie, supportive brother Michael, much loved sister Bonnie, and his five nieces whom he adored. He was taken too soon but in his 36 years he touched many people. He truly had the biggest heart. He felt deeply, loved deeply and genuinely wanted to help people. Anyone who knew ‘Bammer’ would tell you that he would have given you the shirt off his back. That is just the kind of person he was. He was very charming, with his soft Alabama accent, and would light up any room he walked into. We take peace in knowing how many people were inspired and touched by his generosity and his story, especially those also struggling with addiction. William had a deep love of music – he taught himself how to play a few musical instruments, notably the guitar and piano. He had an expert knowledge and passion for the complete catalogue of the Grateful Dead, and was a big Phish phan as well. His musical ear was a gift and it brought him much joy. He loved traveling around the country following his favorite bands, chasing a heater show, and the community of friends that came with it.

William also loved the outdoors – cold or hot – as long as he was in nature. He was a great athlete and had a lot of fun fishing, boating, hunting, hiking, skateboarding, and skiing. Always up for anything! Growing up his father and he shared a love of baseball, he was an excellent left-handed pitcher, and at the Dizzy Dean Baseball World Series was the MVP and a co-record holder of several pitching records. And based on his love of the movies, ‘A River Runs Through It’ and “Legends of the Fall”, he made his way to the University of Montana for college. The mountains of Montana always held a very special place in his heart - and the friendships he developed there were lifelong.

Miles is a spitting image of his father and William loved him more than anything in the world. He always talked about how he was the greatest gift, far beyond what he could have ever imagined. Miles inherited his dad’s sweet disposition, interest in music and adventure, mischievous smile, as well as, his silly sense of humor. He will always know the beauty and sensitivity that his dad’s life possessed.

We want to thank everyone who tried to help him, lend support, hold boundaries, and showed up for him. Especially Taylor Shannon, a truly amazing friend and brother to Bam.

We hope that sweet William-O will rest in peace – somewhere fly fishing in the mountains, searching for a honey hole, eating his mama’s fried quail, and listening to Jerry.

Not Fade Away.