Evans Funeral Home
"Compassionate Funeral Service"
Carrington and New Rockford, North Dakota
701.652.3003 or 701.947.2911
Secondary Number ~ 701.650.9937
William “Bill” Hope
William “Bill” Hope, age 99, passed away Saturday, February 27, 2021, at CHI St. Alexis Health, Carrington, ND.
William Raymond Hope was born January 2, 1922, to G. L. and Hazel (Fahy) Hope in Fessenden, ND. Bill graduated from Fessenden High School in 1939. He attended NDSU. Two quarters short of graduating in 1943, Bill enlisted in the Army Air Corps. As a flight engineeer on a B-29 he flew missions over China, Japan, and the Southeast Pacific. After World War II, he continued his service as an Air Force Reservist from 1947 to 1971, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. When he returned to the states, Bill married Donna Carter on September 19, 1945, in Seattle, WA. They returned to Fessenden after his discharge, where he joined his father’s Ford dealership. Bill moved the business to New Rockford in 1951, later merging with Albert Haas’ International Harvester dealership to form Town and Country Motors. He retired from that business in 1979.
Bill was active in his community and his church, a long-time member of Kiwanis, the Masons, Shrine, and Grand Commandery, American Legion and VFW. He was a member of the First Methodist Church board for many years, and often served as church treasurer. He was inducted into the Order of the Arrow for his service to the board of Boy Scout Troop 174. He also served on the city Park Board at a time of growth in local recreational facilities, and was one of the first to hold a lifetime membership in the New Rockford Golf Club. In his retirement, Bill served as municipal judge for over ten years.
He is survived by five children: Ronan Rolland, Benson MN, W. Carter (Jacqueline) Hope, Kennewick WA, Jennifer (Mike) Martin, Rock Springs WY, James (Jackie) Hope, Dickinson ND, and Sharron Hope, New Rockford ND; seven grandchildren: Adam Rolland, Rachel Rolland, Garrett Hope, Andrea Hope Hall, Andrew Martin, Nathan Martin, and Patrick Hope; seven great-grandchildren and several nieces.
Bill is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Donna; parents G. L. and Hazel Hope; siblings Helen H. Graves, Richard A. Hope, and Harriet Winn; brother-in-law Robert H. Carter and son-in-law Richard Rolland, Jr.
Memorials may be made in Bill’s name to the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd or Prairie Home Cemetery Auxiliary.
Funeral Services will be on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 11:00AM at First Congregational Church, New Rockford, ND.
Burial will be at the Prairie Home Cemetery, New Rockford, ND.
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We were so sad to hear of Bill’s passing. He was such a pillar of the community and the United Methodist Church through the years. Jim and I always enjoyed visiting with him. He was a wise man and a mentor to both of us. Several times when Jim was mayor he sought Bill’s advice, as he really respected Bill’s judgment.
I took over as church treasurer when Bill retired from the job after many years. I called him often and he was always there to help.
May you find comfort in memories of good times.
He will be greatly missed!
Our sincere sympathy to all the family.
So sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace. Sure will miss him!
Will be greatly missed. rIP
Our sincerest condolences to Bill’s family. I worked for Bill at Town & Country Motors years ago. He was an awesome boss and I learned a lot from him! After he retired, he would always stop and chat whenever he saw me. He was a very wise man and and a big part of the community.
One great guy and as honest as the day is long. Even though its been awhile since he was in biusiness, New Rockford will miss him
Bill was my Dad’s first boss when my family moved here in 1952. Dad always had respect for Bill and they became friends and had many interactions over the years. Bill lived a good life and had a great smile! May he rest in peace with our heavenly Father.
I was saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. Wishing you peace.
Ronan, Carter, Jennifer, Jim and Sharron,
One of the best parts of growing up on Central Ave in NR was living across the street from the Bill and Donna Hope family. You kids had great parents.
The Valer kids have many fond memories of adventures with the Hopes.
Our condolences on the passing of your dad. May you be comforted knowing that he had a long, well lived life.
The Valers
Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I always admired his friendly and easy going manner. Bill and I were good friends and worked together at the senior center.
A good man and friend of my father Patrick Caulfield! Dad talked about with high respect often. Prayers to the family.
He was the most level headed common sense guy and great for giving advise if you asked him. He was also my military mentor and carried that military swagger all his life which I liked