William Joel Anderson, aka "Bill Higbee" , 78, of Steamboat Springs, CO. passed away on

December 23rd, 2025. William Anderson was born in Steamboat Springs and raised by his

grandparents, Arthur and Gertrude Campbell. Bill was an Army Veteran and when he

returned to Steamboat after his service, he began tending bar and was often known as the

local mountain man. Bill went on to a career with Rocky Mountain Airways and was the

Yampa Valley Regional Airport manager. He also graduated from the University of Colorado

with a degree in paleontology. Bill was known for his love of animals, especially ferrets and

reptiles, his love of nature and fossils, his fierce independence and positive attitude.

A memorial service will be held at the Steamboat Springs Community Center on March 1st

at 11:00am. SOAR -Serving Older Adults in Routt, provided years of service and friendship

to Bill in his later years and he generously left his estate to this non-profit.

Photos courtesy of Carrie Barnes Wren.