William (Bill) R. McElhinney passed away on Oct. 14, 2026, in Dewey, Ariz., after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Tara McElhinney; sons Tim McElhinney and Tyler McElhinney; his mother, Sue Dashiell; sisters Katy Garza and Angela Wisenbaker; brother Chuck McElhinney; four grandchildren; and various nieces and nephews.
Bill was born on March 9, 1960, in Houston, Texas. He left Texas and traveled extensively across the U.S. in the construction industry, where he was well-known as one of the best piping and mechanical supervisors in the business. After retiring, he made his home base in Pagosa Springs and was active in the Back Country Horsemen, Pagosa Trail Riders, Grey Wolves Ski Club, and Wolf Creek Gun and Bow Association and Archery. He loved to shoot, hunt, fish and ski. He was known to have a quick wit, with his humor providing many fun memories for his friends, family and co-workers.
There will a celebration of life in Houston, Texas, with his family during the holidays.
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