William R. "Bill" Culbertson

William R Bill Culbertson, 88, of Fort Collins passed away Sunday, August 23, 2009 in his home. Born June 4, 1921 in Tama, Iowa, Bill moved to Colorado in 1940 to work for his uncle as a plumber in Golden, Colorado where he met his future wife Jean. Bill and Jean were married in 1942 while Bill was attending Colorado A&M. Bill interrupted his college career to join the Army Air Corp and served during the war as an air traffic controller in England. Upon his return to the states, Bill completed his education at A&M, graduating in 1949. That same year he began his career with the Colorado State Extension Service as Assistant County Agent in Montrose County. In 1960 Bill moved his family back to Fort Collins where he served as Livestock Specialist for the State of Colorado. During his time with the Extension Service Bill was instrumental in development of the American Youth Horse Council, and was honored several times for his work with the Colorado Horseman's Council, Inc. , and his work with development of a horse training program for 4-H youth across the state. He also served as Carload Superintendent for the National Western Stock Show for 22 years. Bill was also known among his western friends for his artistic ability where he displayed his love for the west. His art work was displayed in the Western Horseman magazine and the Hereford Journal where he illustrated several articles. One of his oil paintings graced the cover of the National Western Stock Show program. He has also illustrated several books. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, a younger brother, Robert and his wife Jean. He is survived by brother, Harry of Orange County, California; sister, Sally Mancini of Apache Junction, Arizona; three sons, David of Fort Collins, Steve and wife Sharon of Parker, and Richard of Anchorage, Alaska; two grandsons, Chad and Chris, and one great granddaughter. No services are planned. Memorial contributions may be made in Bill's name to the Warren Tech Foundation, 13300 W 2nd Place, Lakewood, CO 80228-1256.