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William Burchtel Collister AMP ’44

William Burchtel Collister AMP ’44, February 11, 2013, in Denver, Colorado. Bill grew up in Colorado and Iowa, the son of a circuit-riding Methodist minister and an emigrant from the Isle of Man who worked in rough, mountainous gold and silver mining towns. Bill studied at Reed in the premeteorology program, and after World War II earned a bachelor’s degree from the School of Political Science and International Affairs at Princeton. After completing a law degree at the University of Denver, he worked as a landman in Montana, Wyoming, and North and South Dakota, researching titles and negotiating oil and gas leases. He practiced law in Denver in the area of oil and gas for more than 50 years, serving an inspiration to countless people in his profession and his community. The University of Denver alumni association presented him with the Evans Award for professional achievement and humanitarian service in 1994, and the Ricks Center for Gifted Children at the university established the William Burchtel Collister Alumni Achievement Award in 2006. Bill and Alice Anderson married in 1961; they visited more than 50 countries and all continents but one. Additionally, Bill owned a library containing hundreds of books and read them all. Survivors include Alice, two brothers, and a sister.

Appeared in Reed magazine: September 2013