Vigil held in honor of beloved Pray community member
Mar 09, 2026
Near the quiet town of Pray, about 20 miles south of Livingston, a crowd gathered Sunday to honor the life of Bill Georgeson.Everybody in the valley that Ive talked to, everybody loved Bill, said his brother, Michael Georgeson.B
ills life was deeply rooted in the outdoors.Bill was all about the outdoors. Everything was about the outdoors, Michael said.Michael shared memories of his younger brothers simple rituals including sitting in a chair in his driveway each morning, watching the sun rise over the mountains.He called it his sun therapy or something like that, Michael joked.WATCH: Vigil held in Pray for Bill Georgeson as Park County Sheriff investigates his death as a homicide Vigil held in Pray for Bill Georgeson as Park County Sheriff investigates his death as homicideBills passions also included riding his Razor and dirt bike hobbies passed down through their family hiking, and a unique pastime: prospecting for gold.Actually, I have a little piece of my brother that I carry at all times now, Michael said. It used to be on his table and he showed it to everybody. Its a little bit of gold.But on Feb. 12, Michael received news he never expected.I know it happens to people, it doesnt happen to us. You know, thats what everybody says, but its true, Michael said. When something like this happens I dont know. This is so strange, I cant even believe hes gone. I wish he were here right now.Bill was found dead in the driveway of his home near Pray. His death is being treated as a homicide.Park County Sheriff Tad Dykstra said in a statement last week: We have been in contact with all of the individuals involved and have an understanding of the events that occurred. With that, Im confident there are no threats to the public.Michael said he, Bills mother, their three siblings, Bills two children, five grandchildren, and the rest of his friends and family all want the same thing.I want us to see justice, thats all, Michael said. And I do have faith in the Park County Sheriffs Office. At Sundays vigil, tears were shed, stories were shared, and even songs written about Bill by a friend were played. Around 50 people attended the gathering.It means that they saw the same thing I saw in my brother, Michael said. Hes just a kindhearted, really gentle guy, and everybody saw that. Thats what I see when I see all these people they all miss him just like I do.Dykstra said detectives are working to wrap up the investigation into Georgesons death, after which they will meet with the county attorney to decide the next steps.RELATED: Park County deputies investigate death of 65-year-old man found on driveway
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