William McBride 2/12/1969 - 4/27/2025
William's Celebration of Life was a beautiful success.
Thank you to everyone who joined the special gathering honoring William. He would have been surprised and touched by the turnout. As promised, here is the link to the slideshow that was beautifully curated by Audrey Ballew.
The second song in the slide show is an extraordinary piece created by William's niece Ashley and her husband Brian. They had family members write paragraphs about their memories and relationships with William. They then put those paragraphs to original music and recorded it.
Video Link
As mentioned during William's Celebration of Life: when he was a child, a unique documentary was filmed about his family's living on the beach in Baja, Mexico. The voice is his mom, Jenna. Isn't her voice beautiful? The music is Jenna playing the accordion. The SCAN ME link here on the left can be scanned using the camera on your phone. We will try to get a regular link up, as well.
William's Obituary
William Eldred McBride, 56, passed away from cancer on April 27, 2025, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Born on February 12, 1969, in Reno, Nevada, William lived a life marked by creativity, determination, and a deep connection to the natural world.
William graduated from Valley High School in Albuquerque, NM in 1987, and became a dedicated business owner, building a successful career through hard work and a steadfast commitment to excellence. William excelled as a wilderness guide, a franchise owner, an open space ranger, and in self-employment. He was known for bringing ideas to life with thoughtful precision and care. Friends and colleagues alike, would agree that his problem-solving skills were unmatched.
An avid over-lander and hiker, William spent countless hours exploring trails and the back-country—often driving exclusively on dirt roads. He and his dear friend James Opel successfully raced their custom Mercedes Benz G-Wagen in the Sonora Rally, twice! This incredibly rigorous off-road event is the ultimate challenge "between competitor, machine and terrain, testing navigation and off-road racing skills" in North America. While at home, William enjoyed photographing wildlife, woodworking and hunting. He had a knack for solving Rubik’s Cubes in under one minute and sharing random, unique facts on numerous subjects—an impressive reflection of his analytical mind!
At the time of his passing, William was planning a lengthy solo canoe trip that exemplified his independent spirit and his enduring love of exploration. He enjoyed challenges that many would deem overwhelming.
He is remembered with love by his brother Mitch Nickolds; sister Chala Rasmussen; former wife Leslie McBride; numerous beloved nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his brother Sole Worden; sister Mohee McBride; step-father Gary Ottinger; mother Jenna Worden; and brother Jonah Nickolds.
William handled aggressive cancer with grace and courage. To honor him, a Celebration of Life gathering will be held in Santa Fe, New Mexico on July 19, 2025. Please visit rememberingwilliam.com for details.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Scott's House 287 Rodeo Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505. The staff at this amazing hospice facility provided excellent care to William in his last months of life.
