August 7, 1948 – November 11, 2025

William H. (Bill) Chace passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 11, 2025, at the Blaire House in Worcester, Massachusetts. Bill was born and raised in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Bill taught vocational education to inner-city youth in the Hartford area and served in the Massachusetts Air National Guard from April 1967 to March 1973. In 1974, Bill hitchhiked to Steamboat Springs, where he settled and developed his passion for the Yampa River. This interest led him to become a founding member of the Yampa Valley Fly Fishers and to help establish the Yampa Valley Stream Improvement Charitable Trust (YVSICT), where he served on the Board of Directors for many years. Bill was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed mentoring others in shooting sports, fly fishing, and fly-tying. Bill’s collaborative nature fostered partnerships with anglers, kayakers, businesses, bird watchers, ranchers, and city officials. As Director of the YVSICT, Bill brought in over $200,000 in grant funding and played a vital role in early stream restoration projects throughout the Yampa Valley. Bill’s efforts helped make the Yampa the valuable resource it is today. Bill turned his passion for improving riparian habitat into a career as a River Keeper. In 1999, Bill was awarded the Excellence in Riparian Management Award from the Colorado Riparian Association for his substantial contributions to riparian conservation and restoration. Bill volunteered on multiple riparian restoration projects and was always enthusiastic about mentoring young professionals. Bill had a fervent passion for dogs and kept one by his side at all times. Bill left behind numerous close friends, whom he considered family. With Bill’s passing, the Yampa River has lost one of its strongest advocates
A celebration of life will take place on Friday, July 31st, from 4:00 – 9:00 at the STARS Ranch on US HWY 40 at the southern end of Steamboat Springs. All are welcome