The Leachman Spring Sale 2022

William “Bill” R. Angell 1946–2022 IN MEMORY OF In late January, we were saddened to learn of the loss of our dear friend, Bill Angell. Bill had been involved in Leachman sales for decades. As our office staff discussed his departure, we all agreed that he would be most missed for his bright and cheerful attitude. He could always bring a smile to the faces of those around him. Few would know that Bill had an uncanny knack for being able to calculate the sale average while the sale was going. One day, I had him keep track of which auctioneer did better – then we both saddled up to the “less fortunate” seller and asked what was wrong. Our analysis garnered a wry look and some hearty laughter.

We counted Bill Angell as great ring staff and a loyal supporter of our program. In fact, just days earlier, Bill had called me to make plans to attend this sale on March 28 th , 2022. Well friend, I imagine you are working the ring up in heaven today – I look forward to seeing you again! – Lee Leachman William R. “Bill” Angell was born in Lansing, Michigan to Robert D. and Frances L. Angell on August 24, 1946 and passed from this world on January 27, 2022. Bill was raised on a small farm in Michigan where he first acquired his love for agriculture. After graduating from East Lansing High School, he enrolled at Michigan State University (MSU) where he would begin his lifetime involvement with the cattle indus - try. Bill was an avid evaluator of livestock and was a member of the livestock judging team at MSU where he had great success and always valued the instruction he received from his coach and lifelong friend, Dr. Harlan Ritchie. Upon graduation from MSU, Bill continued his education by earning master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin where his success in livestock judging continued, but this time as the coach. All the success he experienced as a coach paled in comparison to the most important thing he received while in Wisconsin and that was the introduction to the love of his life, Donna Zimmerman. Bill and Donna were married on April 30, 1971, and spent the next 50 plus years together making a life of memories and leaving their mark on so many people. Shortly after their marriage, Bill and Donna moved to Lexington, Kentucky where Bill coached the livestock judging team at the University of Kentucky and continued to impact many young people who would go on to do great things in the industry. Throughout his life, when Bill would recognize the potential a young person had to impact the industry or to achieve their goals, he was the first one to lend support and to share some of his expertise he had gathered along his journey. His willingness to take the time to share words of encouragement with people over the years was an invaluable gift to so many.

On April 17, 1973, Bill and Donna started their family with the birth of their first-born, Blake William. After two years at the University of Kentucky, Bill made a career change that would set in motion the next nearly 50 years of his professional life. In the fall of 1973, Bill moved his family to Pine Bluff, Arkansas as he became a field

man for the American Polled Hereford Association. This is where Bill’s love for the pure - bred side of the cattle industry was forged. He traveled throughout a four-state region, as well as nationally, working with Polled Hereford breeders, assisting them with the mar - keting and promotion of their operations and conducting the business of the Association.

Page 162

see video at www.leachman.com