He attended boot camp training in Farragut, Idaho. Following advanced training, he was then ordered to the South Pacific, where he served aboard an LCT (Landing Craft, Tank) for the remainder of World War II.
After his honorable discharge, he returned home and was wed to Nancy Love on the Sept. 14, 1947. The couple moved to Piceance Creek to operate the LOV Ranch, which was owned by Nancy’s parents, Milo (Waddy) and Helen Love. Bill and Nancy eventually purchased the ranch and Bill was involved in the operation until shortly before his passing.
Never one to suffer an idle moment, Bill served in many areas of public service in addition to the full-time challenges of operating a large, successful commercial Hereford ranch. The LOV Ranch, primarily still Hereford and some Black Angus, continues to operate under the guidance of his son, Jim Brennan, and family.
Bill started his public service on the school board while his children were attending the Rock School on Piceance Creek. Bill was then elected county commissioner of Rio Blanco County, serving two terms from 1971–1979. During this time, he was appointed to the Colorado State Highway Commission, serving during the planning and construction phases of Glenwood Canyon and the Eisenhower/Johnson Tunnel.
He held many positions in banking and farm service organizations, Club 20, in addition to holding offices and memberships in Rio Blanco Stockgrowers, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association and numerous boards and committees relating to the livestock industry.
Although never straying long from his beloved ranch, Bill and Nancy were able to travel extensively, including Africa, Mexico, Canada, Washington D.C., where he testified before Congress on many occasions, Alaska, the Northeast U.S. and other shorter trips.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife Nancy, his parents and six siblings. He is survived by his remaining brother, James, and four children: Michael Milo Brennan (Jackie) of Meeker, Kay Nancy Bumguardner of Mesa, Colorado, James William Brennan (Beverly) running the ranch on Piceance Creek and Richard Joseph Brennan (Sandie) of North Pole, Alaska. He was blessed with seven grandchildren: CL Bumguardner, Rachel Goodman, Rebecca Brennan, Neil Brennan, Matt Brennan, Ben Brennan, Erin Brennan; and 11 great-grandchildren, numerous Brennan relatives, plus a host of wonderful friends.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2014, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Meeker.
