William "Bill" Maltby, a long-time resident of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and a beloved friend to many, passed away on October 4th, 2024, after a long illness. Bill was known for his adventurous spirit, his love for dogs, passion for music, and his deep commitment to the Glenwood Springs Elks Lodge, where he was an active member and cherished friend for many years. He was all action, not much talk, got along with everyone, and in the early years had a keg of beer in the back of the shop, a makeshift lounge, for afterhours companionship with his friends.
Bill was born on June 1, 1943, in Chicago Heights, Illinois, to William Charles Maltby and Celia Compratt Maltby. He graduated from Bloom High School (Illinois) and attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin where his love for music led him to form the PJ Murphy Quintet. Bill, his fraternity brothers and a female singer, played rock music dances and even recorded an album in 1964 called "THE PJ MURPHY QUINTET!" Bill played the keyboards, sang, and wrote half of the songs on the album including Murphy's Monkey.
- Listen to Murphy's Monkey - 1964 Frat Garage/ Surf Instrumental on YouTube
After his junior year, Bill decided to pursue a law degree at the University of Illinois School of Law. Though he didn't ultimately practice law, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to purchase motorcycle franchises in both Urbana, IL and Glenwood Springs. He opened Sportland in Glenwood Springs, where he sold, rented, and repaired motorcycles and snowmobiles for over three decades. In his later years, Bill found great joy in his work as a cook and kitchen manager at the Glenwood Springs Elks Lodge. Bill also found joy in the smiles he brought to both the Glenwood Springs and Meeker Golf Clubs, making them wonderful places to play a round of golf and have a great meal. In addition to his interpersonal skills, his self-taught skills were vast from being able to fix a bike, run a business, delight customers, and could figure out whatever challenge he faced.
Bill is survived by his son, Ryan William Barnes of Prescott, Arizona; his sisters, Janet Maltby Tussing of Evanston, Illinois, and Diane Maltby Henry of Englewood, Colorado; and his cousin, James Compratt of Canon City, Colorado. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Tanya Tussing of Austin, Texas; Dirk Tussing of Chicago; Tara Tussing Unverzagt of Torrance, California; Jennifer Henry Lewis of Cary, North Carolina; Ann Henry Nichols of Lake Forest, California; and Mark Henry of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; as well as 4 grandnieces and 4 grandnephews and Matilda, his miniature Australian shepherd.