[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 70 (Wednesday, April 26, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E357]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF WILLIAM ``BILLY'' SAPA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RYAN K. ZINKE

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 26, 2023

  Mr. ZINKE. Mr. Speaker, the community of Columbia Falls, Montana 
suffered a great loss recently with the passing of William ``Billy'' 
Sapa.
  Billy was the kind of guy every small town needs. He was the owner 
and operator of the Blue Moon Nite Club--a local restaurant and 
watering hole previously owned by his parents. He was the dedicated 
head coach of the Columbia Falls High School Wildcats baseball team, 
operated his multi-generational family farm, host of the summer rodeo 
series, and I am proud to say he was my friend.
  While Billy is known for his sense of humor and loyalty to his 
people, he wasn't known as one to brag, which is why it came as a 
surprise to many in the Flathead Valley that Billy was signed by the 
New York Yankees after college. He was in his first year as a pitcher 
and the world was his oyster. He could have done anything, a 
hardworking kid from a small Montana timber and manufacturing town. It 
was a tragic twist of fate that brought Billy back to the valley to 
take care of his family and led him to a life of building our little 
community.
  Billy was a proud patriot, a loving father, and a staple in the 
Columbia Falls community. He loved the community of Columbia Falls and 
will be dearly missed. I thank Billy and the entire Sapa family for all 
they've done to make the Flathead Valley a great place to call home.
  Rest easy brother.

                          ____________________