William (Bill) Cooper Barendse died August 5 in Kalispell, Mont., where he lived, worked and climbed the mountains he loved. He was 42.

He will be remembered for his friendliness to all and his charismatic personality.

He was born in Connecticut on May 2, 1979. During his childhood, his family moved frequently and he lived in Vermont, New York, North Carolina, Texas and Utah. Wherever he lived, Bill explored the natural areas around his homes, camping, hiking and becoming an accomplished outdoorsman.

He eventually settled on Cape Cod. After moving there, he hiked many sections of the Appalachian Trail and climbed in the White Mountains.

He graduated from Barnstable High School and attended the University of Montana, where he developed his lifelong love for the state and its national parks and mountains.

A graceful and natural athlete, he skied from an early age and played soccer and baseball in school. He mentored young men in sports and instilled an appreciation of nature. One of his legacies will be the success of these people. Many will remember his yellow labrador Fenway, whom he trained into a great companion and who accompanied him on outdoor adventures.

At the time of his death, he was employed clearing trees around the electrical transmission towers that run through the mountains above Kalispell. He loved working in the canopy of the forest and it was in these them and the mountains that he felt most at peace.

He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Diane and Robert Nicholls of Oak Bluffs; his father, Henry Barendse of Southwest Harbor, Me.; his godmother, Mireille Purslow; his brother, Peter Barendse; his aunts, Barbara Link, Kathy Bourque and Sandy Marsilius; his uncles, Pierre, JP and Rob Barendse; his cousins, Newman Marsilius and his wife Jennifer, Christian Marsilius and his wife Jennifer, Andrew Bourque and his wife Kelsey, Dana Bourque, Alexa Bourque, Mirabelle Purslow, Sarah Julie and Matthew Barendse; his stepbrother, Barton Nicholls and his wife Carol; his stepsister, Kyle Cobb and her husband Nate; and by many cherished friends.

The family wishes to thank all who have so beautifully described their memories of Bill and his loving nature, ability to make all occasions special, capacity for hard work and, perhaps most touching, the lasting positive impact he had on their lives.

A service of thanksgiving for his life will be held at West Parish Church of Barnstable in West Barnstable on Saturday, Sept. 11 at 11 a.m., with an outdoor reception to follow. All who loved Bill are invited to join us in a celebration of his life.

The family is partnering with the Appalachian Mountain Club to create a memorial project in his name. Donations can be made through the Appalachian Mountain Club: www.outdoors.org/donate/tribute-gifts/ or to Appalachian Mountain Club, 10 City Square, Boston, MA 02129. Please include Bill’s name with the donation.