Our Founder
Bill Macfadden (December 15, 1928 - October 20, 2017) was born and educated in Minneapolis. He graduated from Dartmouth College. Bill migrated to Montana in March of 1955, by birth he is not a native but he got here as fast as he could. “When I was in high school, I worked for a lumber company in Idaho in the summer,” said Bill. "Then the next summer, I worked in a logging camp in Montana not far from Forest Green. So from then on, I figured that whatever I do in life, I am doing it in Montana and I have never looked back.”
Bill was a man of many talents and skills. His wonderful smile and the twinkle in his eyes let you know there was a mischievous side to him. He had a great sense of humor and quick wit always ready to tell a great story or funny joke. It seems that most everyone in town knew Ol’ Bill.
Bill served in the United States Marine Corp where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, in action against enemy forces in Korea.
Bill began his career with D.A. Davidson in March of 1960 and retired on November 1, 1990. Bill was a man of many firsts. In 1981, he became the first president of Financial Aims. He was the first manager of D. A. Davidson’s Syndicate Department; he designed and initiated the training program for D. A. Davidson Investment Executives. He was the first (almost native) Montanan on the Chicago Board Options Exchange and a member of the Midwest Stock Exchange and the Chicago Board of Trade. He was appointed in 1990 to serve on the Montana State Board of Investments.
Bill balanced a demanding professional career with family, church and community involvement including serving on several boards. On the day Bill retired from D.A. Davidson in 1990 he started Eagle Mount Great Falls.
Bill definitely enjoyed life to the fullest. When he first came to Great Falls he played hockey for the Great Falls Americans. He had many other enjoyments such as; fishing, hunting, skiing, rafting, and playing cards. Bill and his wife, Joan-Nell, have three daughters and seven grandchildren. Together they have made a tremendous impact on people’s lives in our community and beyond.
Bill was and always will be the driving force in making Eagle Mount Great Falls what it is today. He was a true believer in team work and always said “there is no I in team”. Bill has created a legacy within Eagle Mount Great Falls that promotes teamwork, acceptance, adventure, new abilities and friendship. We are very proud and we welcome you to become part of this extraordinary team that will take Bill’s legacy into the future.