Dr. William C. "Bill" Black III

Dr. William Cormack Black III

Dr. William (Bill) Black, 86 of Albuquerque, NM passed away in his sleep at home surrounded by his family on August 21, 2017. Bill was born and grew up in Denver, Colorado, but has lived in Albuquerque since 1968.

Bill is survived by his wife of 61 years, Katherine, sons William IV, Charlie, Jim, and daughter Elisabeth. He had four grandchildren:  Christine, Emma, Spencer, and Eva and one great grandson, Santiago.  His dog Socks will also miss her papa.

Bill attended Colorado College for three years where he briefly explored a career in professional golf before enrolling in Medical School at the University of Colorado in Denver.  There he met Katherine whom he married in 1956.  He spent his internship at the University of Kansas Medical Center before moving back to Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs.  He then finished his training in Surgical Pathology at Colombia University in New York before fulfilling his military service as a surgical pathologist at the VA Hospital in St. Louis. He served briefly as an Assistant Professor at Washington University. During this time he became a life-long fan of the greatest baseball team on earth, the St. Louis Cardinals.

At this time the University of New Mexico was opening a new Medical School.  Heavily recruited and very excited about being part of a new program, Bill gathered up his family, and moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1968, where he spent the next 41-years teaching medical students, training pathology residents, and working as a surgical pathologist for the new UNM Cancer Center.  Dr. Black was recognized by the University and professional organizations, but the awards that he prized the most were the annual Hippo Awards presented by the students to their most revered and entertaining teachers.

Bill is best remembered for his deep love and interest in fly fishing which he shared with his entire family, and many friends and students.  Bill authored six books and numerous magazine articles on fly fishing and fly tying.  He also taught ‘Flyfishing Basics’ every spring for 38 years, the longest running course in UNM’s Continuing Educations program. His son Jim continues to teach this course.  He and his wife Kathie enjoyed fly fishing all across the globe, from Argentina to New Zealand to England, Scotland and Ireland.  His other interests included opera, gardening, and a fascination with cultivating different varieties of chili peppers.

Bill had a natural curiosity, which he maintained into his final days.  He loved writing, reading (especially Dickens), nature, and animals (especially dogs).  He was moderator to countless engaging conversations around the family dinner table.  His children and family have inherited this legacy of curiosity and discovery, which has fortified them throughout their lives.

A private memorial service for Bill will be held on September 2nd at his home. In Lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the local animal shelter or habitat protection organization of your choice.

To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to:
Daniels Family Funeral Services
Wyoming Chapel
7601 Wyoming Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
505-821-0010