William "Bill" Sontag

William “Bill” Sontag passed away peacefully at home on November 19, 2025, just shy of his 80th birthday. Born on November 29, 1945, in Houston, Texas, to Robert and Lucile Sontag, Bill grew into a life defined by public service, curiosity, and a deep love for the natural world. A graduate of Texas A&M University, he began his career in forestry and recreation management before serving more than three decades with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Park Service.

His career included leadership roles at Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge, the National Wildlife Refuge System in Washington, D.C., and the Rocky Mountain Regional Office of the National Park Service in Denver. He later served as superintendent at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Chamizal National Memorial, and the Amistad National Recreation Area before retiring from federal service in 2001.

After retirement, Bill continued sharing his talents as a reporter, editor, photographer, and independent research historian documenting the rich history of West Texas. Upon moving to Colorado, he devoted his time to his family, his faithful dogs, and his lifelong love of birds.

Bill is survived by his wife, Angeles Ortega; his son, Robert Sontag, and daughter-in-law Marci Sontag (cherished grandchildren Maddie and Ryan Sontag); his daughter, Deborah Hamelin, son-in-law Travis Hamelin (child Conner Hamelin); his sister, Kathy (Sontag) Beck; and the many lasting friendships he cultivated throughout his life.

Bill was known for his love of birds -especially photographing them-and for his deep respect for the land he devoted his life to protecting. His legacy endures in the parks he stewarded, the histories he preserved, and the countless people he inspired.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, December 16th, at 11:00 a.m. at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science (3rd Floor Board Room), 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO 80205.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science or Mi Casa Resource Center.