William "Bill" Gaydosh

William “Bill” Gaydosh passed away peacefully on June 2, 2024.  Bill was a loving and devoted husband and father, loyal friend, proud business owner and lover of the outdoors.  Nothing made Bill happier than to help others.

Bill was born on January 14, 1964 to Bernard and Patricia Gaydosh.  He grew up primarily in Wichita Falls, Texas, where he also graduated from Midwestern State University.  He received his Master’s degree from Sangamon State University in Springfield, Illinois where he started his career in the nuclear field.  After graduate school he started working for Westinghouse at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in Carlsbad, New Mexico, where he met his wife, Karen.  Bill and Karen went on to work at various Department of Energy sites around the country until Bill decided to start a new career in 2016.  Bill and Karen purchased Taos Mountain Outfitters in Taos, New Mexico in July 2016 and since have added two locations, in Red River New Mexico and Canyon Texas.  Bill considered our teams family and cared deeply for each and every member of our staff.

Bill was an incredibly proud father of Amy and Julia and was always on the ready to give life lessons to his girls.  He took his job as a father seriously and over the years “adopted” many who he would sit and talk to and give life guidance.  He was a proud Eagle Scout and looked forward every year to visiting with rangers from Philmont Scout Ranch, a place that he had cherished as a kid.

Bill loved to camp, hike, and especially fish.  He had a true appreciation of good outdoor gear and apparel and after joining the outdoor industry he felt like he had found his community of like-minded people.   Bill formed strong relationships with other shop owners, brand reps and adventure lovers alike.  He worked to form alliances with other small businesses and outdoor stores to share experience and offer help when needed. He was passionate about giving to others and was always ready to lend a hand to someone in need.

Bill is survived by his mother, Patricia Gaydosh of Wichita Falls Texas, his wife Karen of Taos, New Mexico, and daughters Amy of Denver Colorado and Julia of Flagstaff Arizona. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 8^th, 2024, 3 pm, at The Gorge Bar and Grill in Taos, NM. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Food Pantry at St. James Episcopal Church in Taos, NM, Veterans Off-Grid, or Patriot Anglers, all organizations that Bill loved and supported regularly.  

The family of William “Bill” Gaydosh has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. www.devargastaos.com 1-866-657-4019