GLENWOOD SPRINGS – William Meriwether won’t be able to make the Friday opening for his retrospective show of photographic works. But the knowledge that the show will go on as planned was comforting solace in his final hours.

Meriwether, a former Colorado Mountain College photography instructor who has been battling terminal bone cancer, died at his West Glenwood home Tuesday at 9:23 p.m. He was 65.

He was accompanied by a Hospice of the Valley volunteer, and his wife of 17 years, Bobbie. It was Bill and Bobbie’s wedding anniversary.

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“William’s last big goal was to get his life perspective of photographs put together in time for this show,” said Hospice of the Valley Volunteer Coordinator Sean Jeung.

Early Tuesday, Jeung said Meriwether awoke to one of his favorite sights – three of his large black-and-white photos of mountain scenics still hanging on the wall above his wife’s grand piano. Bobbie is a concert pianist.

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In and out of consciousness throughout the day and knowing his time was near, Jeung said they set up a hospital bed next to the piano.

“The next time he opened his eyes the photos were gone, and he knew that they were hanging in the show as they were supposed to be,” Jeung said. “It was like that was all that he needed; he’d completed his life mission.”

Meriwether taught photography as an adjunct instructor at CMC from 1992 to 2004. His platinum prints and digital photographs will be on display at the Colorado Mountain College Gallery in downtown Glenwood Springs beginning this Friday, continuing through July 28.

An opening reception from 6-8 p.m. Friday will serve as a memorial service of sorts. It will also be a fundraiser to help cover the mounting medical expenses associated with Meriwether’s illness.

jstroud@postindependent.com