Occasionally I construct mental lists such as my favorite vacations, books, albums, movies, wilderness trips, and ski resorts; 10 foods that I would take to a deserted island; sports that I am good at (otherwise known as a null set); and so forth. As I was recalling memories of Bill the other day, I thought back to my most memorable “dinner,” one that I shared with Bill and Jim on an October trip to the BWCA, with dinner deservedly being in quotes.

We had canoed and portaged for 11 hours that day, arriving in camp just as the sun was setting at 7 pm or so. The total distance we had covered was at least 17 miles, if not more. The day had involved much orienteering, missed turns, backtracking, and sketchy portages. Both Bill and Jim crossed each portage with a canoe and a light pack whereas I carried a greyish blue monster (perhaps a Lowe backpack) that went from the top of my head to my knees and that accounts for me now being 5’9” instead of 6’ 4”. 

Arriving so late, we had to make dinner and set up camp before we lost the evening light. The three of us were famished and cold and were ready to end our trip the next day. We opened up our food bag to discover just three one-serving packets: one of instant oatmeal, one of soup, and one of hot chocolate. How did we end up in this predicament? Had Jim planned poorly? Unlikely. Had we stayed out a day longer than we expected? Possible but again, not likely. Had Jim planned for several dinners of fish and both he and Bill had failed to get their quota earlier in the week? Clearly, this is the most plausible explanation.

I can’t remember if we consumed one-third of each packet. More likely we drew cards to see who got the soup, oatmeal, or hot chocolate. Despite the cold, fatigue, and hunger pains, no one complained as we rehashed the day’s events and its ultimately successful conclusion – despite all the setbacks, we had made it to camp with a few minutes of daylight remaining.

It was the company, the shared experience, and the setting that made this dinner most memorable, not the food.

I've been thinking more than usual about Bill, Ann, and the entire Schultz family these past few days. I take comfort in looking at the photos of Bill, his family and friends and reflecting on all of the wonderful times he and I shared, often with many of you. From grand adventures (Alaska kayaking) to more mundane activities (sheetrocking cabin bedrooms), I enjoyed every minute with Bill. One photo in particular made me smile a bit more than the others. The picture (on the second page) is one of Bill and me at his 30th birthday party. Some of you may have noticed a small detail before (Lynne remembered it from the party), but it never registered with me until today. Check out the candle on his cake. Classic Bill. He could improvise with the best of them.  Thanks for all the laughs, Bill.

Hard to believe two years have gone by. I often think of my brother as my daily life goes on. Though our paths crossed infrequently it was always felt we would have more time together.
My regret is that we didn’t make time when the opportunity was there.
I know how proud Bill would be of his family and would have brought him so much happiness.
Bill is forever missed.
I am thankful and blessed to have had such a wonderful brother.

Yes, today would have been the day we would have gathered to celebrate my brother Bill’s life. Unfortunately the current times don’t allow gatherings of this type. Looks like a beautiful day in the north and would have been a wonderful time. The future will hold the same.
I think Bill would have done better during these times than many of us. Frequently he liked his time alone or at least sheltered up at his cabin with friends and family.
Bills memory often is there. I recently traveled near conifer Colorado and fished a stream,
had another Father’s Day, hearing of Chads trip to the wind river range. All these brought fond memories.
Look forward to the resolution of the pandemic so we can have a proper celebration.
While you shelter and isolate yourselves have a toast to wonderful husband, father, friend and brother.  Salute

Well, today was set aside for friends and family to get together at the cabin and celebrate having had Bill in our lives. Bill would be the first one to postpone this celebration/memorial to protect his loved ones from covid, and I am glad that decision was made. 

Gathering to tell stories, golf, eat, laugh, cry, and spend time with each other will hopefully help assuage the ever-present, deep ache Bill’s death has caused for many. Time has marched on without Bill, but he lives in my heart. And, he lives through all the acts of kindness and hard work that have taken place in his honor. He is remembered constantly by talking about him, remembering his quiet ways and sense of humor, putting him into today’s story – “What would Bill think about this?!” and in channeling his spirit to help get through the day.

We will hopefully gather to celebrate Bill next year. He will live on forever, maybe larger than life, in my heart and soul.

Bill was a great person, friend, and manager. I know he is going to be missed by all that had the opportunity to be around him. My sympathies to the family. My memory’s still have him with that grin. Almost like he knew something that you didn’t.
Rest In Peace my friend. 

Dear, dear Ann and Bill's family,
We are saddened to hear of Bill's passing to the other side. We hold you all in our prayers during this very difficult time. 
With love and fond memories,
Bob and Mary

Our deepest condolences to all of you. Bill was a wonderful man and he will be missed.

I worked with Bill for nearly 30 years and enjoyed all of our times together. Bill was one of the most genuine and sincere people I have ever encountered. He was very fair and always concerned about the well being of others.

Bill will be missed but never forgotten.

So Sorry to here of Bill's passing. I did not know him well but I know all who did, feel truly blessed. Our prayers to Ann and the family.

It has been my joy to have been part of Bill’s world. He was such a solid rock individual in every way that I never considered that he would not be ever-present. That he and Ann were on the precipice of making their long-dreamed-about next steps of life together makes his premature passing even more distressing. 

Going through family photos, I see that Bill was not ever front and center. He wasn’t attention seeking – he didn’t proselytize, or push his opinions on anyone else, but he did keep true to himself and his beliefs about people and the world. He believed in kindness. I think of Bill being quiet, but he wasn’t all that quiet and I do not know how he did that! Bill seemed to like feeling that he was a bit anti-social. It is ironic that he is beloved by so many. 

Bill was calm, understanding, smart, and was interested in everything and everyone. He liked to relax and talk and found joy in others. Bill had a way of supporting others that meant so much. He let you know that he believed you could do whatever you set out to do, and his belief made me really feel that I could do it. He was a good teacher and mentor and could find a kind and even humorous way to make any situation better. He didn’t talk much about the past or dwell on adversity.

Bill was a hard worker and problem solver; and would do anything for those he loved. He even took care of my two young sons at one point when we had a daycare emergency!

You could also count on Bill to stop what he was doing and settle in for sunset happy hours and relaxation at the cabin. The cabin was his dream and his legacy to his family. He seemed to enjoy every moment of its’ beauty and solitude and its’ perfect setting to spend days of work and laughter with family and his fabulous close-knit friends. Bill loved cooking Thanksgiving Dinner and dreamed of holidays spent with family at the cabin.

Bill loved his family! One time, Ann and I took the kids way up north for a few days. When we got back, he scooped up Lauren and Will and held them tight for several minutes just looking into their faces and smiling. Love and affection for them, and for Kellen and Kristin and all the grandkids radiated off him.

The world has lost a kind, gentle, smart, funny, fun-loving giant of a man whose impact on others cannot be calculated or overestimated. My family is so fortunate to have known and loved him.

Page Weed (Ann's sister)

We are so very sorry for your loss. Our prayers will be with you and your family.

Tim, Holly & Cody

We are so very sorry for your loss!
Our hearts go out to you Ann, the kids, grandkids and the entire family. Sending you love, hugs and strength as you go through this very difficult time.