ForeverMissed
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In loving memory of our dear friend Mr. Willard Wright, a magnificent heart and a beautiful soul. 

This online memorial is created so that we can all share and remember him always in our hearts.


March 10
March 10
Dear Billy,

You are deeply missed old friend. Thank you for the warm and wonderful memories of your friendship and caring.
God bless,
Henry
December 13, 2021
December 13, 2021
Dear Grandpa Bill
I missed receiving your loving Christmas card this year! It was always the first Tim and i would receive. This year as I go through the holidays without my Tim and you, it struck me with sadness that neither of you are here with me.
I know you and Tim are together. Christmas must be glorious in heaven. I am glad he has his “Pop” there with him.
You are remembered with love. 
Merry Christmas in Heaven♥️♥️
April 7, 2021
April 7, 2021
Dear Billy,
Wishing you a very Happy Heavenly Birthday. I was honored and blessed to have known you, old friend. You are deeply missed. I don't think you could have ever imagined the reach and impact your life would have on others. With your genuine friendship, innate curiosity, empathy and love for life, you made an indelible impression on all who came into contact with you; and upon your departing, left tiny footprints on our hearts.
April 6, 2021
April 6, 2021
Dear Billy: You missed perhaps the worst year imaginable. I wish we could have comforted each other during the Covid-19 year +. I have often been comforted by thoughts of you and so many great shared times. Happy Birthday to you dear friend. Thinking of you always, Love, Bruce
May 17, 2020
May 17, 2020
Happy Anniversary honey. I love you so very much.
March 10, 2020
March 10, 2020
Dear Billy & Clark: Literally, never a day goes by that I don't think of you both. As all who loved Bill have experienced: It is so very difficult to know that only our memories will sustain us. He will definitely linger with me for all eternity. Thank you Bill for sharing your earthly experience with us. As this website suggests: You will be "forever missed"!
March 10, 2020
March 10, 2020
My Friend, you are missed so much, not being able to talk with you has been hard especially around the holidays. You will always be in my heart.
Love you my friend
May 17, 2019
May 17, 2019
Happy Anniversary my dearheart Bochie poop. With great love and affection, thank you for 19 beautiful years. 
You will always be the great love of my life.
April 6, 2019
April 6, 2019
Uncle Willie,
Today you were supposed to turn 93. Today we were supposed to marvel, once again, at your immortality, bask in your joie de vivre, and give thanks for another year well lived. It still doesn’t feel real to me that you’re gone, someone who aged but never got old. 
You humbled us all that night on the dance floor when you exclaimed “this is how we dance to Gaga! Come on now, I saw it at a club last week in the City!” At Johnny’s wedding in Cabo, you wouldn’t be outdone when the wedding party jumped in the pool. After carefully removing your suit and folding it neatly on the deck you joined us stating “sorry for the delay, but there’s no way in hell that linen suit was coming in the pool!” We didn’t mind the wait.
Time spent with you was always beautiful- learning about Asian art, enjoying expertly prepared meals always served on “the good plates,” listening to you hum soothing melodies as you dutifully attended to your guests. As a kid, there was nothing more thrilling than sipping sparkling cider from one of your crystal goblets while thumbing through the pages of your heavy, expensive, coffee table books. Your living room was where I first saw Maplethorpe’s photographs, glimpsed the glorious Cinque Terra, and read about World War II. I will never forget my first nibble of baklava sitting in your kitchen in Fairway Park. Every delicious and delicate layer was to be savored because “the Greeks do food perfectly.” Your home made all of Hayward seem cosmopolitan.
We had the best time planning my travel to and from college. Checking in with you on the flight loads was just an excuse to catch up, cackle a bit and share naughty jokes. Your final words before we hung up were “don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Hell, I’ve done it all!” The time I took the last stand by seat in first class, relegating Barbara Boxer and her carry-on ball gown to coach, I couldn’t wait to land to call you. The senator, who hoped to get a good night’s rest ahead of Clinton’s inaugural ball, had lost out to a college student on a companion pass with 40+ year seniority. “We voted for ya, but you aren’t getting my first-class seat!” we howled. Oh! And that whole “free champagne” pro tip you shared before boarding our flight from Paris has remained a secret until now.
Christmas was how you showed your love. You sent us mint chocolate layer cakes every year until the company went belly up in the late 90s. We cut the special treat in to thin slices and enjoyed it for weeks (sometimes for breakfast). You gifted me ornaments from Gump’s or Neiman Marcus. You’d sit next to me and tell me all the reasons why the ornament reminded you of me. Because of you, perfect lace angels, marionette ballerinas, sequined elephants, elegant sleighs and cheerful snowmen and dozens of stories about them don my tree every year. They will forever remind me of your wonderful, generous, thoughtful spirit.
You were the most elegant man I ever knew. The perfect hat, the perfect layered look, the perfect depiction of Banana Republic’s latest floor set. You bought me my first pashmina. You gave me a gorgeous beaded evening bag that belonged to your mother for prom. Years later when I couldn’t find the right necklace for a cocktail party, you gifted me a piece of her vintage costume jewelry. You were flawless, timeless, and classic.
The world isn’t as beautiful, as bright, or as interesting without you in it. It seems small and dim and lacks glitter. It is hard to imagine your absence from all of life’s moments to come since you’ve been a part of every single one up until now.
I’m particularly sorry you’ll miss Trump’s impeachment. We will not be riding around in your car with the windows rolled down, middle fingers up, as you yell “I’m an old white man and even I think he’s an asshole!” I can promise you there will be champagne, however, and I’ll drink enough for us both.
I love you forever and always,
Bri
April 6, 2019
April 6, 2019
Hey my friend, I miss saying that to you. Its that time again birthday boy. Wish you a great day!! Happy Birthday, you will always be in my heart.
April 6, 2019
April 6, 2019
Happy Birthday my dear Uncle Willie. you are missed daily and forever loved
April 6, 2019
April 6, 2019
Happy Birthday my dear Bochie. I love you so much.
March 30, 2019
March 30, 2019
Billy, you were always a ray of sunshine in my life, and I'm sure to all who knew you. I will always treasure our close friendship and feel blessed that you were a part of my life and my family's. You are a kind and gentle soul. I have so many wonderful memories of your beautiful Christmas trees and holiday decorations, your garden, our dining adventures, becoming close to your family and circle of friends, your gourmet cooking and constant learning of new recipes and techniques. I cherished seeing you and will miss our engaging conversations about life and politics. Midway through my professional life, when I decided to get involved in public service, you were always so supportive of my political career, campaigning, walking precincts with me, and talking to voters. It meant a lot to me and directly contributed to my success. I will miss seeing you, your sense of humor, your youthful spirit, and just hearing your voice. You have a permanent place in my heart forever.
March 27, 2019
March 27, 2019
Uncle Willie and my Dad were life long friends. He was a special man; kind, generous, funny, loving, caring, loyal, a gentleman and talented. Visiting his home was an exciting adventure full of objects I had never seen before. Oh how he loved to show me around his garden. There was always a sweet treat to be tasted and a small treasure to take home. That really didn't change even as I attained adulthood. Christmas at his house was magical and I never tired of seeing his beautifully decorated Christmas trees. He always had a joke or two to tell and stories to share. He always made me feel special. I think that was truly his greatest gift, making others feel special. I know he is reunited with his beloved mother and catching up with my Dad. I shall miss you dear Uncle Willie. Love you forever.
March 25, 2019
March 25, 2019
My dearest Uncle Willie, A true friend from the moment we met 39 years ago and you gave me a place to stay. You were the best man at our wedding and never seemed to mind our children on your white carpet. Always gracious with your love. You will never be forgotten. You hold a special place in our hearts and have been there for us over the years. Your friendship and support meant the world to us as you were a part of our family. May you always rest in peace my friend, until we meet again.
March 19, 2019
March 19, 2019
43 years of friendship, what a blessing. I am truly thankful for every moment I spent with you Billy. Like playing backgammon on the beach in Guam whenever you had a flight layover. Drinking coffee in your garden or enjoying meals at our favorite restaurants. Plus the all the parties and the interesting people you introduced me to over the years. You will be missed my dear friend, but not forgotten!
March 15, 2019
March 15, 2019
I first met Bill on a Pan Am flight in 1984 from Asia to the US. I was in coach and my buddy was in first. Bill brought me all the first class goodies throughout the flight. My family visited him over the years in Hayward ... He was a bright light, a gentle soul and a good man through and through ... I and the world will miss him!
March 15, 2019
March 15, 2019
I met Bill about 10 years ago in SF, when I was writing a book on the history of stewards in the US. Bill was one of my very best interviews and a total delight as a human being. My favorite memory of him is when we did a joint interview about stewards at the LGBT History Museum in SF. He stole the show! Had the crowd eating out of his hand as he told hilarious stories from Pan Am's past. Thanks for the memories, Bill!!
March 15, 2019
March 15, 2019
Bill has had a loving impact on my life for over 50 years. As my family grew his love grew to include my wife, children and grandchildren. Grandpa Bill is part of our lives and we will miss his gentle caring presence. Rest well my dear friend. You are loved and remembered! It is my honor that you called me “son”.
Your Son Tim❤️
March 14, 2019
March 14, 2019
Willie, you have been a friend through out my life like no other, I still have never met a kind soul like you have been, you truly can not be replace by any other person. You were my best man at my wedding and have been in my life ever since and I have been blessed to have a friend like you. We were going to see each other this week but I will always see you and talk to you. Thank you for being there and helping me the last 2 months with my situation, you will always be in my heart and we will see each other again, I will miss you until
March 14, 2019
March 14, 2019
A friend I've known for 39 years, working at Pan Am and onto United. Bill was always a Gentleman and always a kind soul who will be truly missed, and his friendship stays forever in my heart and memories. I feel truly blessed knowing him. RIP my friend. Comfort be yours in heaven.
March 14, 2019
March 14, 2019
There were NO bad days with you or for you dear Uncle Billy, Lovingly Vicki and Mark
March 14, 2019
March 14, 2019
I loved Willie so much. He will be dearly missed. Because of his young at heart and uplifting spirit I thought he would live forever. Miss you Willie, you are in a wonderful place with all your loved ones that have passed.
March 14, 2019
March 14, 2019
The spirit and love from (and FOR) Bill will remain forever in my heart. A finer soul there cannot be, so rest in peace my dear friend. ♥️
March 13, 2019
March 13, 2019
The memorial service is being held on Saturday, March 30th at the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery

26320 Mission Blvd, Hayward, CA 94544

Visitation begins at 10 AM and the memorial service starts at Noon.

In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland.

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Recent Tributes
March 10
March 10
Dear Billy,

You are deeply missed old friend. Thank you for the warm and wonderful memories of your friendship and caring.
God bless,
Henry
December 13, 2021
December 13, 2021
Dear Grandpa Bill
I missed receiving your loving Christmas card this year! It was always the first Tim and i would receive. This year as I go through the holidays without my Tim and you, it struck me with sadness that neither of you are here with me.
I know you and Tim are together. Christmas must be glorious in heaven. I am glad he has his “Pop” there with him.
You are remembered with love. 
Merry Christmas in Heaven♥️♥️
Recent stories
May 17, 2020
Dearest Clark
your loving words brought tears to me.  My whole being understands your loss and longing.  You continue to honor Bill and your loving relationship with your  memories and sharing your dreams.
i miss him also.  He was so important in Tim’s life I would love to visit with him and have him bring memories to life for me. 
I wish you only the best as you move forward without your Bill.  I pray for the strength it takes to move forward each day without my Tim.
bless you Clark.  Thank you for sharing

He came to me in a dream

May 17, 2020
by Clark .
This is a story that I never told Bill while he was still with us, but I wish I had.  I think he would have enjoyed it.

Many, many moons ago, Bill came to me in a dream. This was before I ever met him in real life.

I was attending local college up in Washington state. And even then, I knew I was naturally inclined towards older men.

I had a yearning to love, and to be loved, by someone special, in a way that no other love could be experienced. 

And so one night, standing outside, in the front of my childhood home, a shooting star blazed across the sky.  That night I wished that there would be someone I could love, and who would love me in return.

Sometime thereafter, I don’t recall exactly when, but one early morning, around 6 AM, during deep REM sleep, Bill came to me in a dream.

It sounds crazy, I know. 

But in the dream, he was wearing his baby blue robe.  And he wore those big, round, nerdy glasses - the same glasses, he used to wear when I first met him.

I could see his face vividly in the dream, even though I had never met him before.

And then a feeling of love, and high-vibrational energy, washed over me, and I woke up that morning, I went to school that day, and I felt my that something would manifest, and change my life forever...

It was not until a season or two later that I would come to know and meet Bill in real life.

Since his passing over a year ago, Bill has come to me in my dreams a few more times.

The first time was on his birthday last year.  As if flying down from the heavens, he simply came and he kissed me.  It was brief, but it just felt so real.  It warmed my heart, and it gave me strength to carry on that day.

The second time was a summer ago.  Dreams are often garbled, and its meaning unclear, but in this dream, I could hear his voice clearly, and he spoke to me.  He said something to the effect, “when you have someone special in your life, you just know.”

Then abruptly I awoke, but I wished I could have kept on dreaming - that I could have stayed asleep and hear his voice again.  I think he was trying to remind me that we shared something very special.  A love uncommon, and to never forget.

And the last time, was just in this past week – always early in the morning before awaking – I dreamt of his warm embrace. The moments in my life, when I was the happiest.

Especially during trying times like these, I just wish I could hug and hold him again.

I used to say to him, “how come every time I hold my honey, everything just feels right in the world?”

And he would respond to me, in a loving and playful manner, “oh, you just a connee.”

But, of course, I was always sincere.  Because it really did.  That’s exactly how I felt whenever I hugged him. And it made him feel good in that moment, too.

I’ve dreamt about Bill many more times than that, but it was always in passing.  Meaning, I had projections of him in my mind, but he never interacted with me in those dreams.  His energy never manifested into something tangible I could sense and feel deep within my heart.

A long story short –  Bill was meant to be.  He was meant to be a special part of my life.

He brought me so much joy and happiness, I could never thank him enough. His energy, and his love remains with me always.

Happy 20th Anniversary, honey.  I love you, and I miss you so much.  And I remember, always, the countless times, when you would respond to me, “Boochie, I love you, too”

Thank you, my booch. You are everything that I ever could have wanted.

a hand written note from Bill

May 17, 2020
by Clark .
Recently found this note from Bill in an old photo album:

That's why I find strength and comfort in my memories. 

Those who bloom in the hearts of others never fade away. 


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