Happy Heavenly Birthday❤️

To know Bill was to be loved unconditionally, without question, and without judgement.....

Bill and I met in high-school at a time of great turmoil in my life - my mom had just been diagnosed with breast cancer, a close family friend had passed away, and I was going through a break-up – I was basically living in a country song. Despite only knowing each other for a short time, Bill offered a listening ear and support in a moment where words don’t' reach. 

Yes, it is true, Bill was an exceptional listener..... but it is also accurate to say that he could talk....A LOT. I mean, he could talk about literally anything if there was even the slightest pause in conversation. I remember one time a few of us went to a bar in the city before a concert. When I came back from the bathroom, I saw Bill at the bar talking to a group of five or six people, so naturally, I joined the conversation. After we said our goodbyes to that group, I asked, “Hey Bill, how did you know those people?” and he goes, “Oh, I have absolutely no idea who they are, I just wanted a drink.” I couldn't believe it, ...I was in the bathroom for three minutes, maybe four. But that is the person Bill is.. Approachable, easy-going, fun, loving, and curious. That may be one of my favorite qualities of his, his curiosity....for the truth, justice, fine wine (he could tell you everything from the region the grape was grown, the climate, and the soil needed for the grape to thrive, and why it could only be grown in that specific area and in a specific time period), and cryptocurrency ...to name a few. 

While I joke about his gift of gab, it truly was remarkable to hear him speak with such passion and conviction about the things and people he loved most. The last time Bill and I were together was the end of October. He and Laura were in town, and I hosted some of our south-side friends at my place before I moved to Arizona for a travel RN contract. Bill arrived an hour early (or maybe Marty and Meg Mc were late .. seems more likely) and I will forever cherish those sixty minutes. He gushed over how incredibly happy he was to have married such an amazing woman and how absolutely blessed he was to have found Laura. Since the moment Bill introduced me to Laura, I knew she was the one. I have never seen him smile so much...Laura set his soul on fire. 

That same night, he swelled with pride at the beautiful wedding Mrs. Ward and Laura’s parents had given. I always aspired to have the relationship Bill has with his mom - you are his heart and his home. We talked about our older brothers, and how we probably wouldn’t have gotten away with so many shenanigans in high school and college if it wasn’t for them. Bill recalled fondly of all the times Dan had covered for him and been to the rescue. We both agreed that night that our older brothers deserved a medal for all their valiant efforts, protection, and guidance throughout the years.

That will forever be the greatest gift, to see my best friend so unbelievably and undeniably happy. 

I have so many fond memories of Bill over our past twelve – thirteen years of friendship, I am certain I could write a page for each year. Bill taught me to stay hungry for the truth, ask questions, stay free, and do the absolute best that you can every single day. I know the past year has been filled with much uncertainty, but I am certain of one thing, because Bill taught me so: life is about love, last minutes, and lost evenings.

I will always remember our skype calls in college, our late night talks on my roof when we thought we had everything figured out, how much you could make me laugh until I had tears in my eyes and I was well on my way to six pack abs, how you were the first person I always wanted to know about the good and bad things in my life, how dependable of a friend you are and how phenomenal you have been to everyone in your life. You have been such a shining light in my life, the world feels darker without you in it.

I hope you are resting somewhere high on that mountain, with your favorite phish song playing, and a good vino.

Let Bill’s beautiful spirit soar. Let all his memories bring you on a heartfelt journey.

I have known Billy his entire life. He is the youngest of our Durkin cousins and he came into this world blazing and full of mischief. Billy was always exploring and seeking to understand what made things tick. Billy's early exploration contributed to one of the funniest Christmas memories I have to date when Billy was about 2 yrs old. Billy's Mom, Margie was hosting Christmas and we were relaxing after dinner when moments later (out of the corner of my eye), Billy was using his little footy pajamas for traction as he took down the entire Christmas tree where it then laid in the middle of the living room. 

We all knew he had a fire in his belly and his antics left us in hysterics many times. I only babysat Billy once when he was 3 yrs old. It was fun, memorable and exhausting. Shortly thereafter my decision for early retirement of babysitting was made. 
Billy was such a cute little kid and there are many more stories where his insatiable curiosity that led him down interesting paths. 

Jog to adult life when Billy and I really connected deeply. He married an amazing woman and they had wonderful visions of what the future was to hold. 

I smile when I write this, Billy was persistent in the pursuit for truth and justice. Like a crusader, who was trying to elicit real change for the goal of a better world.
He was filled with passion and his vast knowledge was supported by his voracious reading and research habits.
Billy always questioned why and it kept our conversations fascinating.
It was an extra bonus that he had a palate for fine wine and always wanted you to experience the journey of taste along with him. He absolutely was known for ringing the doorbell with his elbows because he never showed up empty handed.

Most of all, Billy had the biggest heart and was a loyal friend to me. Two things I know for sure. He would do anything for me and our family and his beautiful soul is in a magnificent place!