A Message To Heaven: 

I am broken-hearted. I am devastated. Truly shattered inside at the sudden loss of my beloved, most favorite cousin William (Billy) Barr. Taken in the prime of his life…just 47. I am distraught, I am confused, I feel powerless, as it’s just so unfair and senseless. Why. Why. Why. A question I will not have an answer to until the next life it seems.

He was my idol. I would’ve jumped from a building if he said to, and he knew it. God—He was so talented, so loving, such a beautiful person to everyone. So many plans, so many ideas, always flowing, always dreaming and making those dreams into a reality for himself and everyone around him. Always making everyone feel special and like they could do anything. Whenever I was working on achieving goals or dreams, whatever it was, he would call me up and say such beautiful, motivating things that filled me with pride and were sure to keep me reaching even further for the stars. He was an expert at manifesting his destiny. At never giving up. At never losing hope and finding meaning in what he was doing, all the while, remaining the same adventurous kid inside.

He always had such a big heart for his ENTIRE FAMILY, both northern and southern. A true husband, son, brother and uncle to his beautiful and amazing wife Addy, her wonderful family, Gwen, Dan, & all the girls; a forever son to his Mom & Dad in Heaven; a second son to his Auntie Em & Uncle Bob, and Aunt Jessie & Uncle Bobby; and as close to a brother, as my sister Tina and I could have. 

It is with disbelief and shock, as I put my feelings to pen, that I just can’t believe I will never see my dearest “Cuz” again. An emotion I know EVERYONE WHO KNEW & LOVED HIM is feeling right now. I’m so sad that we won’t hear his mischievous chuckle and laugh whenever he is cracking jokes and just being “little Billy” to all of us. Billy, we surely will miss your incredible presence when you walk in any room, as it always meant the fun would begin.

We will be remembering your incredible shining light most of all Cuz. Those cheerful rosy cheeks. Your energy, your excitement for life and living it up to the fullest. Your contagious messages to believe in one’s self, will forever be inspirational. As your life’s work WILL LIVE ON. 

Your public speaking & TedxTalks, Authoring a bestselling Book on Sales, your corporate empire of UWD (Universal Windows Direct), and so many more achievements and good works you’ve accomplished, from having helped thousands of people have jobs, to giving back to sick and underprivileged children, along with all the incredibly loving things you have done for all your beloved family members, I could seriously write another book on just how AWESOME you have been in this life, and always will be to ALL of us. 

Cousin Bill, what you have achieved and built at such a young age was designed by God and your parents in heaven. It was no accident. You had a mission. Now it seems it was accomplished. You were meant to touch so many peoples lives, get to the finish line, and then—in true “William” form, you were out, and onto the next. I just don’t think any of us were ready for this next business plan to take effect until you were atleast 99 or 100. 

The unique thing about you and our close knit Barr Family, is we revel in the thousands of hilarious memories we’ve made. So many crazy stories of growing up together, cheering, joking, laughing, supporting eachother from the sidelines since forever. Whether Xmas at Moms, camping, fishing, birthdays. 

So now, even at this darkest hour of sadness, I must thank God for the amazing memories we all made together over the years, and especially most recently, at the farm over the summer. Our last time with you. Baby Violet will hold onto the memories of her Uncle Boom teaching her how to ride her 1st 4wheeler, fish, and shake on a deal to earn someone’s business. You would be proud to know she was shaking on a deal just yesterday with a little neighbor boy, hand held out firmly, asking if they had a deal, just as you showed her. I guess you were there chuckling with me in spirit, as this happened before I knew you were already gone.

Instead of searching for answers, I suppose I will have to trust in God that He needed one of his MOST INSPIRATIONAL ANGELS to do even bigger work somewhere else. 

Words can’t express the gratitude and love we will all feel for you forever Billy. We will never ever forget all the moments together, and will forever feel so proud of you and all the lives you touched. 

We will miss you soo much in this life together, as this is the hardest part. We will miss the big bear hugs and smiles. Instead, We will close our eyes and see your spirit there. I know you will not be far. 

So we Thank you Billy for giving this life and your family, your absolute all. You will now be eternally celebrated by God, the Angels, by all your family in Heaven and on earth, as you reunite with your Mom & Dad, our Grandparents, and of course, your bestfriend Scouty, sitting by your side. May God hold you and keep you in his loving arms safe and fulfilled always.  We will love you forever.  

Amen.