Bill was much more than a brother-in-law to me but more like a father and best friend. I always knew that he would be there for me if I ever needed him and he was so many times. I will dearly miss him. I remember Bill, Joyce, Lynne and I playing cards when they would come to visit us and always the first words out of his mouth were No Nolow! Lynne was always trying to sneak that rule into our games.

I remember when Lynne died I was sitting in the hospital with her and I called Joyce and Bill and explained the situation to them and by 5:00 that night they were at my side is Austin, TX to help me get through the death of my wife. I can never repay the love that they showed me.

I am sure you will find many others saying this but I love you as a brother, father and good friend.

Skip

Instead of flowers the family request donations to http://flyinghorsefarms.org a special organization of our Dad's choosing.

A special tribute from my nephew Sean:

My grandfather was an amazing man. My entire life, he's always been the example, for me, of a good father, grandfather, husband, and man. And despite being a quiet man, he could be funny. Lately, when I'd ask how he was doing, he'd respond, "I woke up today, so it's a good day."

After battling lung cancer, he didn't wake up this morning.

I'll miss him. So much. I'll miss being able to call and ask him how to fix the plumbing I messed up. Or the best way to get downtown on route 50. But most of all, I'll miss just sitting at the table and talking to him over a beer.

I am so grateful for the 32 years I got to spend spend with him, and I'm so thankful my daughter had the blessing of knowing him for nearly two years.

I'm far from perfect. But if I can work everyday to be half the man he was, half the father he was, or half the husband he was, I know I'll have lived a full and worthwhile life. 

I love you, grandpa.