Bill was an incredibly kind person, one of the best human beings I was lucky enough to call a friend. I always called him Billy (I'm not aware of anybody else calling him this way).
Billy was a talented table tennis player. We started to work at the same company the same year, back in the 90's. We quickly became doubles partners, for close to 20 years. He was the reason we won every tournament but one (he was singles champion many times during those years).
Billy's talents did not end there, he was very skilled at dealing with people, always respectful, cordial, gracious, gentle, never loosing his temper, and as the saying goes, "cool, calm, and collected." Insults, profanity, were never part of his vocabulary. Treating people well was his way of life. He's heart was almost as big as his imposing 6'5" figure. It is no wonder that he was loved by so many. He leaves behind a wife and a daughter that seem to have all of his outstanding qualities.
Billy, you go on my friend, you left us, but you also left an indelible mark on those who truly got to know you. Thanks for the memories, thanks for the friendship, and thanks for the many ping pong trophies we won together. I'll miss you, no doubt, and BTW, I'll also miss your heavenly hummus and espresso coffee. So long my friend, until we meet again, maybe, in this vast universe that we are and always will be part of.
