Farewell, Bill

The Surreal continues.

Bill requested that half of his ashes be spread on the green roof pavilion at the Heritage Museum. He carefully orchestrated an entire day of celebration of his life, with the ash spreading as part 3 of 4 of the activities. He requested that HD does the honors. And so today, after the official ceremony at the local funeral home, a large group of his friends gathered at the museum for champagne. As the green roof is small and not at all safe for frolicking, only the closest family accompanied HD to the top.

I will remember Bill's kindness and attention he extended to us when we moved to Starkville. I will remember his passion for the Museum, and his all-out support of HD's effort to design and built the sustainable landscape around the structure while teaching the students about the importance of doing so. He brought food for students whenever they worked, tirelessly round up local media to feature the project's progress, spent every evening on the site during that blistering summer when the pavilion was going up and it was too hot to work on it during the day. He was there during all outdoor movies played, during the architecture's Beaux Arts Ball, during the drum circle, and all other events.

He was HD's greatest fan, nominating him for awards and honors in appreciation of his stamina. Whenever an article on the project was published in anything, no matter how small, he'd drive by with a copy, and we would sit on the porch and rejoice.

The parties at his house were incredible. His travel stories left my head spinning. His spirit shone like nobody's business.

After Bill's gig, we went to the movies to see the Arrival. More surreal. So good...  And then she came home, and rested, right? Nope; then she came home and worked on a group paper due in 2 weeks.

My brain has had it. My body has had it. I NEED A BREAK.

(Disclaimer: I did not take this picture. Gave my camera to Bill's brother in law to do the honors as the rooftop was too crowded already.)