Same here Debbie. I knew Bill was in bad health but he was keeping pretty good contact with everyone and it sounded like he was going to be Ok.

I always thought it was so neat that he continued to stay on this forum even though he did not have a golden anymore. When I asked him if he was going to get another golden his reply was this..."I'm have too many health problems and would not be able take care of a dog." I respected him for his decision.

He will be missed a lot. I'll miss seeing him on this forum every week.

Thanks for posting. I hope you can get those pictures.

Vicki

Thank you for the update Debbie, I have been wondering if there would be a notice of his passing in the local paper but I haven't been able to find anything in my search. Sounds like there won't be one. It just all seems unbelievable right now. Even though I had never met Bill in person, I feel like I have lost a good friend. We have all been connected because of GRIC for such a long time. I will miss his humor, always having something nice to say, all the pictures, and his Sunday Stroll clues :)

Carol in SD

I'm wondering whether it would be appropriate for GRRR to hold some sort of celebration of Bill's life, in a place where tons of goldens could be present. Nothing formal, but just something to note his passing and is love of goldens. Part of that could be presentation of a check from Bill's friends to GRRR in his memory.

I have been out of town with limited e-mail access, so can someone please fill me in on plans to collect funds to donate to GRRR? Or has some other plan been decided upon by the group?

Ann, there are several posts Subject: Memorial for Bill beginning 2/24 from Molly. The info will probably bring you up to date and answer your questions.
It's still unbelievable that Bill has died. We knew his health was not good but never expected him to leave us so soon.


Marcy

I feel the same way Debbie. I haven't been able to stop thinking about Bill since the sad and shocking news. I found myself looking over all the old posts (dating back to 2007 if you click on the last page of posts) and Bill has been such a big part of this forum for so many years, it is no wonder we are all feeling his loss.

We have indeed all lost a special friend. I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet him. He was such a kind and compassionate man.

Thank you for the update. It sure would be nice if you are able to get those photos. Bill would have wanted that.

Sandra

The loss of Bill has been a lesson in the sense of connection we can feel to someone most of us have not met "in person". Though we have met here for quite a few years to share our love of our Golden family members.

Well said everyone. A huge loss for the forum...he will be missed for years to come. I keep imagining him sitting in his lawn chair surrounded by the goldens who are at the Bridge.

Hello all-- Thank you all for sharing your thoughts about Bill. I have also been thinking about Bill and what a kind man he was. I never met Bill, but really enjoyed the contact I had with him through the forum, Christmas cards and emails. I was truly lucky to know him.

Trish, Abby and Minnie

I sure miss Bill's Sunday Stroll this morning. It hardly seems like a Sunday.

Missing the Stroll today too. Even when Bill was sick and didn't do the stroll, we knew he was around and would be back with us soon. Now the loss is feeling real. I never met Bill in person, but he always had a kind word (even when I was late with my address for the xmas card list) and certainly touched my life in a positive way.