The room was standing room only... about 10 people were left without
seats in the back. I noted the room capacity was 200 and I'm sure that
was an accurate count since I was the first up with my memories of
Badwater Bill and couldn't see one empty chair. In fact, my own seat
was taken while I was up front...

Several neighbors, former co-workers and long time friends shared their
memories of Billy. There were tears and a few laughs at the stories
told. Kevin told of helping Bill learn to use a light hand on the
controls of a helicopter. Apparently, Bill was using a "death grip" on
the controls so Kevin took him out for a 6 hour flight. He said that by
the end of that flight Billy was using a light grip on the controls...
"no one can keep a death grip for 6 hours"...

A slide show of Bill's life was shown which brought tears again...

After the inside service we all went outside where two doves were
released and everyone got a chance to launch a small wooden model
airplane into the air.

A reception followed where we had a chance to talk about Bill with each
other and enjoy much good food. I sat next to Janice's twin sister..
first time I'd met her. Slightly different hairdo but, otherwise, an
identical twin. She is just as charming and wonderful to talk to as
Janice. Joanne has been at Janice's side almost constantly since the
accident.

A few of us left the reception to go back to our hotel room where we
toasted Billy... we filled a plastic cup with Billy's favorite scotch
and put it on the TV. With a note that read, "This is my scotch so keep
your ****ing hands off of it"... signed, "BWB"... I think I was
channeling Billy about that time. At the end of the evening, we poured
a bit of scotch from that cup into each persons cup. And we thanked
Billy for sharing his scotch with us as we made a final toast to
Badwater Bill. The best friend and worst enemy you could ever have....

Some pictures were taken at the wake and Oyster will be emailing access
details for the pics to those interested.