The news of Bill's death reached many of us in an email on Friday morning. As I shared the shocking news with my co-workers, someone asked me, "Who is Bill Hearne?" As I started to answer that question, the enormity of that response hit me in the gut. It's very difficult to say who Bill Hearne is to many of us because he is so many things to each of us. Bill was a mentor and cheerleader, someone I looked up to, someone I cursed on long, hot runs leaving me lost somewhere in upstate New York (although, in Bill's defense, often these were the runs that had the best memories and have cemented some of my closest friendships). I probably met Bill at the Y Tri in 2002 - and later got to know him as I got the crazy idea to run a marathon for the first time. Like many, I had heard of ODR and was intimidated to join the group - but during a difficult time of my life, Bill and the ODR welcomed me and became a second family. Bill made you feel special - he was always thrilled to see you.
I think of the ODR as church sometimes - its a safe place where I can have confession, be cleansed, be healed and celebrate life and find strength - and in many respects Bill was the minister of the flock. Bill taught the importance of welcoming, attention, hospitality, celebration...as well as savoring life and adventure - but always, always in community. Dessert is always better shared - and Bill knew this. Bill loved teaching, sharing and evangelizing running and many forms of play, he loved nature, music...he loved sharing stories about his family and his children's navigating their way into adulthood...
So, Bill - thank you. Thank you for opening up new worlds, new friendships, creating community - We know that we have a very special community. You are a catalyst of the best sort - and the reaction will continue...
Cha Ron Sattler, Sluggoddess and ODR runner
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