This is a picture of my father, taken (I believe) by his dear friend Russ, shortly before he passed away. I don't really have much to say just yet... but it is extremely comforting to see how happy he was, that he was somewhere he really wanted to be, and to know that he was with friends.
We've spent the afternoon looking through old photos... I'll try to post some of them once we get them scanned.
-James Hearne
4 comments:
Three years ago Bill invited me to try his Run and Ride class at the Carlson Y in Rochester. I've been running with him and the group each Tuesday and Thursday ever since. I don't know exactly how he did it, but he inspired me to get up at 5 am and get out there, not to set any records, but just to be out there. He was caring and encouraging and welcomed all comers, no matter what their fitness level. He was always smiling, always upbeat. Any kind of weather was good running weather. With his encouragement I eventually did triathalons and longer runs. To Bill's family: You don't know me but Bill impacted my life in a very postive way and I will be eternally grateful for knowing him. I know he touched the lives of so many others as well. His departure leaves a tremendous hole in our little group, and I am so sad. I pray he will continue to send us positive energy and inspiration from above.
Sincerely, Eileen
Bill needed to be here to keep us joined, motivated, together. It will take the efforts of every one of his friends and acquaintances to do the job one person did, what Bill was able to accomplish. AND, I'm still not sure we can accomplish anything as significant. He made us each feel so special and also a part of each larger group community that he was involved in. He was simply being himself. We didn't see him all of the time yet I just always thought of him as being there all of the time, being somewhere, always available. Because he would have been. He was a true friend to all. A special friend to each person. Words cannot say all that needs to be said. Everyone has their own special history with him. Even grieving for him is unique. I'm mad at him when I'm not missing him. How could he leave us now, or anytime, for that matter?!!! So many memories we each carry. No more new ones with him. I could go on and on. He's such a strong, key player. I am not sad for Bill. He lived every day like it was his last -- full of everything he loved and people he loved. He had the craziest, most fun, laugh. XO, Marilyn
James and family,
Thank you for setting this up to remember Bill. He was the consummate encourager and inspirer. Marilyn Rodak expresses the thought well, about him making everyone special. For me, there are so many ODR experiences to remember.
For now I'll share two: The 2006 Bull Run Run was cold, wet muddy, and Hillary Cardin's first attempt at the 50-mile distance. Bill was the firm encourager to keep her going; when I passed them with about five miles to go and she was in trouble, Bill stayed with her, and not long after my own completion, here came Bill and Hillary toward the finish, finally smiling at reaching success at the end.
On a lighter note, one summer Saturday run, making our way through Powder Mills Park trails, he noted that he'd gone that particular path many times before... on XC skis. You see, we had just taken a trail well-lined with stinging nettles, which some in the unfortunate group had never before experienced. We were able to ease the sting with puddle water. And we never did find out if he in fact knew they were there.
Many more stories to share, I hope many more folks do. Thank you, Hearne Family, for sharing Bill with us. Best regards, Rick Cronise ODR
I only met Bill twice for a total of about 3 hours. My mother was visiting me in Anchorage, and I put her up in the same B&B where Bill and Russ stayed on 4-30-09 and 5-1-09 before venturing north to Talkeetna, and their attempt at summiting Denali. By being in his presence for only a few short hours, I realized Bill's enthusiasm and his exuberance for climbing, was so palpable, it was contagious. The stories we shared at the breakfast table revived my love for hiking, and has caused me to complete several difficult Alaskan hikes since, despite the lingering snow.
I don't expect my account of the short time I spent in Bill's presence to mean much when posted next to stories by loved ones, and those who knew him best. I only hope that those who loved him and were far away from him when he died find some solace in the fact that during some of his last days he struck a total stranger as a truly happy man.
Rest in Peace Bill,
Malcolm Tramm
-Anchorage, AK
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