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Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home & Memorial Park

2551 North Armistead Ave

Hampton, Virginia

William SECHMAN Obituary

WILLIAMSBURG - William Clair "Bill" "Byrd" Sechman, 62, owner, devoted operator and musician, surrendered to the void on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011.
Sechman, was a member of the popular '60s Tidewater band widely known as the Norfolk Aliens. Outspoken, irreverent, yet enigmatic, he left his mark on all he met and those he loved.
Without prejudice, he is survived by his loving sister and brothers, a plethora of nieces, nephews, cousins and a world at large that is lesser without the love he made.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. today, Jan. 3, at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.
Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23666. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Press from Jan. 3 to Jan. 4, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for William SECHMAN

Sponsored by anonymous.

Not sure what to say?





July 22, 2017

He was a friend of mine
Every time I hear his name
Lord I just can't keep from crying
Cause he was a friend of mine

June 21, 2015

Clair....always living, beating in so many hearts.
B

Scott Sechman

June 16, 2014

I love you. I miss you and think of you every day, dear brother.

Lucille Nordan

October 22, 2012

I miss you so much. You were like a big brother to me. I will never forget you calling me Darling alot. We have been in the same boat and have been stigmatized so much. I still feel you live in our home in the spirit. Take care, big brother. You are loved so much.

Thank you for coming to our wedding.

Your adopted little Sister,
Lucy

Lee Jones-Hubert

June 20, 2012

Bill, I only just learned of your passing and will miss the multiple times our lives criss-crossed from being lab partners in the 11th grade to jamming in your home just a few years back. Rock-on, brother

Hayley Sechman

January 12, 2012

Although I was not able to be with you on your next journey, I miss and think of you daily. You are my most favorite uncle and the talks and adventures you took me on changed me and helped me grow as a person. Even though I didn't/couldn't spend as much time as I would have liked with you, I knew you where always there for me, even when I called drunk and heartbroken in the middle of the night. You were an educator, friend, eccentric, talented musician, and hell of a strong person. You lead by example how to be a gentleman and a compassionate person. I will miss you deeply and cherish all the moments I had with you. I love you always.

Kathy Green

January 12, 2012

I don't know how my earlier, probably sappy, message of love for you was somehow lost in this guest book. But it is the only time my love for you was misplaced. I am so grateful to Scott and his son for making sure you felt my love as you you were slipping away. A swift kiss, then no more pain. I promise. Ace promises.

Janet Nauman

January 5, 2012

I am so sorry to hear about Bill. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Janet "Sechman" Nauman.

Jon Buriak

January 4, 2012

Byrd, I was just teasing you about stealing my girlfriend 40 years ago..........I will always love you, man...........Don't forget it!.........May you RIP, until.....

Deb. (Grow) Freed

January 4, 2012

So many years ago I met Clair (Byrd), a talented and sweet guy. We were all kids and having a blast back then. They were wonderful times and your talents grew and we reconnected a few years back and you had that same humor, that same secret grin I loved seeing. You hadn't changed and I was so happy to have seen you again. We loved you, loved the contributions you made to this world that touched so many along the way. You made it brighter and you will live on in our hearts. I know I will smile when I relive those beautiful days. Safe journey my dear friend.

Starr Hand

January 4, 2012

My sorrows to the family and friends he left behind. He made lasting memories for me in my life, his smiles, his music and his humor. Thanks for the memories Byrd!

Sharon English

January 4, 2012

I do remember the Aliens, but did not know Bill personally. But, you know what? His spirit lives on, for I can feel it in reading about his life and love. For certain.

Pam Brake

January 3, 2012

I am so very sorry for your loss. He touched so many with music and spirit....I hope you can see his smile in those and the stories that live on.

January 3, 2012

Ah Clair, I hope I'll see you there one day.But till we meet again I'll weep for you out of selfishness; I'll envy you for your freedom, and as before I'll love you forever more. S

Rosalind McAllister

January 3, 2012

William Clair, you were one of the dearest men that I ever met. You made a very strong impression on my young heart so many years ago. Your humor, the odd turn of phrase, your singing voice, and a face that was beautifully uniquely yours-you stood out in the crowd and not just because you were tall. You were a true romantic in the highest sense of the word. What else to say you were more than special and all these years later you will be missed by me and so many others. My deepest condolences to Scott and family, friends and fans of Bill. Love, Rozi (Alice)

chelsea luke

January 3, 2012

I love you bill & I will miss you very much, and lil Chad will also miss his uncle bill! But I will make sure he never forgets you! He 's going to miss your high fives, play visits & much MORE. you we're definitely the best neighbor I could ask for! Loooooove youuuuu!

- chelsea
Bill called me sissy

Mike Johnstone

January 3, 2012

Rest Easy Byrd

Life may be short -
But yours was quite wide...

Liz (Pygen) Roberts

January 3, 2012

In October, Bill and my sister, Robyn, and I went to lunch in Williamsburg. He was such a gentleman - holding open doors and insisting that lunch was his treat. He shared with us stories of the early days of the Aliens, and we talked about gardening and sailing - two loves we share. Bill was generous and gave me his copy of The Marlinspike Sailor, which is a book of sailor's knots, splices and other rope work. Through this simple gift I am tied to him - from here on I will not knot and not think of Bill - his talent, his rye humor, his friendship, his spirit. Always, he greeted me warmly, made everything more fun, and left me feeling a little higher. I am grateful for the times we shared and for his friendship. He lived on his own terms, aspired to his own standards, made music and believed in love. I will miss my friend, Bill. Peace & Love

Sherry Nicotera-Johns

January 3, 2012

My heart felt thoughts are with you all at this time. Bill will live forever in the hearts of those he touched here on earth. Just know he is with Dennis and his parents and is jamming with Hendrix. He is happy, those that are left behind are sad. You gotta BELIEVE!

Sherry Nicotera Johns (Shepherdsville, KY)

babz covington

January 3, 2012

I am very sorry for your loss. I wish there was anything I could say that would help.I know in my soul that his being on the other side, just gives him an even bigger view of what needs to be done, and more energy to tap into to help get it all done.

Bill making me laugh

Robyn Roberts

January 3, 2012

Billy Etheridge. Robbie House, Linda Gerringer, Bill Sechman, Robyn Roberts

Robyn Roberts

January 3, 2012

Laurie Terry

January 3, 2012

Barb,receive the exceeding greatness of Our Heavenly Father's power and strength; as you, cast your cares on Him. He shall sustain and bless you abundantly.
Peace & Love

Deanna Fitzgerald

January 3, 2012

The world will miss you greatly..I never met you but I was a big fan of your group back in the 60s..You represent youth to many ..You were surely loved by your family , friends and fans and they expressed that love for you in a wonderful tribute..
I offer my sympanthys to all your family , friends and fans..and hope we will soon find comfort in our memories of you ..Peace to you and yours

Vaughn Deel

January 3, 2012

Be at Peace, Bill.
Love

Mary Lutz

January 3, 2012

My condolences to you, Scott, and the rest of your family. What a wonderful tribute!

Robyn Roberts

January 2, 2012

Bill, You were always telling me you wanted to do something special for me and my sister. I know now that you were often in great pain and were ignoring that pain, focusing instead on what you could do for someone else. My wish was a gathering of friends where I could just sit back and enjoy. You gave that to me this past Sunday. I have to tell you that in that gathering of friends, I meant for you to be sitting beside me, cracking jokes and perhaps being brave enough to get on stage and play a song or two. But I thank you Bill. I will miss you greatly dear sweet boy. Love & Peace, Robyn

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Funeral services provided by:

Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home & Memorial Park

2551 North Armistead Ave, Hampton, VA 23666

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