To Bill’s Family
I am heartbroken. Sometimes you count on a person’s presence on Earth, even if you have not been in touch for a long time. I always counted on Bill. He was a mentor and guide for me. I owe much of my growth as an artist, photographer, thinker and human being to the years that I spent trying to absorb as much as possible from Bill as his student at the University of Connecticut. Through several semesters of the History of Photography, studio classes and photo-critique classes, including “Types of Contemporary Photography” (where we explored how our Jungian types should influence our art), Bill generously and genuinely exuded his knowledge and spirit, sometimes not saving enough for himself.
Throughout the years I have thought of him often, always bringing a smile to my whole being. His own smile revealed such inner light. I will continue to think of him often, but it might hurt a little now.
I am thinking of all of you, the family that he loved and talked about so much. I send you the warmest of love and best wishes as you find your new way. Tim you may remember me from 1982-85 at UConn (dedicated Bill Parker disciple with a punk haircut -- short black with the bleached long tail in the back). My heart is with you.