William B. Erwin

1945 - 2010

William B. Erwin obituary, 1945-2010

BORN

1945

DIED

2010

FUNERAL HOME

William Erwin Obituary

William B. Erwin August 23, 1945 - October 7, 2010 "POP", age 65 went home on October 7, 2010. Bill is best known as the Director of the Willows Recovery Center. It is through his passion for helping others that he became a mentor and planted the seed of recovery in so many men. He truly cared for every man and their family who came through the door of the Willows. Bill taught us how to live so we could become productive members of society. Now Bill and Walter can have their 8:30 morning meeting again and we are certain he has the best seat in the house to watch over us. Bill had a great sense of humor, loved traveling, and enjoyed spending time with both of his grandchildren, loved fishing in Mexico, family trips and kayaking. He had a special love for his grandson Sammy and attended all of his baseball games. Bill was a loving and caring father and a role model for his kids. Bill loved hot rods, his dogs and had the biggest heart, always making donations for the cause. He is survived by wife, Mary; daughters, Lynn and Melinda; sons, Jack and Jerry; beloved grandson, Sammy; granddaughter, Farah; and his two sisters, Beth and Brenda. Chapel service will be held on Friday, October 15, 2010, at 10:00 a.m., at Greenlawn Memorial Chapel, 3700 River Blvd. No visitation is scheduled. Greenlawn Mortuary www.bakersfield.com/obits

Published by Bakersfield Californian on Oct. 12, 2010.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
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My deepest condolences to Bill's family. That one single man saved the lives of so many. It was an honor to know him. This world was a better place with him in it. Thank you Bill, for all the support, comfort and friendship that you gave to our family. You saved his live and we are forever thankful. We will miss you.
Anonymous.

October 22, 2010

Dear Lynn -- you were always there for Craig and I -- I am heartbroken about the loss of your Dad - he was an important part of so many people's lives. My deepest condolences to you and your family, Love, Adrienne Wiggins (& as always Craig T)

October 14, 2010

William thank you so much for the talks we had in the morning at freedon house it is a time when i really needed your experience strenght and hope i'm a better woman for having known you our fellowship will never be the same without you love that goofy smile you always had for me your family is in my daily prayers you may gone but never will you be forgotten in my heart i'm so sorry lynn and mary for your loss words can not express the pain that i know you both feel. angels will be watching over you many tears & deepest respect kendall o'sullivan All the girls at terra lynns who's life he touched.

kendall O'Sullivan

October 14, 2010

Lynn and Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was such a great man, he helped so many people including my husband in 1999. Everyone now has a very special angel watching over them. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.

Lindsay Cain

October 14, 2010

Only you Billy knew the depth of the battles you fought, and the struggles with each mountain you climbed. But through it all you overcame and made it to lifes otherside. There is no doubt that God chose you, as a counselor of peace,a light in such a dark world.With your struggles at rest, the mark you have left is a true testimony to all, that goodness prevails when goodness is give and my old friend, you gave your all. See you soon Billy. To Mary, Lynn and family, I pray that peace be with you all.
Steve Price

October 14, 2010

Lynn,
You guys saved my life. I'm truly grateful, and because of that I am a better person today. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I love you with all my heart.
Brett Frith

October 13, 2010

Lynn: My deepest regrets to you and Sammy and the rest of your family. Like so many others I love your Pop, too.

Jon Crosby

October 13, 2010

bill always had a kind work for me even if i was out in my addiction or fooled up dinner. bill i will miss you.

wade dittus

October 13, 2010

Eternity Coin - love you Bill.
Anita Rojas and Kevin Vincent

Anita & Kevin

October 13, 2010

Bill,
You helped me to find my life again when I went through the Willows in 1997. You were often rough on me, and it was exactly what I needed! You put me to work for you for a couple of years after that, at the Willows, & allowed me to try to give back some of what I was taught. My life is forever better because of you, as is my Daughter's! I will miss you dearly buddy! My prayers are with you & your family, & I hope you have found eternal peace! May God bless & keep you!

Mike Tyler

October 13, 2010

When I think of Bill, I think of a humble man, a man of quiet integrity and self-deprecating sense of humor. He loved his family and his friends and the work he did helping others. He was the real deal and he will be missed.

Linda Alvarado

October 13, 2010

This may be the first time I have known and loved a friend that everything nice said in his or her obituary was, as far as I'm concerned, absolutely true. I, along with hundreds of others, will miss him.God's speed Bill.

October 13, 2010

Laura Stenerson-Gomez

October 12, 2010

Bill Erwin...a constant in my life and my recovery...travel well,my friend.

Gregg Peel

October 12, 2010

We have another angel watching over us that is for sure. In early recovery Bill was always a quiet answer so profound he said more with very few words. I will miss him dearly. Wade Thomasy

Wade Thomasy

October 12, 2010

Bill you have truely shown the way to so many, keep the meetings going my friend and we will meet you there one day.. WIth love and great repsect

Mike & Stephenie Carroll

October 12, 2010

I already miss you so much, you affected so many lives in such a positive way, you will be missed by so many. You had such impact on my life in so many ways, from our fishing trips to mexico, to our wild rides down the Kern River in the kayaks. I know you are in a better place now. I will think about you everyday and will always be thankful for the things you gave to me. Love your son -Jack

Jack Gorman

October 12, 2010

I already miss you so much, you affected so many lives in such positive ways, including mine. You were loved by many,and will be deeply missed but all. You showed me alot of great things in my life, from our fishing trips to mexico, to our wild rides down the Kern river in the kayaks. I know your in a better place now, free of any problems. I love you Billy and will think of you everyday, your son -Jack

Jack Gorman

October 12, 2010

Bill you will be deeply missed by so many, Thank you for being there and showing so many that there is hope and better way of live. Your smiles and hugs will never be forgotten. We will see you again someday.
David and Erin Stagler

David and Erin Stagler

October 12, 2010

so sorry to hear of bill's passing. It's been a couple of years since i've seen bill but he is someone you knew was always your friend. heaven has gained an angel and bill has his well earned wings....fly high above my friend. God bless.

alissa davis

October 12, 2010

Everytime I saw you a smile appeared on my face! Thank you for being who you were.
My prayers and thoughts are with your family daily. I loved you dearly...Love Heidi

Heidi Freeman

October 12, 2010

every time I ever seen bill he was always positive and kind, if every one could take a page from this mans book the world might be at peace. we will miss you bill

Ward Johnson

October 12, 2010

Bill helped me make the most important life changes any one person could ever make.Most recently hes been joining me in carrying the message up to camp owens and those drives up the mountain gave us a chance to really get close.He was a loving and caring person and im really gone miss him.

Dennis Quade

October 12, 2010

When someone like Bill creates a place like the Willows, the ripple effect extends far beyond anyone's ability to see it. We don't know how much good Bill did. It just can't be measured. All I can say is that I have my life back thanks in large part to the extraordinary kindness of Bill and the dedicated family who shared his dream. Bill is loved and will be greatly missed.

John Allen

October 12, 2010

Bill you are missed by many.I thank you for the Willows mens recovery home. My husbands life changed for the better by being there, thankyou for being a part of my recovery. Thoughts and prayers to your family, Lynn, Sammy and Mary.

Wanda Allen

October 12, 2010

Bill was one of those people who other's liked being around and made you smile. I was very sad to hear that he passed but am grateful I got to spend time with him and know him. My best wishes to the family.

Alan Bryant

October 12, 2010

Lynn, Sammy and family,
We just learned of "Pop's" passing. We send you our love, prayers, support and most sincere condolences. We are thinking of you. He was a very special person to a whole lot of people including Mason.

Ladd Family

October 12, 2010

This man had the most beautiful smile! He was always so happy to see me no what my circumstances were. A few weeks back i had the pleasure to join him and mike p. for dinner at freedom house campout . He was sharing his meal with gunner it was so sweet. prior to that i spoke with him about my battles. He understood me and made me grateful that the past didnt matter it is only today . you are angel now bill. I will see you again my friend!

sheila west

October 12, 2010

Bill I will miss you, and think of you every time I play video poker. Love you Nickie

Nickie Sloas

October 12, 2010

Bill was a no driving dude. He cut down my weeping willow tree two times with the rideing lawn mower. I also have it on good authority he would run over your trash can:) But I loved him anyway. God I couldent stand to watch Bill play video poker. He would take forever to make his selection and just as I thought he was going to play the hand he would change his mind and start over. But I loved him anyway and will miss his unique take on life. I can see him looking down at us with that little goofy smile and sayiing John I'm cured now. Bye Bill I'll miss Bud.. John Sloas

John Sloas

October 12, 2010

Thank you all for your support during this difficult time. Please share your memories here for the Family to read, and join us at "The Willows" Friday after the graveside for an open Mic to share all memories, enjoy food and fellowship. Thank you, Melinda

Melinda Fuller

October 12, 2010

I have known Bill for almost 20 years. He has always been kind to me and I love him. We, together, have rebuilt our lives.

Rest now, Bill, and I will miss you dearly.

JJ

John Jensen

October 12, 2010

Bill... 13 years ago you welcomed me into the recovery world. It takes a special person to touch all the lives that you have. Thank you for your kindness over the years. I hope I can be half the amazing recovery example that you was for MANY... love you my friend!

Jennie Bell

October 12, 2010

I will really miss Bill's laughter and sincere concern for others and I admire how he could keep this laughter and caring way with all the medical problems he has suffered over the past several years. My prayers go out to all his family. He will trully be missed by many.

Joey Foster

October 12, 2010

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