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Born in San Francisco on June 10, 1948, passed away at his home in Guerneville January 9, 2013, surrounded by family. Preceded in death by his father and mother, Raymond H. and Wanda J. Mills, and his adored sister, Patricia Yurk. Loving husband of Angela, beloved father of Fawn Gelpi (Elliot) and cherished brother of Laura. Eccentric uncle of Eric Yurk and Branon Zapp (Jennifer), and scary great-uncle of Scarlett and Miles Yurk and Jackson and Nicholas Zapp. Bill served his country in Viet Nam and retired after 33 years with the IBEW L.U. #6 on March 5, 2004. Known as "Crazy Bill" to his fellow Brothers and Sisters. Rusty loved music and lived to play his drums. Taking the stage name "Rusty Chopps", he was also a member of the Sonoma County Blues Society. He enjoyed telling people about playing at the Fillmore Auditorium in his early years. Great thanks to Dr. Dean Thompson of Kaiser Hospital for his attention and skill, and to Hospice-By-The-Bay. Donations in Bill's (Rusty's) name may be made for accelerating the research of the cancer drug, Reolysin, or to a preferred charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Thank you for always being my families friend and our super awesome drummer for my sisters band. Much love. Rest in peace
Vick Gargano
Friend
January 6, 2024
I love and miss you Rusty Chops! Rusty was a very special friend and he was our house drummer for Wednesday Open Mic for over 5 years! He had such a good sense of humor...I thought I felt something touch my shoulder and it was often Rusty playing funny tricks while tapping my shoulder and pretending to not have anything to do with it. He could always get a smile out of me. Not only was he a great and loyal friend he also played drums off and on with my band Mountain River which was an honor and a blessing. He was a great drummer and person. I truly miss you Rusty and I was so lucky to have you in my life! I will not forget what you taught me. I hope you are rocking out with all the angels. Love, Angelina and Jim.
Angelina Gargano
Friend
January 6, 2024
At some point each Year I miss Bill and think what we might be sharing at this moment. Music was in both of our lives and he was always the better drummer than I ever was..But I learned some skills from him! At those moments I step back and silently thank him.He was a quite sincere and kind man if you could get past his bravado...Always had an opinion and usually his way of looking at life was correct.. Still miss you my dear friend, always will!
Mark McKenzie
Friend
January 6, 2024
Back in the mid 60's Billy (we use to call him Wild Bill, he played drums for the Group " The Stormers " until we broke up, he is a good friend and will be missed by those who knew him.
One of his friends
Eddie Wilson
January 23, 2013
sorry to here about your loss laura
pauline tani
January 21, 2013
Good, bad, and improper, you have left me with so many memories, from stuffing my head in the toilet at grandma's when I was i kid to letting me play your drums at the Pink Elephant to your courage and sense of humour in these last years. I carry all of these memories around with me every day.
I miss you dearly but I am so grateful for how you enriched my life and the things you have given me.
You spoke your mind, let the words fall where they may, and then made us all laugh.
I miss you, Uncle Billy. You were and are loved.
January 21, 2013
It all began back in 1960's when your Sisty Laura and I were best friends in Portola Jr High. I will always remember that fantastic drummer you were and how you used to make us laugh. My mother always enjoyed your quirky ways heck she was quirky too. You brought a lot of love and happiness to everyone that knew you. You left us to soon but will always be with us in our hearts. Love Jackie, Jeanne, Bob (Baux and Thornton family)
January 19, 2013
We didn't get together often enough these last years, but I will miss your irreverent sense of humor & your joy in music a lot.
Ken HEIKKILA
January 14, 2013
Your great sense of humor, as well as your amazing musical talents will be missed here in your community. Rest in peace Rusty.
Christie
January 13, 2013
Fly high, Mr. Chopps.....you always knew how to do that here on earth. The times we spent together in the band were some of the best times of my life, due in no small part to your energy and talent.You always made me feel like a rock star. Love you forever, Rusty. You were a true friend.
January 13, 2013
I admired Rusty's open heart, always ready to play my songs. Willing to stand back and let others use his drums, thank you Rusty for being my friend. Thank you for keeping the beat. I will always remember you Rusty "It's about love"
Peggy Day
January 13, 2013
Hi Rusty, I will miss you so so much. You taught me so much during our 5 years of rocking out together. I just received your letter and it means the world to me and everything you said. Jim loves you dearly and will miss you also. You were the most loyal and best musical friend I ever had. Thank you for all you have done for Jim & I, and all you did in our community. You made a huge difference in all our lives. I will never forget you because you are a part of my heart forever. When ever I rock out and have silly thoughts...I will be thinking of you poking my shoulder and rocking out with me reminding me to live life to its fullest and have fun... "Keep playin'. It's what life is all about, and not who's doin' what to whom." Love RC.....Rocking on for you Rusty~Love Always Angelina & Jim
Angelina Gargano
January 13, 2013
From the streets of San Francisco, to the jungles of Viet Nam, to the clubs from the Bay Area and the North Bay and, finally, to the peace of Glandy Glen Lane, you made a life for yourself and took no prisoners - except for our hearts. You were "Bill", the Union man, 49er Faithful and curmudgeon with a heart of gold, and you were also "Rusty", the drummer who was the nicest guy in the room. You crazy Gemini. I was and always will be so proud of what you did and who you were. The Blanton's is always on the table for you, my Bro.
- Your Sisty Ugler
Laura Mills
January 13, 2013
I knew Bill for most of my life, he was one of a kind ! Smart, talented and always open to change. He loved his music and would travel far and wide just to express his Music. He taught me that music is more than enjoyment, it's total passion.
Mark Mckenzie
January 12, 2013
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