William Denby Foote

William Denby Foote

A sudden, unexpected heart attack took the life of William Denby Foote on September 19, 2006.

Bill grew up in Hudson, was a graduate of Hudson schools, and a member of the class of 1973. He majored in psychology at Kent State University, attended Ohio State University and after moving to Boston, continued his education at Harvard University.

From an early age Bill had a curiosity about all things mechanical and electrical. At fourteen, he built his own radio transmitter from scavenged parts and used his bedroom closet as his station headquarters. Bill's early fame came from his nightly and weekend broadcasts over station``WTNT" which covered news, weather and featured both popular and ``underground" music of the late 1960's and early 70's (special musical requests came in from listeners as far away as Sharon, Pennsyvlania). While Bill was in charge of program design, he invited his sisters and neighborhood friends to collaborate with him, writing scripts and playing character roles in comedy skits.

While in college, Bill earned his certificate in Emergency Medical Training at Akron General Hospital and became a charter member of the Hudson Volunteer Emergency Medical Service and served three years as an EMT and Paramedic.

Acting as Senior High Group leader and counselor for the Hudson Congregational Church under the direction of the Rev. Joe Fraccaro, Bill planned, managed and guided groups of young volunteers in painting and renovating homes of needy families in Appalachia and Biloxi, Mississippi. Later while living in Biloxi, Bill was counselor to high school youth groups affiliated with the Back Bay Mission and directed work camp sessions for rehab housing for the poor. On weekends, he planned and guided group tours to New Orleans' historical points of interest.

As dedicated environmentalist, Bill worked for the Gulf Coast Recycling Company in Biloxi. As Operations Manager and public relations representative, he spoke before many civic groups and conducted radio interviews to publicize the importance of conservation.

After moving to Cambridge, Massachusetts, Bill continued lobbying for the environment as Canvas Field Manager for Greenpeace, organizing college and recruiting tours in the Metro-Boston area. He served as Motor Coach Coordinator and Operator on Greenpeace Action's largest U.S. campaign tour traveling through all states from Minnesota to Louisiana. While in Boston, Bill also worked as the sound system and recording engineer for Interface, New England's largest Holistic Health and Education Center.

While Bill's primary work was in Computer Programming and Operations, his greatest pleasure came from his volunteer work and his active roles with environmental organizations. He was an avid reader and humorist, a runner, hiker, amateur photographer and lifelong alternative music lover.

Bill will be deeply missed by his mother, Beverley Foote of Cape Elizabeth, Maine and his two younger sisters, Allison Price of Brunswick, Maine and Hillary Foote Schwartz and her husband Jaimie Schwartz, and their children, Alissandra and Eliza of South Portland, Maine. His extended ``family" members include: Mark and Katie Bruno, their children, Max, Nick and Jack; Jim and Joan Bruno of Wadsworth; Bob Biesemeier of Kent and Tom Biesemeier of California.

Family and friends will be gathering at a later date to share thier memories and celebrate Bill's life. Should his friends wish, a contribution in him memory may be made to The Hudson Volunteer Medical Service, the Hudson Congregational Church Youth Group, the American Heart Association or any volunteer organization working to protect the environment.