May God bless you and your...
He was a true hero, serving Jesus to his last breath.
John Prochaska
September 11, 2020 | Liverpool, NY | Acquaintance
Crestwood, New York
He Helped the Rescuers
When William Joseph Wik called his wife, Kathleen, shortly after the first attack on Sept. 11, her message was emphatic: "I told him, `Get out!' " she said. Her husband, 44, an assistant director in the risk management service department of the Aon Corporation, on the 92nd floor of 2 World Trade Center, said, " `No, I can't do that, there are still people here,' " she recalled. "I wasn't surprised. Billy wasn't the type to turn his back on someone who needed help."
She, and the city officials who have examined his remains, believe that he joined the rescue workers, "possibly showing them where the other workers were," said Mrs. Wik, who lives in Yonkers. Her husband's body was discovered in a pocket of rubble along with the bodies of five firefighters. Mr. Wik was wearing work gloves and a mask and had an Emergency Medical Service flashlight in his hand; the equipment was probably handed over by rescue workers as he assisted them. Mrs. Wik said she believes that for her and their three children, ranging in age from 8 to 16, "the fact that he was located, and that we got his wedding ring and wallet; well, those are little miracles — a sense of closure for me and the kids."
Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on September 29, 2001.
His family held a funeral for William Wik Tuesday. But they have other memorials planned for the 44-year-old husband and father of three.
Wik, of Crestwood, N.Y., was killed when the south tower of the World Trade Center collapsed. In May, he had started work for Aon Corp. as an assistant director.
Wik loved caring for tomato plants in his home garden. His son, Danny, 8, has taken over that task.
Wik had a rose tattoo on his upper left arm. His family and friends are getting rose tattoos, too, his wife Kathleen said, "but not as big and maybe not in as obvious a place."
When the first hijacked plane struck the north tower of the World Trade Center, Wik saw it from the 92nd floor of the south tower, where he was in a meeting. He called his wife.
"Kathy, I have a lot of people to deal with here," she recalled her husband saying.
Wik's body was found in the rubble of the south tower. He was wearing firefighters' gloves, clutching a police radio in one hand and a firefighters' flashlight in the other, she said.
"Because he did what he did and was brave enough to pitch in, I found him," she said. "I saw his tattoo and I kissed his arm."
He was a true hero, serving Jesus to his last breath.
John Prochaska
September 11, 2020 | Liverpool, NY | Acquaintance
Just sad what happened to William, RIP..
Alex lai
December 14, 2019
September 8, 2019, our 34 story building, The Town Pavilion, in KC, MO, is hosting its 9th annual September 11 Memorial Climb where 343 firefighters from KC and 14 states, wearing full gear, will climb the stairs multiple times, for a total of 110 stories to honor the Firefighters. For the first time, a separate Tenant's climb, just once up at 34 stories, was added for this Friday, September 6, and we have been asked to honor Civilian Responders. At the end of our 34, we return to the...
Jay Raupp
September 03, 2019 | Kansas City, MO
We lift you up in our prayers always. The Lord certainly has been there with your children and you. May He continue to bring you His peace until you are reunited with your husband in the glories of heaven. God's blessings always be upon you.
Ken & Mary (Concordia '58) Werring
September 13, 2016 | North Port,, FL
Mrs Wik
Today marks the 15th anv of the 911 attacks. September 14 marks the 15th year from when I first saw William. Please know that you and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers. As you know you were always at Williams side. I find comfort in knowing that his wedding band and wallet were returned to you.
Regards
Lisa
only one of many NYPD search and rescue workers
September 11, 2016
Thinking of you mrs wik and your family
Retired NYPD
September 11, 2015
It's September 11 2015 and I am thinking of you mrs wik and your children. As I have said before and now as a former NYPD responder know that Williams actions saved many lives and great is his reward.
Remember me as only one of many Nypd search and rescue workers
September 11, 2015
I work for Aon in Illinois and I've been reading the bios for the colleagues we lost that tragic day. Your husband was heroic by helping others in the face of danger instead of getting to safety himself. Truly an inspiration. I'm terribly sorry for you loss.
Sean Meehan
September 11, 2015 | Lincolnshire, IL
Dear family of William Wik, I teach about William Wik in my Social Psychology class as an example of altruistic behavior. I am filled with awe each time I tell his story. He is an inspiration and embodies the best of humanity. Peace and Love.
Lisa
October 26, 2014 | Chicago, IL