William M. McGRATH

Peace and love to all

I will offer a Billy story that tells a lot about him. I was teaching at Lakewood High and ran with the team and eventually became the assistant coach. In the summer of 1975 I hired Billy to help me paint the house. Each day we started in the morning, and I would say numerous times, "Billy don't lean that far -move the ladder." He still leaned too far.

About 2:00 PM he would turn to me and say, "Coach, time to run." We headed to Rocky River Valley for an 8-10 mile run. I could not keep...

You're breaking my Heart Dear Friend. You will always be in our hearts. From our first meeting in Seattle wearing that trench coat and converse shoes,to becoming friends in Alaska. Sharing your cat box on Hoyt and the great phone messages you left. The grown up socks you gave Hoss when he was just a toddler, but giving him the Jango albums was classic. And when you had me over for dinner and your dog stole the sreak right off your plate. And most of all when the Love of your life Maddy came...

My condolences to Bill's family. I will miss him very much. He was a great guy that started calling me Jessi :) even though everyone corrected him. He didn't care and I didn't mind. Love ya Bill and will remember you always. I had a Lemon Drop or you!

I will miss you Bill - your kind heart and your even wackier world view. You helped me get through the 1980's.

Bill was one of my very best friends through high school and college, and we even occasionally got together as adults in Portland and in Colorado. I always loved his positive life energy and verve. He was full of alpha waves. I am very sorry to hear the news of his passing and send my most heartfelt condolences to Robin, Madeline, all brothers and sisters, and everybody that loved Bill. Bill was always great at taking it home as a runner and as a person. Take this last one home, my friend!

May you find comfort and strength during this difficult time. psalms 29:11