Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

William John "Bill" Coffey

William Coffey Obituary

COFFEY, William John "Bill", (69), of Hollywood died on June 28, 2008 of cancer. He was preceded in death by his life-partner, Leland Pendergraft in 2006. He is survived by a brother, James Michael Coffey of Torrington, CT, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grand-nephews. Coffey was a longtime activist in the GLBT community and founder of Crystal Meth Anonymous, a 12-step fellowship with 426 chapters in the US and abroad. A memorial service is being planned at the Metropolitan Community Church of L.A. on September 13th. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to McIntyre House, a non-profit residential substance abuse recovery program. Please call 323-662-0855.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Jul. 13, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for William Coffey

26 Entries

Dennis Siple

August 7, 2008

Bill - My teacher, my mentor, my friend,

I have been so honored that I was chosen to be the one with whom you shared your final months on this earth. I've known you for years and called you my friend, but those years were just an introduction to the friendship we came to know. I cherish the memories of our long talks in the car, the waiting rooms, ER visits, hospital rooms and the quiet of home. I will remember the smiles of you and your brother Mike, seated on my sofa looking at family pictures and your shared laughter. I will miss the man who always had an answer to my questions, knowing that you'd sometimes just made them up. The love is in the details, the manicures, the massaging your legs and rubbing your head which made you smile.

Thank you Bill, for saving my life. For teaching me compassion and acceptance, and to do the right thing, because that was the right thing to do. You made caring for you easy. I will always love you, Bill.

Bennett Yellin

August 5, 2008

My darling, beautiful Bill,

What an honor to have known you, to have worked beside you, to have made you laugh and to have laughed so many times at your rich and delicious sense of humor. One of the last things you said to me--eyes glistening with grateful tears--when I reminded you of what you'd created across the world, was "But I'm just one tiny little drug addict. How could I have done all this?" That extraordinary modesty, right up until the end, is what defines you most, my sweet friend. Bill, you saved my life--that's the flat-out truth. You saved MANY lives across this planet. Your example will live on in all of us. Rest in peace with the supreme knowledge that you truly made a difference. What person can ask for more of his or her life?

Fred and Jonathan Durrie, Chaplin

July 29, 2008

HI Bill, You are and will be missed by Jonathan and I. You were my sponsor for fourteen years and a member of my family. You stood up for me at both of my weddings and you were always the word of reason for both Jonathan and I. We love you Bill. Freddie and Jonathan

John Kowalczyk

July 29, 2008

I will miss a friend...a friend to all. And a great mentor in our roads that we must travel.

Kimberly Coffey

July 29, 2008

I miss you already : (

Bret W

July 27, 2008

There are simply no words to express just how much I love Bill. In my forty years of life, I must say that I've never quite had the admiration, awe and deep, deep sense of love that I have felt towards him. My relationship with Bill defies much of what one typically experiences in a relationship. By that, I mean I would be hard pressed indeed, to think of a man who I respect more and that has- and here's the kicker- consistently demonstrated the principles of our divine program better than Bill. He has, in ways he may not even be aware of, been an exemplary role model to me. Not only of how to truly live the program and apply it to our daily lives, but of how to become a good, decent and accountable man. In addition, and trust me- I've sat here and thought about it for awhile, I absolutely cannot think of a man I've come across in forty years of living who has shown me more clearly than Bill, what unconditional love looks like in action.

Ken Seeley

July 25, 2008

Bill thanks you for all you have contributed to the recovery community. Your commitment to the program was noticed by many. You will always be remembered by starting the CMA program. So many people all over the world will be helped from your idea way back then at the Drug and Alcohol Center. It is a lesson to be learned, one voice does matter. You started a program that will help millions of people that would have died from the addiction to meth.. Thank you for that and most of all thank you for all you were. The world is a better place because of what you left behind.
Respectfully and much Love,

Mark Manchester

July 21, 2008

Bill, all though I only knew you a short time, your life impacted me as it has many others. You will live forever in all who follow.
God Bless you,
Mark

Mark S

July 21, 2008

Thank you, Bill, for starting the program that saved my life.

Thank you for showing us all by example how it's done. You stayed sober even when life was unbearable, and stayed yourself: Quirky, erudite, cranky, funny.

Thank you for not holding onto "your" program too tightly. You never played the big shot, you never played the Authority, you never acted as if you knew all the answers. You were always exactly what the program asks our leaders to be, A trusted servant. You helped when it was necessary and you let people be most of the time. When I think of how bossy I was the first time I was secretary for a meeting, and how tolerant you were of me, I blush, and admire your patience.

I will miss your presence at the meetings. It was fun to watch people come in and be in awe of you. And then after a couple of meetings they'd relax and forget who you were.

I'll always keep you in my mind. I'm grateful to have known you and grateful for what you did for me and all of us.

Much Love

Dale G

July 20, 2008

Bill taught me how to be of service and how to think of others more than myself. He also taught me that no matter what I am feeling, I can stay sober so that I can be of service to someone else. I am grateful to have been able to serve along side this tusted servant. His example will guide us for generations to come. Dale G

Tyler M.

July 20, 2008

Thank you Bill. It was an honor to know you and to hear your marvelous stories.

Steven Solomon

July 20, 2008

Hi Bill -

I am fortunate that I got to tell you many times over the years how much you did for me. When I came into that small Sunday night meeting in 1996 you saw right through my bravado and attitude to the
fear underneath. You lovingly told me to shut up and listen. More importantly you asked me to please come back next week so you could hear how I was doing. Your example and guidance and easy going wisdom helped me stay on the path for many years one Sunday night after
another. I hardly saw you outside of that Sunday night group yet you became a key person in my life and helped me grow into a better healthier person. (And the pictures of you in your 20's were HOT! LOL) It hurts knowing that you're not out there guiding another mixed up kid on Sunday night. I miss you and love you and am honored to have had you be a part of my life. One Day at a Time. Your friend.

Steven S.

Shah Smoak

July 20, 2008

You gave me wings when I couldn't walk. Your kindness changed my life twelve years ago and your words have guided me thru many a dark night. "The smallest package in the world is one all wraped up in itself." You Darling were a Big Gift.
Love Shah

Thomas Heatley

July 20, 2008

Many,many thanks Bill for your inspiration and willingness to make CMA a reality. While the rooms of AA are accomodating,it would have been much more difficult to survive meth without the home away from home that you built for all of us to share. I've found a little bit of heaven in my new existence as a clean and sober gay man living in Orange County and I hope and pray that your rocket ride to the next dimension of existence was way more than you had dreamed that it would be. Say "Hi" to Kari for me. I miss you both.
Love, Tom

Nakhone K.

July 19, 2008

Dearest Bill,

Thank you for all you did for the fellowship of the spirit. Your life has impacted the many who may never meet you but your legacy will carry on... I'm grateful to have known you and to have witnessed your life...

Anthony Gordon

July 19, 2008

Bill, I miss you so much , you were there when I first walked thru the doors in 1994 and embrassed me , and told me that I wasn't the only one , I remember you saying you wanted to start a group just for people like us , and asked if Id go and I remember saying yes and thinking to myself , this would never fly , you had an amazing vision that now , the whole world is feeling the effects from , you are proof that we all can make a profound difference in each other and the world , I am so gratefull to have been your friend and you mine and I am a better person for knowing you . All my heart Anthony (Tony )

Richard, Reveverend,Chaplain Cress

July 19, 2008

Dearest Bill,
You rank w/the likes of Forrest Tegue and Rex Salo, all sobriety heroes. In '85 when I first came in you were there and you always remembered me throughout the years. You've been a blessing to so many and your work will continue to bless save lives. You will not be forgotten.
Most affectionately,
Rich Cress
Palm Springs, Ca.

Donal Welch

July 19, 2008

Bill's was the first face I encountered when I attended my first CMA meeting over 12 years ago. It was his warmth, compassion, and kindness that encouraged me to stay that evening. Never has there been a lovelier man.

Vance White

July 19, 2008

Thank you for being my long-time sponsor and good friend. I will miss seeing you at the Friday night meetings....Love Ya - Vance

Thomas Kirk

July 14, 2008

It takes just One...with a vision and a dream. I am grateful for all the Work you did so that I and others could walk behind you.

Donna and William Coffey

July 14, 2008

Hi Uncle Bill, Although I never met you, I know you were a great person inside and out. From all the great stories I've heard from you're family and my husband you're nephew William. You gave you're heart to alot of people and you will be sadley missed.. Rest in peace and fly free my friend....

Love, Donna and William Coffey

Myke S

July 14, 2008

I met you at CMALA 2007. Your inspiration and the creation of CMA saved my life and through it I will do my part to carry that inspiration to others. Guide us further from the next dimension ...

J. Mike Coffey Sr

July 14, 2008

Hey big brother. You walked with me all your live. You gave me more then you ever knew. Thanks Billy.I will walk with you again. Always and Forever I will love You. Mike

Jim Fossett

July 14, 2008

Bill was one of the greatest men I have ever known. I loved his sense of humor and willingness to give without ever expecting anything back. Walk with the angels my friend!

Zane McMahon

July 13, 2008

Thank you fellow trudger for your inspiration as a biker and as a sober friend.

Mike Murphy

July 13, 2008

Bill -

The legacy you have left on this earth has allowed you to live on beyond the limitations of your body. You are missed and we love you.

Thank you for showing us how it is done.

Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results