Vasilios "Bill" Tsopanoglou

Bill was a wonderful guy and real character.

Down here in Texas we occasionally have reason to tell friends about “Bill the Greek”, our in-law up in Seattle. We would tell them what a character he was and how Bill told stories about his fishing in Alaska and how his stories were so much fun. Nobody could talk so much and tell as many stories as Bill. It was always fun to get him going.

The story we remember most (and we repeat to our Texas friends) was the one about how he and his crew came upon a whale floating on the surface and how they scraped barnacles off the whale’s back and rubbed oil on the sore. In Bill’s story, after receiving the help, the whale thanked the crew by popping up and blowing a big blast near the boat. Bill told us that one while sitting outside Betty’s lodge. Everyone sitting around that night about died laughing as Bill told the story with complete seriousness and with the energy only Bill could bring to a good yarn.

We were looking forward to seeing Bill this summer in Wisconsin, he will be missed, but his stories will live on.

Darrell, Jim, Nancy and Bill were members of the original gang of Hughes “outlaws”. The outlaws felt a kinship and supported each other as they dealt with being married to Hughes’. At Hughes family gatherings the band of outlaws tended to hang together and were not above causing a little agitation from time to time. The band of outlaws are short a member now.

Bill and Nancy

Loukas and Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. May your precious memories be your comfort.
Thinking and praying for you all.

Loukas and family,

John sent me the news about your Father and I was so sorry for you all. You are all in my prayers.

Mindy Williams Cleeland

Barbara, Loukas & family and Sara,

I am so sorry to hear about Bill.

You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

May your memories bring you comfort at this time.

I will call you soon.

But know that although I can't be there in person -- I am with you all in prayers.