William C. "Bill" Craven

Your grandchildren graduated from High School in 2020. Holly was ASB Secretary and Treasurer and the two term President of DECA. She works as a Shift Manager at McDonalds. Will earned his Eagle Scout award and completed his Associate’s degree whilst completing High School.

Dad,

There is so much I want to tell you, to share with you. I miss you. I love you.

Bill

Another year has past and oh so many things have happened. Some I wished you could have shared with us---some I'm glad you do not have to bear. Your guidence is greatly missed and always will be.

Three years, hard to believe. It's easier now largely because Bill you taught me so much. One thing for sure you wanted me and the family to enjoy life.

Dad,

You would be so proud of your grandchildren. Will is the baseball wiz you always wanted me to be. Over here he plays cricket but his arm is strong and he throws hard and straight. He also bats like a champ. Holly is a beautiful and delightful young lady and is so cuddly and sweet. And Amanda, who graduated with honors from Hanford High School in June 2006 is an intelligent, beautiful and very personalble young lady. We all miss you dearly.

Love,

Bill

As with our children Bill, I too miss you so very much. It's easier now going on alone because I concentrate on our good times together and there were so many.

Dad,



I thought about you quite a bit this week. Your 77th birthday and the second anniversary of your passing. I still cannot believe you are gone. You would be so proud of your Grandchildren. Amanda graduates from Hanford High School June 2nd. The twins are real cuties. Will is a natural at all types of athletics. He will make a great baseball player some day. I wish you could be here to help him.

I miss you. I love you.

Dad,



It is hard to believe we have been without you for a year. It seems like only yesterday that we visited you in Port Angeles with the twins. I have a beautiful photo on my desk at work dated April 9, 2004 of you playing with Will and Holly Laura. I had no idea that would be the last time I saw you.

I miss our talks. I miss seeing you with my children - your grandchildren. Will is the natural athlete you always wanted. At three he is already very coordinated and fascinated by all sports, especially baseball. We moved to England in October. I would love to have the chance to show you the lovely Lake District and the Sellafield Nuclear Facility where I now work. Our time together was too short. I have been thinking a lot about our special times together. Flying back east in 1977 in a two-seat airplane. Sleeping under the stars on a hilltop near Dayton on a deer hunting trip. Our annual opening day fishing trip with Jerry Reed. Digging the giant Sycamore tree out of our front yard in Pasco and finding roots that seemed to reach to China. Steelhead fishing most summer evenings after work on the Columbia. Our many vacations that always focused on Leslie and I - never on what you really wanted. Your selfless devotion to your family and your always putting our desires first are a role model I am trying to emulate. You were a great father and a great man and I will love and miss you forever.

Your son.

Billy

Dad,

Happy Father's Day 2004. The first Father's Day without you was a sad and lonely one. I still can't believe that you are gone. I so wanted to call you and hear your voice. Here is a poem that I am keeping close to my heart:



For those I love and those who love me,

Let me go,

I have so many things to see and do.

You must not tie yourself to me with tears,

Be happy that we had so many years.



I gave my love, you can only guess

How much you gave me in happiness.

I thank you for the love we each have shown,

But now it's time, I travel on alone.

So grieve awhile for me, if grieve you must,

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It's only for awhile we must part

So bless now, the memories within your heart.



I won't be far away, for life goes on,

So if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can't see me, or touch me,

I'll be near.

And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear,

All my love around you soft and clear.

And then when you must come this way alone,

I'll greet you with a smile and say,

"Welcome Home."



I love you, Dad.



Love,

Leslie

Bill was a great guy. I talked with him a few times when I called Donna. You could tell by his words that he loved his family very much. His spirit is with the Lord but his memories will last forever in his loved ones hearts. Harriet

Dad,

I miss you more than I can express. You were so much more than a wonderful Father. You were a fine and decent man, a terrific role model for me and a true friend when I neded it most. I am so sorry that two and a half year old Will (William E. Craven) nor his twin sister Holly Laura will not remember you or have the chance to learn to fish or hike with you. I know that 16 year old Amanda loved you very much and will always cherish the time she had with you. I hope you know how much you were and still are loved. I am so proud to be your son and so sorry to lose you so soon. Love, Billy.

Dad and Pop Pop,

It seemed too soon for you to go, but we know the past year was a battle. We know you are at peace now. We will miss you so very much. We will always remember the good times and we had many. You were the best Dad and Pop Pop a family could ever have. We love you so very much.