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William Robert Mayer
1953 - 2017
William Robert Mayer
1953 - 2017
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William Mayer Obituary
Please visit lakeshorememorial.com to leave a message or memory for the family.
Also visit https://hope.edu/news/2017/campus-life/billy-mayer-of-art-faculty-dies.html for more information.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bill Mayer on the right holding a lake trout, Lake Michigan, June 21 1979
Mark Hillringhouse
January 2, 2019
I knew Bill when he first arrived at Hope and he let me stay with him in his loft on 8th Street because I had nowhere to stay and needed a place to crash. He was generous like that, affable, and fun to hang with. We went fishing on Lake Michigan with a friend of his who had a boat and I remember that day and wrote a poem about it. It was June 21st the longest day of the year and we caught two huge lake trout and in the photograph we smile holding our fish, the sun setting behind us, a beautiful day and being with Bill that day I will always remember. It later inspired him to make a ceramic plate with a fish on it that he gave to me as a gift. He was a gift to everyone and I am so sorry that he is gone.
Sherrill Vickers Doar
November 28, 2017
I first met Billy when he arrived at Hope in the late '70's. My father was a professor in the art department at the time, and someone who wasn't easily impressed. But this young talent, fresh out of grad school was different. He was the breath of fresh air that was needed. Billy was energy, brilliance, hilarity, wonder and a bit of magic all rolled into one. Back then, I remember he liked Warren Zevon, had a pet rabbit named Gary, and his first show was entitled "Out of My Mind". Hope had never seen anyone like him, and probably never will again. My most heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and students - who had the privilege of knowing and learning from him.
Wayne Potratz
November 27, 2017
Billy was one of those unforgettable students on the BFA program at the U of MN. We remained in contact for many years, exchanging postcards and art. Earlier in the year he sent me a most beautiful letter about something I had said in class that remained with him throughout his career. He was a fine artist and teacher. Please let me know if there will be a memorial service... many friends in Minnesota would attend.
Tom Fleming
November 22, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear of Billy's death. We went to college together and he was a fantastic and funny guy, sensitive and serious. I'm honored to have known him. My condolences to his family and friends.
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Paul Mirocha
November 22, 2017
I've known Billy since High school and then in art school at the University of Minnesota. He was a year older and I looked up to him for inspiration. He was a brother, friend and mentor to me, brilliant and wildly creative. I always kept in touch with him because with Billy, it didn't matter if a few years go by.
I can't describe my feelings about his loss yet, it's like my brain is still on fire from the shock of the news. I just love you Billy.
To honor Billy, especially for his friends outside of Michigan, I set up a more permanent memorial site for stories and memories. Please visit this site at: https://www.forevermissed.com/billy-mayer/#about
I don't know any of his friends from Michigan, but would like to connect.
Jackie Bartley
November 21, 2017
Billy was my friend and I will be forever grateful to him for his kindnesses. He was also a friend to John and built a beautiful container for John's ashes when he died. And he was a good friend to Gracie, my dog. I will miss him.
Miriam Bush
November 20, 2017
Billy was mentor and friend to our daughter during her years at Hope and following. He inspired, encouraged, and supported her in life and in her artistic unfolding. We give thanks for his life in her life. May peace guard and keep all who loved him and were honored to share in his life.
Jim Gentile
November 19, 2017
Billy & I were like two brothers from different mothers. His passion & love of teaching through his art was well received and revered by his students. His joy of both Art & life itself was contagious. I recall so many good & important times with Billy, but perhaps savored the most the times we would sit down, light up good cigars, have a bottle of Whisky in front of us, and contemplate life, the joys of our students, and the marvelous joint friendships we had with many Hope College faculty, Staff & students. He will be missed by many, but forgotten by none.
Todd Van Grouw
November 17, 2017
The Day I Learned
The day I learned
Billy Mayer died I
walked with art
and poems in my shoes,
the surest way to find them
was pacing miles in a
wood floored factory.
I swirled like a hexagon
perched on a pole
in the mind's fabric sky
made to dazzle.
My hands went deep
as I buried myself
long in clay
and learning. I became a dog
who knows to chuckle,
a biker in pitch blue rain,
a smoke theologian,
a cardboard thief,
a lone brass grommet,
a welder of straight lines
of light and pure amazement,
beyond these walls
trying to make new colors
blind.
Todd Van Grouw
November 17, 2017
Bill taught art, sure, and he taught it well. But even more he taught life. Students were his art and he sculpted us in marvelous ways--at least he did me. I learned more from Billy in a 1985 May term than any other single class at Hope--lessons that continue to influence and inspire who I am today. I am immeasurably grateful for Bill's art in my life, and immeasurably grieved that he is gone. Thank God that his art lives on--in our spaces and as our lives.
Patrick Conroy
November 16, 2017
Loving husband to my sister, yet I barely knew you. Looking back to brief contact at family events, makes me realize how much we tend to live in our own little silos, and how sad that is. I was sincerely looking forward to getting to talk with you over Thanksgiving weekend.
Ken Wright
November 16, 2017
I Lost a very dear friend today. Billy and I worked on many many projects he initiated over the years, we laughed a lot. I shall miss him sliding into his chair in my office and enlightening me on Hope and what his next project was. Talented and gifted person on so many levels. I shall never forget him.
Heather Sultz
November 16, 2017
I am heartbroken. Billy was a beautiful human, sculptor, artist of many forms, musician, guide dog puppy dad, motorcycle aficionado, life aficionado, collector of beauty and expert displayer of collections. He leaves a huge hole in the world. Love to Michel, family, and all the people affected down all the threads he leaves, which stretch everywhere.
Scott Wolterink
November 16, 2017
Billy was a great friend to many. He was someone to lean on and offered a welcomed fresh, energizing perspective. Many, including some special friends of the arts, believed, trusted and honored him and his vision. He will be missed. Neighbors, Scott Wolterink and (In Memory) Tom Wolterink
Tracey Nally
November 16, 2017
I was privileged to call Billy my friend. He gave me so many fond memories: laughing; delectable dishes prepared by his hands, music heard from his vintage stereo and the slide of his electric steel guitar; experiencing my first cigar; and of course literally being taught, with a textbook!, what art is. He will always be with us each time we take a walk on campus and through Holland with the sight of his profound, eclectic art. You will be missed my friend!
Tom Duimstra
November 16, 2017
Here's to you Billy...you were one of the great ones. May we meet again someday.
Glenn Lowe
November 16, 2017
The Hope College and Holland community has lost a creative genius, one with a whimsical yet brilliant presence. I was privileged to share many laughs, beers, and a few trips with him. RIP, my friend.
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11939 James Street, Holland, MI 49424
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