William Harrison Alden

Dear Cathi,

I first met Bill in the spring of 1989, he was my cooperating teacher for my student teaching block. At the time I was attending Oregon State University. One of the things I remember Bill and I shared was our common disdain for all the red tape you had to cut through when dealing with OSU administration. I feel blessed to have had him as my cooperating teacher as I had much to learn and Bill was patient and encouraging as a supervisor. I will always remember his welcoming and warm personality. I'm sure you don't remember as he probably had numerous student teachers in his classes over the years but, he invited me over for dinner with you and your family and it really went a long way in relieving the anxiety I had been experiencing with the prospect of entering the classroom as a brand new teacher with no bag of tricks to bring with me. He shared with me his experiences in Alaska and as someone from Alaska it really put me at ease knowing he was familiar with the state I was from. Bill was an inspiration as a teacher to me and I will never forget the words of wisdom he passed on to me during my student teaching experience. The handwritten recommendation he wrote for me still stands as one of the best recommendations I have ever received. Though this note comes 7 years too late, please accept my condolences for your family's loss. The world is certainly a lesser place without Bill Alden in it

Respectfully,


Charles Klushkan

Dear Cathi,
I’ve spent many days of my COVID isolation watching reruns of Amazing Race. You and Bill delighted me so I googled you to see what other great adventures you were up to. I was very saddened to learn of your husband’s passing, and I’m sure it is an unfathomable loss for you and your family. Thank you for sharing your lives and a glimpse of your beautiful relationship with all of us. Your wonderful attitude and zest for life are contagious - and oh that rice paddy! You are simply wonderful.
God Bless you both,

Regina Pickard
Bill & Cathi Fan

Dear Cathi,
I’ve spent many days of my COVID isolation watching reruns of Amazing Race. You and Bill delighted me so I googled you to see what other great adventures you were up to. I was very saddened to learn of your husband’s passing, and I’m sure it is an unfathomable loss for you and your family. Thank you for sharing your lives and a glimpse of your beautiful relationship with all of us. Your wonderful attitude and zest for life are contagious - and oh that rice paddy! You are simply wonderful.
God Bless you both,

Regina Pickard
Bill & Cathi Fan

Dear Cathi,
I’ve spent many days of my COVID isolation watching reruns of Amazing Race. You and Bill delighted me so I googled you to see what other great adventures you were up to. I was very saddened to learn of your husband’s passing, and I’m sure it is an unfathomable loss for you and your family. Thank you for sharing your lives and a glimpse of your beautiful relationship with all of us. Your wonderful attitude and zest for life are contagious - and oh that rice paddy! You are simply wonderful.

God Bless you both,

Regina Pickard
Bill & Cathi Fan

I too was so impressed with Bill and Cathi’s run on Amazing Race season 19 which I just finished. I am so saddened to hear he is no longer alive. What a vibrant spirit, flexible and cheerful attitude he demonstrated for all. God bless his memory.

I am watching re-runs of the amazing race and was so touched by The Alden’s. The love and fun you both had on the race was so inspiring. I googled you both to see what you were up to and was so heartbroken to learn of Bill’s untimely passing. My heart is with you and your family Cathi.

Bill was a good friend with an outgoing and positive personality. I always remembered his birthdate and have been thinking of him this season. Would always reminisce about Bill with the Russell family when with them in AK. Bill left many good memories for we who were privileged to know him.

So Sorry to hear this!! My family and I just finished watching your season and were so impressed we had to see where you were at today. You both were amazing!

Cathi,
I was so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. You two were terrific on the Amazing Race. It was so nice to see a supportive, loving couple. I was one of your students at Memorial Junior High early in your teaching career in mid 70's.
Take care,
Bill Davis

Cathi,My love to you and your family during this difficult time. Bill was lovable and warm, and was and still is, one of my favorite Dixon participants. His presence in cycling class, and his goofy attitude was one of the reasons I woke up in the morning excited to teach. He made the room light up with his jokes and banter, and it was always such a joyful time.Your love and relationship has very deeply touched me, as it was so obvious that you were a wonderful team that loved adventure and discovering new places together. I am happy that you lived such an amazing life together, and my heart goes out to you, and wishes you peace.

Cathi,
I was so sorry to hear this news. Bill was a positive and influential force in my life for several years. I loved his polite, positive demeanor and conviction for family. He had a great McGuyver attitude towards everything mechanical. He meant allot to me. He taught me many things but one of my favorite memories was his enthusiasm and enjoyment of the handwritten letter and it's importance. He was a true gentlemen and I am a better person for having him impact my life.
-Eric

Cathi,We are so, so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Such a shock and way, way too soon. Although we didn't know him well, it's obvious from the life he lived and the glimpse we all got of him, you, and the two of you on 'The Amazing Race' that he had much more to give and share with this world. We were interested to see the donations to the PCTA - did he, or both of you, hike the PCT? If so, just another amazing chapter to add to this 'best seller' called Bill Alden!Sending strength and love to you,Jan and Chuck Volz

Cathi and family,
Mike and I are so very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He accomplished so much in his life. We feel that he passed away way too early, and has been cheated from well deserved time with family and friends. I know that there are no words that can help you at this time. Just know that many have you in there prayers. Mike and Ruth Alderson

I remember that same thing, Kristin. :D (I attended it back when it was called that as well.) One of my favorite teachers who really understood you, made it so you COULD figure things out and had a great sense of humor and you could tell, LOVED teaching. Very compassionate teacher. *He knew me before I even got to know him...his DAD delivered me, and he even said that! :) Such a small town....but what an awesome and amazing teacher that we will never forget.

Dear Cathi & Family,
Our hearts are saddened by the news of Bill's passing. I will always remember the fun times we had working with Bill at Calapooia and the times you entertained us at the farm. Thanks to both of you for your friendship and mentorship. I know Bill will be remembered by many students for his teaching professionalism and his care and concern for their welfare. I hope our paths cross again so Barb and I can both give you a big hug! Love to you and your family,
Kary & Barb Daniels

Dear Cathy, I am sad to hear of Bill's passing. You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts. You are blessed with a wonderful legacy and many memories, they will not replace him but I hope over time you will have comfort and peace. With love and hugs, ~tamie

I attended Calapooya Junior High (that's what it was called back then) and had Mr. Alden as a teacher. He was my favorite teacher and I remember taking his class over because I enjoyed him. He always had expectations of how his class should act, which scared some of my friends, but he also had a great sense of humor. I will never forget my daughters coming home and telling me that, when they had Mr. Alden in middle school, he told them that he knew who they were because they look just like their mom! I was so surprised that he remembered me after so long ... And that he recognized my girls! That's the kind of person he was.My sincere condolences to his family. I'm sure he will be missed terribly but it sounds like you've got many great memories to hold in your heart. He was a great example of what a husband and father is supposed to be.Rest in Peace,Kristin Keith

Thinking of you all. All my memories of Bill bring a smile! First time I met him was when I came to your first house, passing on Children's Lit teaching materials-many, many years ago. After hearing about him from you, I was delighted to meet him! His dry sense of humor immediately caught my attention! Loved crossing paths with him when he returned to Calapooia from Oak Creek, and I moved to CMS from SAHS to run The Library. He was a special guy. Please give hugs to all your family, and hug each other tightly as well. Fondly, Karin