William Robert Malecha

Do you remember where you were July 20, 1969? That´s a day you might not forget when I remind you that is the day man first walked on the moon. I was an historic event, dreamed about by mankind for centuries. Most people were glued to their TV´s watching the live feeds from the surface of the moon. However Billy called me that afternoon and invited me to go to Jewette´s Point, a dance hall, in Faribo, in effort to meet some young girls. For us young men chasing girls was more important than watching history being made.

Billy and I met in 8th grade and we instantly became friends, went through high school and a year of college together. After that we each went on for different schoolings, different careers and each got married and went our separate ways. Regretfully, it´s been almost 20 years since I´ve spoken to Billy, but I´ve always have considered him to be one of my closes friends. My wife said, "How can you consider him to be a close friend when you never call him or visit him?" When I did contact Billy after any year apart, it was just like old friend meeting again.

While in school in Austin, 6 of us all stayed in an older house, Billy was nicknamed `Animal´ and he nicknamed me `buffalo´.

He asked me to be best man at his wedding, but due to another engagement I had to turn him down, and I regret it to this day. Then years later Billy called me one day to tell by that he was a dad when his first son was born, he was so excited, I guess he want to share it with me.

Billy was closer than a brother, and I hoped that someday somehow we get together again. But now it´s too late. I have many fond memories of Billy, and he will live forever in my heart.

I have deep regrets about not spending more time with him.

Love Ya Billy