Bill Barnes Obituary

Bill Barnes, our friend, brother, uncle and son, left us suddenly Sept. 6, 2004, doing what he loved, -surfing at the rock.

The family requests that all who knew Bill gather at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Morro Rock. There will be a short service followed by the formation of a surfing circle and the scattering of his ashes. All are welcome to form the "Circle of Bill." Wetsuits and surfboards will be available if needed. Please call Chris Bath at 801-0268. A reception will follow.

"Uncle Bill" was born Jan. 28, 1951, and lived a full life with an energetic smile, compassionate heart and a quick tear shed as he discussed family and friends.

An avid surfer and sailor, Bill surfed throughout Hawaii, Mexico and Puerto Rico. One of Bill's warmest stories he told was sailing his boat, "Motu," solo down the Baja coast and across the Sea of Cortez. Bill loved to be near the ocean and surfing. He came up with the idea for Morro Bay's Harbor Festival paddle race, which continues today. Growing up in Morro Bay Bill touched many lives with his contagious wit, soft heart and eagerness to embrace the aloha spirit.

Bill leaves behind his girlfriend, Terri Bentley of Morro Bay; mother, Dorothy Cristo of Fresno; brother, Gene Bath of Carmel; nephew, Jason Bath and wife Carla and their children, Austin, Hannah and Carson; nephew, Chris Bath and wife Jessica of Morro Bay and their children, Jack and Ruby; niece, Hillary Cloud and husband Tal of Sanger and their children, Bryn and Talie; nephew, Jon Bath and wife Lisa of Fresno and their son Josef; niece, Tammy Francis and husband Tim of Colorado and their son Conner; and niece, Christina Bath of Lompoc.

He was preceded in death by his father, Warren Barnes; brother, David Barnes; and brother, Richard Bath.

Donations may be made to the Surfrider Foundation.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune from Sep. 16 to Sep. 17, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Bill Barnes

Sponsored by anonymous.

11 Entries

uhane

March 22, 2005

It has been six months. It is raining today and I went down to the rock and sat in my car overlooking the place where you died. It is the first time since that day that I have been able to go there. I miss you so much, still. I have been told that it will get easier. I miss our daily emails, talking on the phone discussing politics...and I miss seeing you. I dream of you all the time and I know you live inside me, within my soul. I know you want me to go on and I will. I will always love you. Seven years was a long time to have you in my life, but glad you were.

See you againg my buddy, someday.

Terri Bentley

October 1, 2004

Hey "Buddy" it's "Missy". Things are pretty quite here at the ranch. I guess that means you made the most noise. Chip sits on your chair in your office most of the day waiting for a spin. He said it's just not the same when I do it. We miss you.. Your corn is ready but I don't feel much like eating it alone. The sunflowers are all open now and are looking up towards the heavens at you. We miss you.. Your stuff is all around me but it doesn't bring me comfort, just heartache.. Mark said I once told him when he was 18 that time would heal his wounds and heartaches and it will heal mine as well.. We miss you. I woke up early this morning and hiked up to the lemon grove without you and of course when I got there I thought about our last walk there together the morning you passed. I'm leaving the ranch soon Buddy so you should stop by before I go because..we miss you.

Love,

Missy

Chris Bath

September 24, 2004

Uncle Bill,

I miss you more each day. I was kept busy the first few days getting everything in order to give you a send off...now I have time to think and miss. I love you and will see you with my father some day.

Chris

Friends saying goodbye

September 18, 2004

Aloha Bill

September 18, 2004

Pete Miller

September 16, 2004

Adios, Guillermo, May Fair winds, following seas and Celestial tube rides fill your journey.

Cap'm Pete

uhane

September 16, 2004

This has been created for all the people who loved Bill. His spirit is part of the universe now and I feel somehow that every message will be sent into the universe to honor our love for him. He had such a joy for life. He loved his family and friends. He loved the sea, music and nature. He worried about the state of the world, the environment, but now he does not have to worry any more. He is at peace. His spirit walks with us each day and smiles at us and the sunset. I am forever grateful that he touched my life with his friendship. If anyone would like to add a picture please do. If anyone has a picture of him and does not want to pay the fee, please send it to me and I will add it for you.

I feel our thoughts, is a way we can all hold each others hands, honor his life and say "Adieu"

Debbie (Klohs) DeZarn

September 16, 2004

I was sadly surprised to learn of Bill's death even though I hadn't seen nor talked to him in 35 years. My fun memories are of hanging out at the beach as teenagers in the 60's. Mike Powell, Jon Halas, Bill, and us "valley girls" from Fresno. Later, my brother, Jared, became friends with Bill.

Genie Curti-Ruddle

September 16, 2004

Sometimes it's hard to understand the "whys" in life

Sometimes nothing's clear for the moment,

but that will pass as well.

Aloha speeds hearts healings and

soon clarity will come your way.

And there is time for the hoku (stars) to sleep,

the day will always follow!

May Bill's uhane (spirit)always catch the NALU NUI (BIG wave)!! :)

Me Ke Aloha Menemene,

A 60's beach girl who landed on the Big Island with those Avery Brothers!