Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
William Slye Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Slye
Kurt Wilson
November 28, 2012
I was trying to track down Bill to get in touch after not hearing from him for several years. I am so sad to hear he is no longer with us. He was a great friend during and after college in Santa Cruz. We had some wonderful times together going to Grateful Dead shows, mountain biking, and playing guitar when neither of us were any good! He came out to Colorado in maybe 2001, and it was great to reconnect while enjoying some Phil Lesh shows. My condolences to Bill's family.
Audra Andrews
November 13, 2012
Hey Bill. I am so sad to learn of your passing. You were a great friend and a super smart guy. I will always remember you in the best of ways. I miss you.
Santa Cruz Guitar Ensemble with Benjamin Verdery, June 17,1994. The day OJ Simpson led the police on a high speed chase down LA freeways.
Debbie Morton
January 7, 2012
Bill setting up our sound system for our gig at Palookaville in Santa Cruz September 1st 1994.
Debbie Morton
January 7, 2012
Debbie Morton
January 6, 2012
This is the web address for the video I put together in Loving Memory of Bill. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNsmZ23IXc0
October 9th, 1993 Aids Walk Benefit, Santa Cruz
Debbie Morton
January 6, 2012
La Selva Community Church January 9th, 1994
Debbie Morton
January 6, 2012
Bill playing with us at Sunshine Villa Retirement Home in Santa Cruz.
Debbie Morton
January 6, 2012
Santa Cruz Guitar Ensemble with Bill
Debbie Morton
January 6, 2012
Debbie Morton
January 6, 2012
I recently returned to California and was very sad to hear of Bills passing. Bill played in our classical guitar ensemble for many years. I have posted on Facebook a video with some pics and music that Bill played in our group. If you would like to see the video in loving memory of Bill, please find me on Facebook under Anne Morton in Santa Cruz. I will be happy to send the pics and video to any family or friends. I will miss Bill's smile and great laugh! He was such a great member of our ensemble, always setting up our sound system to make us sound good. My thoughts and prayers are with your family! Much Love, Debbie Morton
Bill playing with the Santa Cruz Guitar Ensemble members.
Debbie Morton
January 6, 2012
January 6, 2012
Bill was curious about the world and very multitalented. This is a photo he took of me back in 1987. I'll always remember this as a very happy time.
Carolina Perez-Venero
January 24, 2011
Carolina Perez-Venero
January 24, 2011
I only knew Bill a short time in Santa Cruz when we were both very young, but I've always felt close to him and looked forward to keeping in touch over the years. He always let me know in many ways that I was special to him and I wish I could have told him one last time that he was special to me, too. He will be missed.
Carolina Perez-Venero
January 24, 2011
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Bill loved the music of the late Jerry Garcia. It was an early and life long inspiration.
October 11, 2010
October 11, 2010
October 11, 2010
At one time long ago Bill and I were very good friends and although our lives led us far and wide in various directions I still feel very close to Bill in spirit. Bill opened many doors in search of connecting with love, peace, and enlightenment. He shared music and his reverence for nature with those he knew. He gave of his heart and hand in a humble manner. My life was enriched by knowing him. I believe that he actualized his spirit in life and did not waste a precious moment.
Thank you Bill for being my friend. I would also like to express my gratitude to Bill's parents for raising a wonderful son.
Lots of Love, An Old Friend.
As your spirit soars among the stars we remember the joy you bring to our hearts. Thanks Bill !!!
Your True Friend
October 11, 2010
FOREVER GDF...
Your True Friend
October 11, 2010
Bill Hardin
July 5, 2010
I am very sad to hear about Bills passing. We were good friends when I lived in Santa Cruz. I have Bill's first guitar he ever made and it belongs to him. If someone could please let me know how to get it to either his Father or one of his brothers I would appreciate it.
Bill Hardin
Bill Rushing
April 20, 2010
I am stunned - and the word "saddened" doesn't even come close to expressing how I feel - over this news.
Bill and I were fellow students at UCSC, and went on later to be co-workers at Santa Cruz Guitar Company. I had not seen him since the mid-90s, and thought that I would look him up.
I did not expect this.
Please accept my condolences. Bill was a good man, with an energy and spirit that showed through his every word and action. The world is poorer for his absence.
Elaine Rae
March 22, 2010
John, Irv and I lived down the street from you on Lancelot next door to the Guthries back when Bill and our Scott were in kindergarten. I remember our boys playing and being with Margaret at your house and watching Bishop West hanging pictures for her. I was so saddened today to see in the Diocesan paper of their passing. I have not been in touch with Margaret since we moved away, but I wanted you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and that I still have such fond memories of both Bill and Margaret.
Blessings,
Irv and Elaine Rae
January 22, 2010
I have not seen Bill in over 20 years, as we were friends in the same class at Episcopal, but I will never forget his friendhip and strong character. My my deepest thoughts and prayers go with you in this time of sorrow.
Christian
Jocie
January 20, 2010
Bill was incredibly brilliant, genuine and kind. What a special soul. All my love and prayers to his family.
Love, an old friend from EHS
January 20, 2010
Dear Mr. Slye,
I knew Billy for most of his life although our paths only crossed once in our adult lives. Billy and I went to St. Mark's Episcopal Day School together starting in Miss. Mason's third grade class. He was always the smartest of us in mathematics. My Mother taught us in Fourth grade and loved Billy and the way that his mind worked, so much.
I remember riding bikes to school with Billy sometimes, and with some of our other elementary school friends - and kicking over empty garbage cans with our feet on Monday mornings as we rode in.
In high School at Episcopal, Billy and I used to have heated discussions about politics and governmental policies - conservatism and liberalism - and I think we enjoyed battling it out more than either of us let on.
When I saw Billy at Alex Sinclair's wedding in North Carolina I hadn't seen him since our high school graduation and we picked up as though we'd never lost touch. I was so happy to hear about his life and his happiness in California and he was just as I remembered him at age seven - intense, happy, funny, kind - just a great person.
I also did not know that Mrs. Slye had passed away and I am so sorry for both of these losses for your family. Words cannot convey my sympathy adequately but please know that your entire family is in my thoughts and my prayers.
Warmly,
Susannah Chapman Collins
January 19, 2010
John,
I was sipping a late coffee Saturday morning, glancing at the newspaper, when the name "Slye" caught my attention. I was overwhelmed when Ilearned that you had lost a son, but moreso when I saw that he was listed as the son of the late Margaret. Somehow, I had not learned of Margaret's death, and I assumed that she had left us quite some time ago.
At a church function Sunday night, I was chatting with Mattox Hair who told me that his cousin,Martha Alexander, had come down for Margaret's service, and that is how I received another heartbreaking blow.
I haven't seen you folks in years, but I always knew that you were only three boring hours away.
How I wish that God could lay some words on me so that I could pass them on to you in a comforting way. I vividly remember the unbelievable hurt after Celeste' death, and I really don't know how you are coping with a loss that must be maginfied far beyond a simple "times two"! Experience tells me that condolences don't bring the comfort and relief that one would hope for, but please know the my heart literally breaks for you, and I am here for any comfort that I can offer.
When Celeste was nearing the end, Beverly Barton Holmes came to the hospital to ask her to look for Jimmy in heaven. Celeste told her that she had Jimmy high on her list of those to seek, because she felt that he would have already identified all of the good eating places. I am sure that she has welcomed Margaret and Bill, and, who knows, perhaps they are together with Jimmy in one of those places, perhaps discussing the how and why of their old buddy's (Martha) voyage into politics.
With every wish for a balm for your aching heart and soul,
Wade Hampton
Anth
January 17, 2010
Old friend, I will miss you.
susan switzer
January 17, 2010
I went to Episcopal with Bill. He was in the grade above me. I remember hanging out with Bill and Mr. Reeder when they were working on the giant pendulum project in the old gym at Episcopal. He had one of the best music collections I have ever seen. I am saddened at his passing and I wish you peace at this time.
January 17, 2010
I am saddened to hear of Bill's passing. Bill and his family are in our thoughts and prayers. (EHS classmate). Suzanne Brown Enoch
January 17, 2010
I attended Episcopal High School with Bill and was so saddened to hear off his passing. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Ashley Liles Jones
January 16, 2010
I had the priviledge of attending episcopal with Bill. He was a kind and loving person and I am saddened that such a great life has been cut so short. My prayers are with you.
Katie Bethea Tenneson
Steve and Helen Carothers Edwards and family
January 16, 2010
Please accept our sincere condolences.
January 16, 2010
I am terribly sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I was in the same class with him at Episcopal. Please know that he and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Sunny Turner Hartigan
Jane Loewinger
January 16, 2010
From Jane Almy-Loewinger-John, I am so sorry for your loss, my prayers and thoughts are with you.
Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results
Make a Donation
in William Slye's name
Memorial Events
for William Slye
How to support William's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor William Slye's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
