Scott Guthrie sent this along to me for posting here.
"At the time I wrote this service, I knew
that Ellen and I were not going to be
able to attend Bill's funeral.
I sent this to Walt Kudron, in hopes
that, with Walt's help, there could
have been one final "coming together"
with Bill before we wished him our
"final goodbyes"
I had hoped that this could have been
delivered at Bill's graveside remembrance.
Bill Warner’s graveside service
Today, we share a Gathering of Eagles,
the men and women who held the throttle wide open,
and who in spirit joined Bill on every run.
No-one but this group truly understands Bills drive,
and all that he accomplished in his unfortunately
all – too - brief career as the best LSR pavement racer
in the history of the world.
As we give Bill back to the earth,
we remember how high he flew.
Let him go to our friends who have gone before,
with our praise ringing in his ears for a job well done,
and thanks for his friendship lovingly given.
Let us form one last circle with Bill and remember him.
In this circle, may we also be joined by Debbie Dross,
Larry Forstall, Karl Gunter, Scott Guthrie and Billy Shoemaker.
Those friends of Bill, who – but for fortune – could
now be waiting for him, but who can
still twist the throttle in his honor.
One last time, let us all hold Bill’s one hand,
while Bill offers his other hand up, and is greeted
by our old friends John Becket and Dave Owen.
Bill: Go forward, with us knowing that you would
have made your last run, your greatest run ever,
at over 300 mph in the mile.
The memories of your life and accomplishments
will live in our hearts until we join you.
Thank you Bill, for filling our lives with smiles.
Thank you Bill, for making our world a better place."
