My deepest condolences to Bill's family. I can't begin to imagine what a loss this is to them, but I would like them to know that while he was up here the last few yrs. he was quite an inspiration to mine. My son Reis is handicapped, and when he saw Bill's "funny looking bike" for the first time he had to drag me over to see it. Bill would stop whatever he was doing when Reis went by and give him a big smile, a wave, or a thumbs up. I spoke to Bill a few times but I knew he was a busy guy and was always afraid that I might be bothering him. I knew he understood this, we would look at each other, smile and nod to each other, and he knew I appreciated the time he spent with Reis.
When Bill made his 311 run he was naturally crowded with well wishers, and requests for photo's etc. I told Reis not to get in the way and kind of hang back. I turned around for a second and when I looked back Bill had his arm around Reis's shoulder and was sharing his victory with him. The last day of that weekend he took a good half hour and spoke to Reis, signed his T shirt and made him about the coolest kid in the world.
I want you to know that while Bill was all these miles from home he was not leaving family behind but extending his family by his actions. He definitley had a great impact on mine. I am forever in your debt for sharing this great guy with the rest of us!
We are so sorry for your loss.
Robby, Barb, Reis Perkins