A fellow blogger, a Vietnam veteran of the USAF, a true American Patriot and a friend has gone home to join the Lord. Bill Faith, who has been the blog administrator over at Old War Dogs and also has had his own blog over at Bill's Bites, sadly, passed away yesterday at his home of an apparent heart attack. This is an especially sad day here at Holger Awakens, folks, because I had the privilege of meeting Bill just last summer as I traveled down to his Illinois home along with a friend to meet Bill, help him with some home projects and just enjoy the fresh air of rural SE Illinois. I had long exchanged many emails and blog comments with Bill and meeting him was truly special.
I can tell you all that only one thing rivaled Bill's love of America and that was his love and devotion to his family. Bill was able to welcome his new granddaughter into this world just last month and he was absolutely captivated by her and prouder than any Grandpa I've ever met.
This was a special man. A patriot who would give his very life for the defense of this Country and a gifted individual who could express his greatest passions and love in the written word.
I just received an email from Bill on January 4th in reply to one I had sent him the day before, he wrote:
I can tell you all that only one thing rivaled Bill's love of America and that was his love and devotion to his family. Bill was able to welcome his new granddaughter into this world just last month and he was absolutely captivated by her and prouder than any Grandpa I've ever met.
This was a special man. A patriot who would give his very life for the defense of this Country and a gifted individual who could express his greatest passions and love in the written word.
I just received an email from Bill on January 4th in reply to one I had sent him the day before, he wrote:
Maybe if you get some time off next spring you could come down for a while just to sit in the backyard and relax and see how the place has changed since you were here before; I promise not to make you work this time.
This is a great loss for all of us today. I can best describe Bill as a good man. I am proud to call him a friend. I am lucky that our paths crossed and I got a chance to learn from such a true American. Bill, it's my bet that you can hear me right now and I just want to tell ya...I so wanted to share that time in your backyard this Spring just kicking back and as for making me work, it wasn't work...it was a pleasure just to spend time with you, sir.
To Bill's family - his sister, his mother, his daughter and grandchildren...my heartfelt condolences, may G_d hold you close today as you grieve.
God's speed Bill Faith. We'll miss you. I love you, my friend.
God's speed Bill Faith. We'll miss you. I love you, my friend.
