Some called him daddy, others husband, uncle, boss, co-worker, friend, godfather, or buddy.
For me, he was my Buddy Billy…
He was one of the first to greet me upon my arrival to Caracas
He was the one who was always there when I needed him
He was one of the few people who kept his word
He was one to always want to be on time
Now that my Buddy Billy is no longer in the same physical space as we are, it seems somehow he hasn’t actually left us, the fortunate who remain.
Fortunate to have known a person who, while not perfect, was a role model worthy of following in our own journey. For those of us who knew him, we would marvel with his wit to identify and express what was going on in a few words.
So many beautiful times with him and his family bring a smile to my face. Trips to the beach, to the mountains, and much more. Happy moments like birthdays, graduations, weddings, and too difficult times like death and other complications. My Buddy Billy was always there with just the right thing to say with a devilish look in his eye or an overall demeanor of complicity.
When he walked along the street, he greeted people kindly, respecting each regardless of his station in life. He talked to those of high rank and also to those of the lowest. If he had something to say, he would say it, and then let the other interpret the meaning as they pleased.
My Buddy Billy worked hard and earned the respect of those with whom he interacted, as much with his bosses as with those he was responsible for, which were at times many. He maintained order in chaos directing his team of workers much as the notable Dudamel directs a great orchestra.
My Buddy Billy looked nice and was very careful with his appearance, though he also know how to let his hair down when the situation was right to rest and relax, going from being formal to comfortable with ease. He felt at home just about anywhere.
He was astute and did business negotiations easily. While surely some didn’t go as he expected, usually it seems as if they did. Nevertheless, the constant weight of making ends meet in a situation which was constantly deteriorating was perhaps the beginning of his end.
I remember sharing many things with my Buddy Billy, among them:
Going by boat to the Keys in Morrocoy
Traveling through the Pampas of Argentina
Skiing through the Rocky Mountains of Colorado
Sitting at home watching just about any kind of sporting event
Going up to the Avila for a pork sandwich or perhaps heading to the other side
Being lost in the city and calling him, so he could help me find my way
Resolving problems with him, because it was his specialty
Playing tennis almost every Sunday in the park
Being together during important times
Passing time just about anywhere
While there are many ways to remember someone when they leave this reality we know to another yet unknown, I choose to remember my Buddy Billy’s wonderful qualities that made him so special to so many of us.
RIP it my friend!
∞ Rob McBride ∞
20 Feb 2020