Growing Up

Years In Europe

Back In The USA

The Accident

Memorial Services

Family & Friends

Family Scholarship

Guestbook

Email Parents

Remembering Will

---

Reception At Dunsmuir City Park

Willie’s reception, the “Celebration of His Life,” was held at the Dunsmuir City Park, after the memorial mass at St. John’s.  Dunsmuir High School faculty and friends,  led by Superintendent Bob Morris,  contributed food and drinks.  Mr. Morris helped arrange the reception and Harry and Debbie Blackwell, Bruce Anthony (great cover of The Band's Song, The Weight,) George Rentschler, Albert De Groft, JoAnne Main, and Cain Gillis, graciously gave their time and musical talent, in honor of Willie.  Will’s father, Ken, played with some of his Dunsmuir High School Band students, past and present , and sang, “Keep Your Hands to Yourself,” a hit of Will’s when he was in his dad’s band.

---

Lathan  played guitar, Ken and Michelle sang, Jobe  played drums and Elizabeth played bass in this photo.  Josh Rice,  Jeremiah La Rue, and Teresa Barnes,  also sang  with Ken and the band.

---

George sang and spoke, remembering  Willie winning a talent show at age six, singing  “Mamas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys.”  He remembered Willie  having a great share of days when he might have thought, This is the best day of my life.”  He remembered the special joy of the  father and son friendship that Ken and  Willie shared. George felt that because Willie died suddenly, he didn't have the chance  to say thank you to all who help make his life so wonderful.  So George, touching  our hearts, said it for him. George helped Willie say,  “Thanks, for so many ‘best days of my life.’ ”

---

*Willie’s dad  spoke,  and so did many others, and if they wish, we will share their stories. We also thank everyone who helped in any way hope you will let us know others who need to be thanked. Thank you, Julie, John, and Jeremiah,  for video taping and Lynne and Amber for taking pictures.

---

All week long, after Ken and Diane had returned from Reno, people came by the house on Fawn Court, and many contributed to the twelve cork boards that were to hold pictures from different stages of Willie’s life. Afrack Vargas, our champion and  “Guardian Archangel” throughout, with Lupe Jiminez, and other friends, decorated the hall with these, other memorabilia of Willie’s life, art supplies, and lights.

Lacy, Vanessa, Jason, Gerad and Afrack remember.

A rainy, cold May kept the main reception indoors. But the clouds lifted enough for many to stroll outside to the ballpark. Here Willie spent many happy hours  playing baseball and football. Some, especially his friends from Tahoe and high school friends from Dunsmuir, walked down the hill to the park by the river. Three brave souls actually plunged into the icy waters. In Will’s honor, they were au natural, of course.

---