As I've remembered Bill in the past few weeks, one story keeps coming back.  I'm sure my memory has altered some facts, but I love the way I remember it.  So here is the story of Bill that I choose to remember him by.

Bill had one of those bad work days that ended with an argument, the specifics of which I don't remember and aren't important because they are probably trivial.  Bill left work early, probably because he might just do something really rash.  It must have been summer because it was hot, but in Texas that could be almost any time.  As he drove home he replayed the day and the argument over and over, getting more upset each time. 

As he neared home, Bill saw an old guy pushing a bike with a flat tire down the road in the blazing heat.  Bill's heart told him to give the guy a ride so he stopped and picked him up.  The bike went into the back and an old black guy, sweaty, dirty and smelly, a face with creases and eyes that said life had not been easy, climbed into the cool AC.  Bill inquired how far and it was close, but in the Texas heat, a minute of AC is always welcome.  He'd been out to look for a job and was hopeful that his future would improve.  It was a short ride as Bill pulled into a shopping center, the old man's apartment being just around the back.  The bike was unloaded and the thanks and good lucks exchanged.

Bill climbed back into his truck and realized this man had shown him something.  Bill was blessed.  Blessed with a wonderful family.  Blessed with a good job (even with the arguments).  Blessed with a home and a boat.  Blessed with financial security.  What in my life is worthy of any complaint?  And he turned to look at the old man, a man who'd lived a hard life.  The lot was empty.  It had just been 10 or 15 seconds.  He couldn't have gone far.  Nothing to hide where he'd gone.  

But gone his angel was, the message delivered and received.  Gone back to get another message to be delivered to someone in need.  And I believe that Bill will soon seize another opportunity, perhaps already has, to meet his angel, to thank him for delivering a message that reveals the blessings of a life well lived.  In the great span of time, I'll see you soon Bill.

Now I have to think of a practical joke worthy of that moment.  :)

To the Horak family:

I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Without Bill as a mentor, I wouldn't have made it to Eagle Scout. He was always there to help in any way he could. 

Sincerely,


Susan, Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. I will pray for your and your family's peace.

Susan, you and your family are in my prayers.  I am so very sorry for your loss.

To Horak family, 
Sorry to hear about the passing of Bill. I know your family will miss him.  
I worked with him on the Bank of America account at EDS. He was able to explain technical issues so that I could understand. He was willing to whatever to get the job done. Had a great personality and sense of humor. Always threatening to retire from the job, but said his wife would not let him (smile). 
Pray God will comfort you and your family during this difficult season.
God Bless You. 
With Deepest Sympathy,

Susan, you and your family are in my prayers.  We will all miss Bill.

Susan, I have no words, Dwight and I are praying for you and your family.  Bill was such a great guy and always so kind to us, he will be greatly missed.  God Bless you and yours.

I have known Bill since the 1980s at IBM, then MBNA, Bank of America, EDS, HP. Wonderful man, super technician, great sense of humor. Blessed to have him in my working life so many years. May the Perpetual Light shine upon him forever. Prayers for the entire Horak family for comfort during this time of mourning.

Susan, Paul and I are very sorry to hear of your loss.  Many thoughts and prayers going your way.  Sincerely, Eve and Paul Blage

Susan, Suzanne and Michael, 
May your memories of Bill, your husband and father, comfort you as you both mourn your loss and celebrate his life. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." 
We both worked with Bill at MBNA and as a vendor to Bank of America. We enjoyed our lively lunch conversations with him. He was a good friend, and we share your loss. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you in the days and weeks ahead.

Susan..  You are in my thoughts and prayers daily and my deepest sympathy goes out to you, Suzanne and Michael. I adored Bill and his ability to answer any questions I had about fixing stuff. He will be missed by all who knew him.

I was a Customer Engineer in Dallas and often worked with Bill. He was a great guy, fun to work with and to be around. So very sorry for your loss. 

Bill Harris (Colorado Springs, CO)

Susan, Suzanne, Michael, I am so very sorry for your loss. I am very sad.  Bill was one of the most intelligent and interesting persons I have ever known. I am truly honored to have been in his circle of friends. We had a great time fishing, and I will value my time working with him at MBNA and HP. He was very proud of his family and always spoke of each of you when I was with him. I am a better person having known Bill, and he will be greatly missed. I pray that God will look after each of you and comfort you.

Bill was a great guy and a terrific neighbor. We will all miss him very much. Susan, our hearts go out to you and your family during this very sad time.

I miss Bill's humor and witty perspectives he shared as I walked past his and Susan's house daily.  I often wondered what he listened to with his earphones perched atop his head wearing a KERA t-shirt while taking care of their beautiful lawn. I often saw him tinkering on a multitude of mechanical devices or the corvette in the garage.   I miss his smile and waves. My deepest sympathies and prayers go to his family.

Bob Rave introduced me to Bill when I was about 14 years old.  Bob and Bill were several years older than I, but, amazingly (considering our age differences at that time) they took me under their wings and we became good friends.  I have fond memories of spending weekends with them, usually going to the drag races or working on our cars.  I was fascinated by the stories Bill told of growing up in a part of Dallas that seemed like a different world than where I lived.   Bill and I lost touch after he went into the Navy and I went off to college and eventually settled in Austin.
Bill and Susan ended up buying a house about a block away from where I grew up, and over the last few years, Bill and I reconnected and he started a tradition of inviting me over each year for hot dogs and to visit with Bob Rave, Don Leuck and Jim Rafferty (plus the simulated John McGuire who kept getting photo-shopped into our gathering photos).  I always looked forward to seeing Bill, and he continued to fascinate with the stories of his life.   
I am shocked and saddened to learn of his death.  I will always remember Bill and his contagious laugh.  My sincere condolences go to Susan, Suzanne and Michael.

Susan, my deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.  Bill helped me so many times with my car, my lawn equipment, my computer.  He knew how to fix and repair just about anything, a rare quality these days.  More importantly, when I called  for help, he would be over in minutes, and I know he helped many of our other neighbors in the same way.  So his generosity and abilities will be greatly missed and not forgotten.  I hope you find comfort and peace in your loving memories of him and knowing he lives forever in a beautiful place.

I worked with Bill at MBNA and HP. I was fortunate to have him as a colleague and more importantly a friend. He took me fishing on several occasions when I was in Plano and he was always great company. I am so sorry to hear the sad news and my condolences and prayers go out to his family.

I am so sad.  Bill was the Best Friend I ever had, Best roommate in college and the Greatest Fisherman I have known.  We had great times together in the Philippines and in college.  Bill will be missed.  May he Rest in the Peace and Presence of our Lord.  I love you as a friend and as a brother.
Johnny McGuire

OBITUARY

William Thomas Horak

11 April, 1947 – 9 November, 2017

Calvary Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery

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