William Anthony Suter

Bill was the first born grandchild in our family and, therefore, an immediate star. Although he often engaged in foolish antics, they all were mild and entertaining. He was the character in our rather well-behaved and provincial family. Everyone else followed the rules, but Bill usually made his own. Naturally, we adored him. He did everything better than everyone else and yet was always modest and comedic. He was a powerful presence in a very subdued way. He never tried to put himself at the top of the heap, he was just there.

When we were kids growing up on the ranch, Billy could be a real handful. He’d chase my cousin Becky and me with worms and take us on “rides to the moon”. I hated both those things! My sister, Colleen, loved the rides to the moon, but I was terrified. He was the typical “big brother” to three little girls who must have driven him crazy most of time.

While in high school, my Aunt June (his mother) was summoned by the teacher to review his IQ test.

“Mrs. Suter,” the teacher had gushed, “your son has one of the highest IQ scores in our school. How does that make you feel?”

My aunt, also a bit of a comic, responded with,“It makes me sick”. She meant, of course, that he could have done anything. He could have pursued any profession but, as always, Bill did his own thing.

I never heard him say a bad word about anyone. I never heard anyone say a negative thing about him. Well liked and friendly, he was not unlike the Pied Piper. He gathered a following of unfortunate souls as he journeyed through life. If anyone needed a place to live, you would them at Bill’s. If someone needed a helping hand, Bill would be there.

I have attached my favorite photo of Bill pictured with his daughter, Heather and son, Kevin. Clearly, he was movie star handsome. He was never vain about it. He was just Bill.

Before illness claimed a good deal of his memory, he called me every Sunday morning. He started the conversation with “Hey Dob,it’s your cousin”. We would chat for a while about what was going on and then we’d start to talk about politics. Luckily, we held the same political views. One day the calls stopped. He was having trouble remembering my new number. Bill had always had the best memory of anyone I have ever known. This was a red flag.

On the night Bill passed, we were stunned. No one expected it. I have heard many people say that when someone leaves this earth, the family gathers by the person to usher them to the other side. In my mind, I pictured my Aunt June, my mom and Nana and Papa, as well as a host of Bill’s friends welcoming him to other side. His spirit did not stick around. I felt he was happy to leave behind his sick and frail body and return to the healthy, handsome man he had been for most of his life. He knew we all loved him, but he also knew he was ready to leave the pain and struggles behind him.

He left us many things including wonderful memories of his quick wit and sense of humor. I know that when it is my time to cross over, I will hear a voice nearby say, “Hey Dob, it’s your cousin.”

We love you, Billy.