My dad and I were standing on a dock that stuck out into the Mississippi River. I might have been three or four, but I still remember this day. The dock was somewhere downstream from Grandpa’s and Grandma’s house in Dakota, Minnesota. Uncle Bill had said earlier that day that he was going to take me (without my dad) out on a boat so we could catch some fish. I don’t remember ever asking him, but there he was, the boat coming toward me.
Bill was working the current in the little rowboat, coming up to the dock. The boat was like a million other little Mississippi fishing boats. Tiny little motor on the stern, oars tucked in, funky old water in the bottom.
Bill was Mr. Cool to me, working that little boat. He came into the dock fast and pulled it up short like a pro. Jumped out with the dock line in one hand and I thought he was the coolest guy in the world. Partly because of how he handled that boat and partly because of how he treated me.
Dad wasn't really thrilled I was there. Probably looking for some adult escape with this brother-in-law. At that age I needed maintenance most the time. I kept dropping stuff and he couldn't figure out why. If there was a tackle box that needed to stay upright or a pole that shouldn't be lost over the side, I'd manage the opposite result. Nothing was safe.
Bill didn't say a lot, but he said and did exactly the right things. He looked at me, at Dad and then at the boat. Jumping back in and sitting down in that little thing, he one-handed a cooler open, grabbed a soda and handed it to me. He let me open it with his very own “church key” (no sissy tab cans in those days). Then he said to me, "I hear you want to go fishing with me." Just like that. Like I was a real guy, a fisherman like him and not just a kid who dropped stuff.
I loved my dad. A lot. But that day, there wasn't anybody better than Uncle Bill.

Bill and I became acquainted at the church when he found out I walked to raise money for Alzheimer's research.  We checked in regularly about that.  When my husband was on disability, I would take him to Bill's cribbage games.  They all enjoyed that so much.  Bill will be missed.  May he rest in peace.  cindy

Sharon and family, we are so sorry for your loss but so thankful he is at peace.   You all remain in our thoughts and prayers.   I loved seeing him ride his bike and walking through  the neighborhood when I visited my mom.  I have the sweetest memories of going  to your folks house throughout the years.   “Madge and Scruff” hold a special space in my heart.  
 Much love,   Donna and Lee

Dear Sharon, 
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family members in regards to your father. I hope the happy memories you and everyone had will help all of you through this difficult time. Please never forget that this life won't be the last, and to cling onto the peace and hope of someday reuniting with your father up in heaven. 🙏

With love,
Briana XOXO

I remember having Fridays off, I would pick up Dad Friday morning have breakfast then go find a place to pitch horseshoes. When Mom was sick and after Mom‘s passing, I remember taking Dad to different places that he needed to go or take him with me to places that I needed to go just to get him out of the house. Sometimes we wouldn’t go anywhere. I would work around the house, trimming trees or bushes or just sit on the front porch on a bench. I Remember, Dad would always say if there was three of us on this bench we would have our legs crossed going one way, and then we would cross our legs going the other way at the same time. I remember joining his horseshoe club and playing horseshoes with him. When he turned a certain age, he didn’t have to throw the shoes 40 feet anymore and I remember that he didn’t care for the shorter throw. I think it was 30 feet so he kind of fell away from that and we moved on . I have more fond memories with Dad than I did with my Stepfather,I will miss him a great deal.

OBITUARY

William Davis Chandler

September 13, 1929 – May 14, 2024

Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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