Words fail. Bill was a one-of-a-kind friend, Pastor, fellow ex-pat, mentor to me in so many arenas of life from spiritual to social/historical and political to entertaining, and "Tio" to my children. He was possibly the kindest, wisest, most fully human person of faith I have known. He labored for human rights with an energy born of compassion and conviction that was as gentle as it was strong.  He could throw an awesome party and bring together, comfortably, different folks to rub shoulders and enjoy and learn from each other.
Bill's forever friendship, shirt-off-your-back-if-you-need-it support, enormous fun, and celebration of life were priceless treasures. They marked us: our families and friends formed a very richly caring community in Santiago where we shared amazing times, and  beyond. Bill was the reason I re-found any real spiritual life, because I attended the inauguration of his church  El Buen Pastor in Santiago, oh so many years ago and then picked his brain and heart and soul about that stuff ever since. He's the reason my children and their Dad and my whole big blended family are connected to the loving church family we have, and I am forever grateful.
Bill  came to see us shortly after our son's life-saving surgery and radiation for a malignant brain tumor back in 1997. Bill's humor and upbeat-while-always-real take on everything in life --from the tragic to the exquisitely delightful-- was so welcome. He and Cindy opened their home to JC when he was doing an internship in the All Children's Hospital there a few years ago, which meant the world to JC, and us. That was our last biggest connection.  I so regret I didn't get to visit again as I'd always hoped I would. Yet I have always felt he was right there - a phone call or FB note away-- and I am thankful I could lean on him, despite the distance of space and time,  when his knowledge, connectedness, and experience meant he was the one who could really offer the understanding, encouragement, and perspective I needed. And I could feel it even without calling. You just knew.
My heart is so heavy for Cindy, Amanda, Rebecca, and the grandchildren who now have to face life without him physically here.  May there be, with time, a growing sense of being supported by the reality you hold within you of all you've shared, loved, and learned together, that keeps on.
Laurie Donovan