I met his daughter in 1972.  She was 15 and I was 17.  It was the summer and I was about to start my Junion year at the Wayne County Career Center.  Little did I know that Mr B would have the classroom just across the hall from mine.  What a start to a relationship! 

I can honestly say I have never met a more gentle or kinder man.  I don't think I have ever heard a terse word out of him except for yelling at the squirrels in the back yard.  He didn't really mean that either... they had a mutal respect for eachother.  The also needed eachother.  The squirrels loved the cobb corn and Pop loved to watch them

He had many loves.  First and formost was his wife.  A strong close second was Nanette his daughter.  When Tiffany and Christopher came along I think we all took a temporary back seat... even though we know he still loved us... the rankings were all messed up.

Family always came first but it was a struggle for us to keep up with Golf.  OMG the man loved to Golf, watch Golf, talk about Golf, read about Golf... and when available go watch the pros.  A real treat!

In the tourny attendance mode... it was a week preparation... from the cigar picks, organizing the supplies for the day including the chair.  Then it was analysis of the particular hole at the venue.  Very important to pop a squat at the right hole.  Must get there early and find the primo spot because you were there for the day.  Did the Pro's know what a fan they had at the hole?  They should have.

Outdoors.. yes it was a favorite.  Especially fall.  I think that pops had the same love hate relationship with the leaves as he did the squirrels.  It was ok... the color was worth the work.  Again he was maticulous.  Just getting dressed with the right jacket, hat and a Marsh Wheeling or Back Woods Cigar.. Rake and Blower he attacked.   Many times we would take a fall canoe trip down the Mohican River with the family and friends of Mom and Dad.  Very special time at a very special place.  He loved those trips.

An avid camper, during the first years of Nan and my relationship we often spent time at Lake Wapison south of Loudonville.  The smell of camp fires was the best.  While dating Nan... my first invitation there was fantastic till bedtime.  They slept in the nice camper... I slept outside on probably the most uncomfortable lounge chair every invented.  I swear he picked out the worst one just for fun. 

Throughout our marriage, the most favorite time of dads life was at Christmas.  He always smiled... but those smiles during the holidays were something very special.  Especially when the grand kids came along.  We had the biggest time.   Being the son-in-law... and like the squirrels... he had to have some fun with me too.  That was loading the van after christmas to transport all the gifts home.  Remember that it took a month of trips covertly transporting the presents without the kids knowing... and I was going to move the stuff home in one trip.  Dad would assemble the gifts in the dining room, passing them to me in the garage.  He always held back a couple interesting boxes just to see if I could find a place for them int he van.  One time I totally filled the van.  I was so proud that I had beaten the odds given by Pop.  I won.  Until he produced the dog.  What are you going to do with Brandy he said.   Tough but I was beaten.

I can truly say that I am a better man for knowing Bill Bishop.  I always tried to do what he asked on our wedding day.  Take care of my little girl he said.  I promised.  God bless you dad.  I hope I lived up to your epectations.  Heck.. even if I didn't totally.. he would have still loved me I think.  That was Bill Bishop.  Always saw the good in people.   He touched so many lives.  We lost a great one. 

Love you dad

Bill