Appreciation for Bill Varone

[Ted Craven]

Friends, I am sorry to tell you all that Bill Varone is quite ill - with pancreatic cancer in addition to his previous kidney-related issues. I have been in regular contact with his sister Lois, and sent Bill emails, texts and voice messages over the past few weeks. She wanted me to know and to tell everyone here that Bill does receive his communications from time to time, including at PaceandCap, and deeply appreciates all good wishes and expressions of support. He may not be able to respond directly, but he definitely feels - and needs - all the love.

Bill and I go back to 2004 when he was first dabbling in creating a community for Sartin Methodology students and fans of Doc Sartin. Over the years we have learned a great deal from each other, fought sometimes like brothers over how to take care of P&C, but eventually saw more than eye-to-eye on everything. We've seen each other yearly at the Saratoga gatherings the past 11 years, and we went to the Breeders' Cup together at Del Mar in 2017. Bill put me up at his home and introduced me to his family - all of them the nicest and most caring individuals you could hope to meet.

Doc Sartin told me in 2008 something like: "Bill is a beautiful soul who sometimes wears his heart on his sleeve and just wants to help everyone." I know for sure that he made that old man's heart glad. It is because of Bill's gratitude to Howard Sartin for changing his life, that we are all here enjoying this community, having this conversation. Seeds planted by one person grow into a fertile forest, which in turn propagates itself.

Regardless of how Bill's health turns out - and I dearly pray and send all energy I can in his direction so it can be used however is most right - I want to say right now: Bill, please know how grateful I am to YOU for what you have created and for helping me to make my 'dream-job' come true of working in horse racing and using my skills to help further Doc's dream; for providing the opportunity to meet so many great people, including your family, and for this classic 'introvert/hermit-type' to give a bit of himself over the years to so many people.

I hope we get to talk soon, but until then - please take every breath, even if sometimes painful, knowing and feeling how well loved you are, that you have created something beautiful and special in this world, and that one day (hopefully not too soon though!) you can share that joy of what you created with Doc and Jim The Hat.

I've been to your home in Carlsbad, just up the road from Del Mar, so I know the beautiful view of the vast Pacific Ocean you see daily when you open your eyes. That makes it easier for me to visualize your daily life there, though not the pain you must be experiencing right now. I wish I could make that go away. I wish you peace and comfort right now, my brother. I wish you healing, in all its forms. I wish to buy you a stiff soda at Saratoga (if not this year, then next) and handicap and watch the races together at least one more time!

When you read this, please give a hug to your Dad, and to Lois and Ed.

Much love always,

Ted

Saratoga 2018 (?)

http://paceandcap.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=44031&stc=1&d=1503233594


Breeders Cup 2017

http://paceandcap.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=44931&d=1509895906


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Saratoga 2008
http://www.sartinmethodology.com/images/saratoga2008/bill&ted.gif

[gandalf380]

Very well said Ted. Bill is one of a kind and I have always looked forward to seeing him. It was great that we were able to help him in honoring the legacy of Doc Sartin with that named race at Saratoga. Looking forward to many more good times with him. We are all praying for you Bill.

[Ted Craven]

Very well said Ted. Bill is one of a kind and I have always looked forward to seeing him. It was great that we were able to help him in honoring the legacy of Doc Sartin with that named race at Saratoga. Looking forward to many more good times with him. We are all praying for you Bill.


Here's the photo of that day in 2009!

http://paceandcap.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=17643&d=1252997550

[Bill Lyster]

Hey Bill, best wishes from just down the road. Hope you are feeling better soon in these tough times. Keep up the good fight.

All the best,

Bill

[Lt1]

Thankfully I finally got to meet Bill the last several years at Saratoga. He is such a gentle giant. He always goes out of his way to help anyone who ask carrying on the best traditions of the Doc. I will continue to pray for him. God bless you Bill.
Tim

[dogkatcher]

Bill, your always in my prayers, I think now would be a good time for a Binder move, do it.

[Swifty0x0]

I've only met Bill once (last year's Saratoga meet), but that was enough to confirm what Ted has said. He'll be in my prayers as he fights through his illness.

[DaveEdwards]

All the very best Bill. Thinking of you. Starting all this you've touched so many lives.
Whatever happens stay strong.

[RichieP]

Bill you have always been there for me, a great friend and trusted confidant. I remember soooooo many great times both at the table and at your home with Brooks and Nomorebocci! You have helped so many people and touched so many lives with your genuine desire to do good that your legacy always lives on. I love you bud!
Richie

[omar]

Now is the time to draw upon your inner Sartin sustained energy to beat back this latest challenge life has thrown at you. Think positive, I'm praying for you to win buddy.

[Mitch44]

Bill is a very unique individual whose dedicated work on the site was untiring. It was a full time job he loves. After meeting Bill at Saratoga I became aware even more so just how caring a person he was. Obviously not feeling well he continued to march as best he could. The last day he didn't feel up to going to the track and I cashed 4 nice tickets for him.

My wife is fond of saying that in this world there are givers and takers , Bill was giver. A rather tall gentleman whose appearance was the opposite of his true soul and bearing. I greatly appreciated the time we spent together at Saratoga, while short on time it was of the highest quality of which I shall forever cherish.

Prayers coming your way in this greatest time of need Bill.

Mitch44

[mick]

Bill, you are in my thoughts. I hope the Almighty gives us another sunny day at Saratoga cashing exactas. Thank you for all the help you've given me. Most of all, thank you for your dear friendship.

[The Pook]

I also met Bill at Saratoga. In 2017. And I would say he has been one of the nicest people I have ever met.

The diseases you are having to deal with are amongst the toughest out there Bill. But they can be managed through treatment. And sometimes they can be beat. My mother in law at the age of 76 actually beat Pancreatic cancer.

Don’t despair. Take each day as it comes and stay as positive as you can for as much as you can. Modern medicine is truly amazing.

Be well,
Mike (Pook)

[darmar]

Dearest Bill, I am so sorry to find that life has dealt you this additional blow. I wish nothing more than for you to being given another chance to enrich all of our lives with your wit and humor. Stay strong and God bless you always.
Darryl

[shoeless]

Bill

I pray that you get better, you have always been there for me good times
and bad.

You made a promise that you will come to Laurel with your Dad for a
Crab Cake lunch, I am still holding you to that

Tell Dad hi

Thanks Ted for letting us know

Love
Jeff

[Lefty]

Bill, get better soon. Run your race and win. I never met you, but appreciate the help you have given me. You're a friend. Keep on fighting.
Chuck

[tom]

Thoughts and prayers for Bill and his family.
Bill is a Sartin ICON.

His never-ending teaching and helping others with the methodology would make the Doc very proud indeed! Bill has the spirit of the Doc.

A personal thank you for the help he gave me over the years.

[winning]

Hi Bill, I pray the good Lord above heals you. I learn a lot from you on this website. God bless you and everyone you love forever, your friend Brian.

[Old Arkie Gal]

Bill you have given so much and nurtured so many of us and we all are so grateful to you.
I hope your pain is not too great and that you are comfortable and that you gain strength from all the energy we are sending and all our good wishes. Thank you for all you have done.
Pat

[coacht]

Bill,

While we have never met in person, you were always very helpful with any question I sent via a private message.
As Jeff said, and you indicated to me, we look forward to you joining us at Laurel Park for lunch and a day at the races.
Our prayers are with you , stay strong my friend.

Gene

[rmath]

Bill, you are in our prayers every day.
Last year we met at Saratoga for the first time and I am very proud to call you my friend.
I hope and pray that you recover from these illnesses and that we will be able to attend another Saratoga get together.
Best wishes to you and your family.
All our love and prayers.

Rmath

[mowens33]

Bill, get well soon, my friend. I’m sending healthy vibes your way and praying for your recovery!

Mike

[papajohn3times]

Praying for your health Bill. While we have never met,I treasure all the great advice you have given so genuine over the years. Hang in there,we all need you!
Papa john

[barb craven]

Bill, my friend, there is a saying that life never gives you any more trials than you can handle. You have certainly had more than your share. They also say what goes around comes around. Your love and devotion over the years, to all of us, is coming back to you in spades now, in your hour of need, in the form of prayers, energy, caring and most of all love. You are surrounded with love and energy to help you with your journey through this added onslaught to your body. To help remind you of this I have put together a few pictures of the years you were able to make it to Saratoga to remind you of a few of those who are a part of the Pace and Cap community who are helping you battle this. As always you have all my energy and love to draw on.
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[barb craven]

[48921

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[barb craven]

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[barb craven]

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Barb

[Mitch44]

Thanks for posting these Barb as pictures are worth a thousand words. Also so eloquently said were your written words, Bill will be ever so happy to hear them.


Mitch44

[noddub62]

Just saw Ted's post about your health problems. Although we never physically met I cherish your friendship and pray that the Lord will heal you and get you through this tough time. Get well my friend and God bless you and keep you.

Bud

[reckless]

Sorry about your current health situation, Bill. If anyone can overcome this it is you, who has been a great inspiration and friend to so many of us for many, many years.

[Ted Craven]

Dear friends, I am very sad to report that our friend Bill Varone has passed away today. His sister Lois texted me to say that he fought hard to the end but finally his body gave out. Bill wrote to me in his last text that he was in serious pain and having a hard time concentrating, but had seen all these message of love from all of you and that made him happy.

So young, 61 years old.

He was a good friend, gave so much to all of us. I will miss him and am trying to come to terms with him not being there any more.

I'll post more details as I get them.

Ted

[Bill Lyster]

Always tough to lose a good guy and a friend of our Pace and Cap family. Rest in peace Bill. You are in good place.

Bill

[Lt1]

Very sad news. Bill was one of the most unselfish persons I've have ever know. May he rest in peace in heaven and may God give his beloved family the strength to deal with this terrible time in their lives.
Tim

[The Pook]

Sad to hear. So young. It is good to know that he had at least one enthusiasm in life and that was this past time that we have here. Enthusiasms make it all worth while.

He is missed at Pace and Cap.

Pook

[Mitch44]

Don't know why all the good ones seem to be taken first. The world can be full of pain and suffering and at Saratoga I could tell Bill was struggling.


May he have the eternal peace in heaven that eluded him here on earth. He was "Above the Rest" and shall live in our hearts forever.


Mitch44

[gandalf380]

Very sad news. he gave so much 0f himself to the Sartin Methodology. I will always remember the good times we had at Saratoga. Although I will miss him a lot, I take solace from the fact he is now pain free. My best to Brooks, Lois and the rest of his family.

[RichieP]

Bill really is one of the kindest, gentlest and giving people I have ever met. In addition to that I was Blessed to be friends with him for over 25 years. My heart and prayers go out to his family. He created this site out of his love for Doc and he was able to enjoy it even when he was very ill. He has to be very happy that it will continue on with Ted and his many friends here. He is smiling down on us now next to his mom, Doc and Hat in heaven. Rest in eternal peace my friend.
Richie and Karen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpYGgtrMTYs

[omar]

Goodbye buddy rest in peace.

[shoeless]

I am very sad to hear about the passing of Bill, he was a great friend
and I will miss him dearly.

Hope he finds peace in his final resting place

Thanks Ted for letting us know

Also feel sad for his Dad Brooks, first has to bury his wife and then a son

[mick]

(Sigh.)

Goodbye for now, friend. You are such a good soul. Hope I'll see you again on the far turn.

[barb craven]

Dear Bill, you are beyond pain now and in a better place. You will be sorely missed by all your many, many friends. Brooks, Lois and family..it is so hard to lose a child, sibling; may you have the strength you need to carry you through this time. God speed Bill. One day we will meet again.
Barb

[DaveEdwards]

So young.
RIP Bill.
My condolences to his family.

[darmar]

God blessed us all with the presence of Bill for the time he was with us. May he rest in peace in the company of those who have preceeded him from this fine select group we have. A tip of the hat Bill this world will miss your wit and candor.
Darryl

[Grandpa's Girl]

49051

My heart hurts. Rest in Peace my friend... actually I hope you dance.
I know that your body is healed, your heart is well and your spirit flies. I know that You have hugged your mother and I'm sure my grandpa and Jimmy welcomed you to the track in the sky. You were loved by my family greatly for your kindness and loyal authenticity. Bill, you were one of the most real, kind and just all around nice people on this earth. I am sad, but I know you are free.
Much love to his family and hugs to all of you. <3

[cigar]

Our sincere condolences to your love ones. May you rest in peace Bill.

God bless

[winning]

I never met Bill in person, from the e-mail exchanges I had with him, he is a very kind person. God bless his everyone he loves, and I will see him in heaven some day.

[dogkatcher]

I've been here 15 years and Bill was a special man, always willing to help, and will be sorely missed. Condolences to his Family and friends.

[Ted Craven]

Some of Bill's favourite music was from the Beatles, and I understand he really liked this one. Quite fitting.

R5MMbWn2a_Y


:1:

[CheckMark]

RIP my friend. Never met you before but it seems like you were a legend when you were around people. Thank you for everything! ❤️🙏

[noddub62]

I've followed and communicated with Bill since we were both in the Sartin Alum group and was there to watch the creation of Pace & Cap. Bill was (and still is just not here now) one of the most honest, helpful, kind, etc, etc, persons that I have ever known. He had a life full of hardships but overcame them all. My prayers are for his family, friends and us who are are left behind who will certainly miss him.

Bill certainly heard the Lord say to him on their meeting "Well done my good and faithful son". We will all miss him.

Budman

[tom]

Such sad news.
I admired Bill a lot. He was a generous man and helped a lot of people.
He will be missed.

I'm sure he is in a better place now, where they race everyday and I am sure he is teaching the Angels how to do TPR!

RIP, sir.

[mowens33]

May GOD bless Bill's soul, Rest in Peace my Friend!

[shoeless]

Bill was the heart and soul of Pace and Cap and knew how to use all
the various programs. He would tell me that it didn't matter which program
I used as long as I felt comfortable using it. When he lived here on the east
coast he used to drive down from New Jersey to meet me at Laurel race track just to help me.
He was very generous and kind always willing to help others, I will miss him
dearly.

Rest in peace my brother

Jeff

[Rverge]

My condolences to the family. RIP Billv. will miss you

[Lefty]

A terrible thing for his family and this board. I will miss him. Walk with God, my friend...

[Lefty]

Bill, will be missed by many. Walk with God, my friend...

[oswaldrha]

This really sucks.

Like quite a few other posters her I never met Bill personally. I only knew him through this board. After a sizeable absence from handicapping and the Methodology, I stumbled across the site with delight. I couldn't believe people were still discussing and using Dr. Sartin's concepts with this level of passion and commitment. Reading through his many informative teaching posts, it's obvious Bill poured his heart and soul into this. His generosity with everyone else here on the board was inspiring.

Bill, you have fought the good fight and have finished the race. God bless you, your family and many friends.

[HHE10]

Such sad news to hear of his passing. Been on Pace and Cap for only a short time and had a great time playing with him during our NFL Pick em contest. May he Rest In Peace 😢

[CheckMark]

Such sad news to hear of his passing. Been on Pace and Cap for only a short time and had a great time playing with him during our NFL Pick em contest. May he Rest In Peace 😢

I posted already but completely forgot about that pick em contest. I feel like we should vote on who will be in charge with league name, what the contest rules are and the prize at the end of the year. May be getting way ahead but it would be nice to continue this pick em contest! The name that I would like to see is “The Bill V Memorial Pick Em Contest” or something with his name. RIP.

[papajohn3times]

I also met this one of a kind man. He helped me so much I could never put into words the many lesson’s he gave so openly to me. I will miss him very very much
We all loved you Mr. Bill
Papa John

[Mr.Pagine]

Bill was willing to teach anyone on this board, and was the nicest soul in the world. RIP Bill, you will be missed.

[barb craven]

Bill was my friend. I want to share with you my first meeting with him. It was not in person, but it was personal.

It was the very first Saratoga meet and I couldn't go. I was at home, kind of moping, when the phone rang. It was Bill. He wanted me to know that he had heard a lot about me from Ted and that he wanted me to have some memories of that first meet, so had put together a goody bag for me with a T-shirt, Saratoga cap and other paraphanalia for Ted to bring home to me.

Then he asked me to hold the line for a minute as there was someone who wanted to say hello. He and Ted had arranged for Doc to be on another line to say hello to all who were at the meet.
.
How they managed it, I don't know, but the next voice I heard was that of Doc Sartin himself; actually talking to me!!

Over the years we talked a lot, messaged a lot and had good times together at Saratoga when possible. I've met his beautiful parents, his sister Lois and her husband. He was a kind, gentle soul - yes, but he was also incredibly funny. There a lot of stories I could share, but enough.

Bill will always be alive to me because I have all those memories. He will always be alive here too, because there are so many of you here who have your own memories.

With that in mind I have created a new thread "In Memory of Bill Varone", where I'm hoping there might be someone, or a few of you who have the time, patience and knowledge of the Sartin Methodology, not to step into Bill's shoes, but maybe to carry on his teachings to anyone who has the thirst to learn.

This was my first thought after reading through all the posts by you all, both before and after his passing.
I'm hoping that any one person or group of persons with different ideas of how to keep his legacy alive will give voice to them on the new thread and that together we can come up with some one thing or many things.

Barb

[Neil S.]

I am so deeply saddened by hearing the news of the passing of one of my oldest racetrack friends. Bill and his "group" were friends of mine in the Meadowlands clubhouse and it was there that we all learned the Sartin methodology and shared our wins and losses together all the while learning the fine art of the methodology. There were many ups and downs but all of us shared a unique bond through our love of the methodology. As with all true methodologists we worked together and shared what we had learned with others.
Bill's inspiration to develop this website was a natural progression of those early days at the Big M. His love of teaching and learning and celebrating the successes of all of his colleagues attracted many new disciples to the methodology and the growth of Pace and Cap will continue to be insured under the measured oversight of Ted Craven who has carried on the spirit and purpose of the site.
My deepest sympathies go out to Bill's family and all of the people who have been touched by his warmth and his kind spirit. He dealt with so much adversity over the years but he fought hard up until the very end. I wish him eternal peace and most of all "Good Skill"

Love,

Neil

[thelyingthief]

The truest and best memories of a man are recalled in our actions.

RIP, old salt, we'll see you soon.

tlt

[ignacio todoberto bernal]

R.I.P Bill.....my deepest condolonces to the family you left behind you are free now...

ignacio

[tazzerbobo]

Just a momentary thought about Bill. He was one of a kind and they broke the mold when he was created. I met him at our roundups at Saratoga a couple of times. His kindness and generosity was one that you felt immediately. His struggles are over and I hope he is now enjoying what he passed on to all of us in this world. See you at the "track in the sky" someday.

[Ted Craven]

Link to other thread with online Memorial Book and Obituary: http://paceandcap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12987

Online Memorial Site & Obituary: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/oceanside-ca/william-varone-9173920

Ted

[JimG]

I just read about his passing this morning. Bill was one of the nicest people I ever "met" on the internet. He was always willing to help and had a great sense of humor. I will really miss him.

My condolences to his family and those that were close to him. Bill and I shared the love of a great movie. So I will close with...

Let it Ride,

Jim

[Red Knave]

Really sad news. RIP Bill and condolences to his family and all his close friends.

I did meet him at Saratoga but never really got to know him. Reading all the posts in this thread and, of course, all over P&C (and even PA), one can't help but get a sense of how deeply he touched so many people.

Peace
RK

[Old Arkie Gal]

God Bless Bill Varone. May his spiritual presence remain with us all. My condolences to his family and friends.
Pat

[Jeebs]

Just reading about Bill Varone right now, and I am saddened to hear this news. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to meet Bill two summers ago at The Desmond. He was a wonderful and knowledgeable person. I am grateful that he no longer suffers from his ailments, and that he is breaking bread with his higher power. I will always remember Bill as a spiritual individual.

Farewell my friend, and God bless.

[reckless]

I am saddened by this news. I spoke with Bill only 2-3 times over these many years but I appreciated his generosity toward others and his love of racing.

We also agreed that Parx --my home base-- was a hidden gem racetrack in finding and winning with many longer odds contenders.

RIP, Binder.

[wigopher]

Oh no! He was so good at taking the time to explain the methodology.

Now he is picking winners with the greats. God speed and God bless him.

[atkinsrr]

Bill, I am sending prayers your way hoping that you recover. soon. I'm so glad that we got to room together at Desmond last summer, that was very special for me. May GOD bless you and get this sickness turned around quickly.....Love you much......RANDY A.

[atkinsrr]

I am sorry to hear about Bill's passing and am sorry for his family. He was always so kind and helpful to anyone who needed his help. I was so blessed to get to share a room with him at the Desmond when we were at Saratoga in 2019. GOD Bless YOU BILL...I'm sure that GOD has a special place for you .......RANDY ATKINS

[Ted Craven]

Bill's funeral took place on May 15 in Oceanside California, near where he lived. Our own Bill Lyster managed to attend and convey our condolences and sense of how much Bill V was loved here.


Here is the eulogy read by Bill's brother-in-law Ed (looks like Tom Petty in the Saratoga photos). The Frost poem at the end is 'golden'! Eulogy for Bill Varone

So I’ve got to say, Bill was dealt a hard hand in life. Luckily he was blessed with a family that loved him, understood him and took care of him. I know he understood this and he worked hard and struggled to be a worthwhile person and overcome all the hardships he encountered.

Whatever the reason, God’s got a plan, he had a hard life, lots of bad luck. Some things of his own making and some not. There were however, a many great things he accomplished despite this fact.

First, he was so proud of his two sons Alex and Ben. He kept the family football contest going to keep in touch each week. It was difficult for Bill to express affection, but he loved his sons very much.

His work ethic. He was a ridiculously hard worker and would literally work until he dropped. He had his own bindery and delivery business in NJ, then was a long distance trucker, and also earned his card to become a respected and beloved security guard.

Another characteristic: He was a great gift giver. He really thought about the person he was giving to. Example, he bought a tempur-pedic pillow for Lois because she mentioned her neck hurt once. He would spend everything he had to get just the right gift for someone. It was always a treat to open Bill’s gifts.

I understand he was Mischievous as a kid – he would often “photobomb” himself into pictures long before that was a term. I’m not surprised he had a great sense of humor. He was always seeing what adventures he could get into with his friends, some of which ended up in the emergency room (he fell out of a tree and into a frozen lake-not at the same time). He was also very good at sports, especially baseball.

Great sports mind: Eddie tells a story about when he was in little league. He was in a horrible slump. Bill pulled him aside and told him to look at the seams on the baseball, he killed it after that. Prop bets in the Super Bowl. He didn’t even sign up until halftime and still won.

Sense of humor: Bill’s mom and dad visited Egypt shortly before the collapse of government there in 2011. When newspapers showed pictures of the angry crowds, he asked Mom “what did you do over there?” He said they were revolting because Mom told them about her great life at the Renaissance Active Adult Community in NJ. He said they were holding up signs saying, “We want to live in Renaissance”.

He had a tough outer demeanor but was fragile inside. Once we invited him over for dinner and he said he would come after he finished his yoga class on the beach. We thought that was another one of his jokes making fun of California, but it was true. He enjoyed yoga and tried to live a much healthier lifestyle in San Diego. He loved the car restoration shows on TV and recently got his Dream car - a classic restored bright yellow 1973 Karmann Ghia convertible - quite an attention grabber. He rallied just a few days before he died so we could cruise the cruise the 101/PCH.

He was a Beatles trivia buff – Also enjoyed 60’s music, Bruce Springsteen, and the Philadelphia sound (ripped a CD for Ed when it was hard to do that).

He never gave himself enough credit for accomplishments (truck driver, developed his own website, running his business). He was very smart and very funny but didn’t think so himself.

I’ve mentioned a few of Bill’s interests and the fact he had a great sports IQ. His real love, his passion was thoroughbred horse racing. He used a methodology/computer application developed by Dr. Howard Sartin or “Doc” as he was known to his friends and followers. He became THE expert in this way of handicapping and developed a website, Pace and Cap, to honor, teach and be social in all things related to the program and to horseracing. He had visited “Doc” early on, flying from New Jersey to California as his first great adventure by himself out side of New Jersey. It was a life changing experience for him as Doc was a not only a mentor to him, but also helped him learn how to face life’s challenges in positive ways. The program has more to do than just horse racing, there are lessons in life there too. How life and people imitate Horse Racing.

I had occasion to attend with him the annual trip he took to the Saratoga racetrack. I saw firsthand, up close and personal what his friends thought of him. I felt like he was Elvis and the rest of us were part of his entourage. He was admired and respected by his friends. They all shared his love of horseracing. On his website there are pages and pages of testimonials and appreciation for Bill’s hard work, knowledge, and helpfulness. He was happy to live so close to Del Mar. Doc Sartin once said “Bill is a beautiful soul who sometimes wears his heart on his sleeve and just wants to help everyone.” Other posts and quotes from Pace and Cap include: “He was a gentle giant”, “there are givers and takers, he was a giver”, “you have touched so many lives”, “thank you for all you do”. Everyone who really knew him saw the good within him and his compassion and intellect.

As I said, he was wonderful to his friends. He would teach them, take care of them, look out for them, he was as the clichés goes: generous to a fault. Would give you the shirt off his back, would spend his last dollar to help someone who needed it more than he did.

If you were family it was a little more difficult. He had difficulty expressing affection, but you knew it was there- implied. I believe that with us he knew that our love was unconditional and we would always help him and be there for him.

So as for Mom and Dad – Bill was reunited with Mom for Mother’s Day this year. Now Mom is happy that he is there with her and she is showing him around and introducing him to all her friends. Bill wore a New Orleans Saints cap long after mom died because he liked to think of her in heaven with the actual saints. He enjoyed spending time with Dad (He called them the Odd Couple): They had their weekend ritual breakfast at Denny’s, then Del Mar racetrack. There was also football and family get-togethers. Dad came out to California to help take care of Bill, but they took care of each other. They took care of each other in more ways than one.

Finally, Bill’s brother and sister-in-law Joe and Sandy could not be here from NJ, but they sent their thoughts through a poem, which will be read by Bill’s niece (my daughter) Emily.

Nothing Gold Can Stay
by Robert Frost

Nature’s first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf’s a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

49209

[Mitch44]

Thanks very much Bill Lister and Ted for sharing.


A very nice photo indeed, Bill climbed many a mountain and its very nice and fitting he rests upon a mountain overlooking a State he loved.


Mitch44

[darmar]

Just so touching, thank you both for letting us share in Bill's family final moments.
Darryl

[Lt1]

Eds' eulogy was beautiful and right on the mark. Bill and Ted thanks for letting us share in the final tribute to a wonderful person. I am proud to have been among those he called a friend.
Tim

[Mr.Pagine]

A very touching eulogy.
See you on the other side Bill V.
RIP - You will be missed.

Jon

[MJS6916]

I'm sorry to hear about our friend Bill.

My condolensces to Bill's family and friends.

Mike

[Neil S.]

Beautiful eulogy. Bill was a very complex person but someone who gave of himself at all times despite his own personal difficulties. I first met him a long time ago at the Meadowlands and didn't come to know his struggles until I read them in these posts. We were able to reconnect on these pages over the years and shared our successes and ups and downs, but Bill was one who always strived to do his best and to help others in need of his knowledge and experience.
He was right about the Methodology in that it is much more than horse racing. It is a guide to living your life in that it instills a discipline and a consistency in the way we approach and deal with life's problems. I know that he is in a much better place now and is no longer in pain. We must all strive to touch as many people as Bill did during his life and think and do for others more than we think and do for ourselves.

Neil

[Ted Craven]

Bill's sister sent me a photo of the Memorial marker the family put down for him. It reflects his love of horse racing, his family and his friends.

49313

Still appreciating his legacy.

Ted

[shoeless]

Thanks for posting, miss him a lot

[navyvet1994]

Been away form here and I apologize. Bill was also an excellent teacher. Whenever I had a question he was very quick with either an answer or guidance. He will be missed.