Dave Paugh

Well, some things just need to be said.  I miss Bill. When on a roll, his quick wit and sense of humor made as personable and entertaining as anyone I know. He had many talents,  was largely self taught,and developed multiple skills in many  varied fields. It probably surprised no one that he could build about anything he set his mind to but, did you see the eulogy he posted here for Bob Lavake? Really well done.  I didn't know where that came from but, in retrospect, I probably shouldn't have been as surprised as I was.

Anyway, one night Bill and I were riding in my car. After a while, I became sleepy so, Bill was driving.  When I awakened, my car was in the ditch and Bill said,"Dave, I wrecked your car". A crumpled fender.  I muttered some inane comment and went back to sleep.  When I dropped him off the next morning, he left $150 on the seat to cover the fender (you can tell this was long ago). Actually, it was really my fault for putting him in that position.  I never forgot that. Since, I tried to use Bill's exempliary behavior as a role model in that and other regards, with some degree of success. Regardless, having Bill Martin as a friend, not only, made me a better person but, I'm sure, others  as well.

(so, I checked Bob Lavake's profile for Bill's comment, and it wasn't as I remembered. Evidently, I confused what was written here with a ph. conversation I had with Bill.  I was going to edit it out but, Nah. Could say I'm losing it, but this is typical for me, which I'm beginning to find comfort in

Diane Schell (Rowley)

I'm so sorry to hear of Bill's passing! Dave....thank you for that moving and heartfelt remembrance! You really captured the essence of Bill. He was one of my favorite people in high school and I'm sorry I didn't know him later in life. I remember his handsome face, kind laughing eyes, sharp wit, winning smile.....and all the fun and great conversations we had on the bus, practicing wiggling our ears and alternately winking our eyes to pass the time. Bon voyage, Bill!