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EVENT

Bill Harps Passing and Funeral Message

Type: event
Date: 2013-02-22
Location: Colombia
Participants: Randal Schwartz, Bill Harp

  • Bill Harp's Passing and Funeral Message

  • On February 22, 2013, my dear friend and business partner Bill Harp passed away prematurely at the age of 45.
  • Because I was half a planet away lecturing on a cruise ship docked in Colombia (the only day I was ever in Colombia, and I didn't even get off the ship), I was unable to attend his funeral services in person.
  • Deeply saddened and wishing to honor him, I wrote a heartfelt letter from the cruise ship and sent it back home to be read on my behalf during the memorial service.

  • Verbatim Eulogy Message

    • Below is the exact text of the message read at Bill's funeral:
    • > As I write this, I'm finding it very hard to condense three decades of hanging out with Bill Harp into a few short paragraphs, but I'll give it a try.
    • >
    • > Bill was automatically everyone's friend, usually with a big warm smile on his face. Family always came first though, and I was happy to be included in his extended family. He really enjoyed life: roller skating, karaoke ("Strokin'"), cruise ship travel (where he met the lovely Michelle), and just being around people having parties. And those colorful shirts and ties! Bill always wanted to be larger than life, and frequently succeeded.
    • >
    • > Bill was more than a friend -- he was also a valuable business partner. We owned a bar in eastern Oregon together. Bill produced many of the legendary OSCON parties, and helped me with managing my sales booth at a number of events. His creativity complemented my common sense perfectly. And, we even had a live alpaca at my Alpaca Book release party, probably violating a number of health code laws.
    • >
    • > Bill was very persuasive... he could get nearly anyone to do nearly anything -- including me even though I knew what he was doing. Sometimes, his charm was expressed as those stock corny lines to the waitress when she asked what he wanted to drink: "your beauty has quenched any thirst I might have had". Gah. But it worked, and was cute, even after the 47th time.
    • >
    • > I have dozens of "Bill" stories to tell, but I'll save that for when I can tell them in person. More fun that way.
    • >
    • > Bill was my best friend, and I believe he'd say the same. I will miss him. Since I'm still half a planet away from home, I'm not sure when this will all become real enough to be really painful, but I know the moment will come.
    • >
    • > My sincerest condolences to my "extended family", and especially Michelle and the kids. Bill was taken from us far too soon.
    • >
    • > Rest in peace, my friend.
    • >
    • > Your friend, Randal.

What links here

🔗Bill Harp
These facts are as Randal recalls them, but much time has passed for most of this. If you find a factual error, please email realmerlyn@gmail.com.