RIP-Bill Freese

Post by **Gillespie** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 7:53 pm

Word has just been received that our good friend and local craftsman, Bill Freese has left us for higher ground, safe passage good man and soldier!

BI Pirate · Post by **BI Pirate** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 10:02 pm

Bill was and is an Island treasure. He will be missed, but never forgotten, by many.

Jim · Post by **Jim** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 10:19 pm

Semper Fi, Bill.
Bill was a good Marine, not a soldier, and he will be missed.

Jim Stambaugh
Beaver Island , Michigan

jflanagan · Post by **jflanagan** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 10:20 pm

Goodbye Bill... He will be missed. I remember asking him in his store if he ever took on an apprentice since I'd love to learn from him. He replied, you cannot be my apprentice but your wife can...

wmarkey · Post by **wmarkey** » Sun Mar 04, 2012 2:10 am

...another life's warrior lost... I'd see him most days at the bakery...in winter, ice-cleates by the door... everyday some kind of tease... "you're up early"... "sure do dress the part"... "get some work done today"... I'm goin' to miss him... I miss him... I miss them all...

Post by **Gillespie** » Sun Mar 04, 2012 8:35 am

Jim, sorry about the soldier part, I couldn't get back online last night to correct it! Farewell Bill!

JFPowers · Post by **JFPowers** » Sun Mar 04, 2012 12:59 pm

A great man will be missed, farewell Bill

AMVETS POST 46 · Post by **AMVETS POST 46** » Sun Mar 04, 2012 5:07 pm

We typically take down the flags at the Veterans Memorial Park for the winter but in honor of Bill Freese we will be flying the Marine, American and Michigan flag at half-mast this Wednesday. If you have a flag please join us in honoring Bill.

Bob Tidmore

Party Plan Girl · Post by **Party Plan Girl** » Mon Mar 05, 2012 7:29 am

What a special man... what a character! He always made humorous remarks. Goodbye Bill.

joddy · Post by **joddy** » Mon Mar 05, 2012 12:42 pm

there is no doubt that bil will be missed here on the rock and i'll bet a lot of other places as well. his life will live for many many years on this island in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know bill. i would like to say, that altho i'm not sure who jflanagan is, but bill did leave his boat building
in the great and loving hands of dan and carol burton, who i know, gave and received a lot of love from bill. my love goes out to bill and also
dan and carol. i'm sorry jflanagan that bill did not take you or your wife
on as apprentices -------- but let your wife know about my studio apprentice opening!!! my love goes out to bill and to ALL who will miss him

cindyr · Post by **cindyr** » Mon Mar 05, 2012 1:48 pm

Goodbye to a dear friend, a wonderful storyteller and a very special man. Rest in Peace, Bill.
Has anyone heard of funeral or memorial arrangements?

Post by **Gillespie** » Mon Mar 05, 2012 2:20 pm

There is nothing planned Cindy that we know of. Bill willed himself to science at UM and is likely there. He asked for nothing but there is talk of a memorial in the spring.

w h smith · Post by **w h smith** » Thu Mar 08, 2012 7:42 pm

Has anyone notified Bill's daughter and son??

Beaver Island Michigan

RIP-Bill Freese

RIP-Bill Freese

going to miss him

happy trails my friend

Bill's family