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Have you ever had a friend that always made you laugh? Someone who caused you to expand your mind and think outside of the box? I was blessed with a wonderful friend in William McKensie. I don’t quite remember how we met but when he came to work with us at the real estate office the fun factor went up a notch! At his first office meeting, we had recently won a Quality Service Award and I was dancing on the desk while announcing it. Bill would always remind me of this story and say that he definitely picked the right place to work! After our meetings, we would drive together in groups to tour all of the new listings. Everyone raced to get in Bill’s car as it was like being on tour with a comedian. He could make us all laugh. Bill’s qualities were not only in his humorous outlook on life he had many layers.
He loved children. He was very good to my daughters. He would keep a stash of chips in his desk for Taylor as he knew they were her favorite. He was always so encouraging. When he saw Charley’s school artwork he insisted on showing her how to paint too. We really enjoyed those visits. He would always speak of a child’s innocence and creativity, they haven’t learned to fear failure.
Both Bill and Joanne played an integral part in helping my Faith to flourish. They were a constant for me. Honestly, when Bill first told me about Jesus being my savior I thought he was crazy. I told Bill that I was too busy for church. The seed was planted though and when my daughter’s friend brought her to church and my Taylor asked me to go I did. It was God’s perfect timing. The three of us prayed through challenging times in our lives and it was so very helpful. On the morning of my last surgery, Joanne was sweet enough to call at 4am to make sure that she prayed over me before my surgery. It meant so very much. Bill always expanded my mind with bible verses and concepts I didn’t understand. He gave me a Bible that fully explains things when I don't understand. He was patient and made sure that I was exposed to various preachers.
The best part about Bill was his love of life. Many times you have friends that monotonous conversation is, unfortunately, the norm. This was never the case with Bill. He always opened your mind to thinking about things especially the future. Generally, this isn’t the case when two “sick” people are together! One of my favorite lines he would say is, “what they really think of me is none of my business”.
I’m so very grateful that we were able to attend Stephanie’s wedding and watch Bill dance with his treasure. It was an honor, especially to be his friend. I’m so very sad that he is gone, he will be greatly missed.
“We cannot feel life’s losses without first feeling the blessings of its fullness”
Keep them laughing and smiling Bill!