From
Family and Friends
"Well
I don't know what to say ......... I was finally able to bring myself to
look through this website fully and not break down completely. I
always knew my brother was well liked and very generous but i really had
no idea to what extent. On behalf of all of my family a heartfelt thanks
to all for the wonderful words and stories. We plan on having some kind
of memorial for bill in Orlando sometime in feb. please feel free to e-mail
me anytime. A lot of people shared their feelings that bill was was like
a brother to them. Well he was my big brother, and I'll never forget him....love
you always Bill your little bro"...........Danny
Byrnes, Long Island, NY
"Bill, whenever I've visited
with you. you've always treated me and my family (Lilli, Coll, and
Moe) - like gold. I cannot recall a single moment where this was
not evident. --- I do realize I'm writing to someone who is no longer (unfortunately)
with us, but it makes me feel better. Bill, I will miss you, more
then anyone will know, please remind me in the remaining years of
my life, your still hanging around. Its so true- you never appreciate
things about someone until they are gone. I will miss you. You've
always inspired me to run, and my next marathon will be dedicated in my
heart to you. Watch out for March 16th, 2002--Shamrock Sportsfest- I'm
going for it
Bill I LOVE
YA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Your Brother
Gary Byrnes Long Island, NY
"I am so touched by this.
It is blowing my mind to see a year at the end 1958 to 2001. It is
so hard to believe. I spoke to him on Thursday evening. He
was so excited about coming to Long Island for Christmas. The pictures
are awesome. They are very clear. Billy would be laughing his
butt off over this one!!". "Thank you from the bottom of the Byrnes hearts.
It means so much to us all. God bless you". Catherine
Byrnes-Kowalski (Billy's sister) Long Island, NY
"One of my fondest memories
of growing up with Billy as a kid was listening to the Beatles Magical
Mystery Tour. I remember his room, adorned with posters of John, Paul,
George, and Ringo, and how much he loved music. personally, I think he
is smiling down upon us~~~~let's hope he misses us as much as we miss him
already!!!!!!!!" Cousin
Carolyn, Kings Park, NY
"I'll miss you Bulldog-GRRRRRRRR!
I'm going to miss my best friend!
We've gone skiing every January for at least ten years in a row. Pete and
I will be lost without you (I was always a better skier than you, anyway!).
Breckenridge will never be the same, nor will the Breckenridge Brewery.
Pete and I will continue the tradition and continue to ski ther every year.
You'll always be ther every year. You'll always be on peak nine, waiting
for us. I'll have a micro brew the the Breck Brewery while
toasting you (and Randy). Love you always". - Buzz,
Cocoa, FL
"I was
always known to Bill as Janet "the cop". He was the sweetest, most sensitive,
and generous man I've ever known. His willingness to help people
sometimes turned out to be more than he expected, but you learn from your
mistakes. Bill was the kind of guy that said if we didn't find that special
someone after we were 40 something, that we would still have each other.
I don't know what to do now Bill!! Damn it, I miss you
terribly..." Janet Tampa, FL
"Bill
was the best and I will miss him for ever !!!!"
David
Quint Orlando, FL
"Bill Byrnes was a great friend
of mine for many, many years. Bill and I made many an adventure,
ever questing for just a little more road. His motorcycle was the
tool of choice leading him down the highway of life these past several
years. I'm glad that I was a part of that experience and was able
to share in all that I will remember as Bill Byrnes. It has been
said that life is always about the journey and not the destination; maybe
because the final destination is always the same. You will be sorely
missed by me my friend. You will be with me in my heart as usual
on every journey and I'll see you next when I reach my destination.
Until then take care of yourself BB. Love your buddy Joe". Joseph
Nicholes Jr Long Island, NY
Bill & Joe
Nicholes
"My
deepest regards to your family at this time of loss. I am a friend
of Bill's and I'm in such shock of the news. He will always
be in my heart as one of the most wonderful men I've ever met. Bill
had introduced himself to me via email from our motorcycle group last summer
and we rode together and had gone on a few dates. I must compliment
your family for such a wonderful gift, the gift being such a great man
with such a large love for friends and life. Again, I send my deepest
thoughts and even my love at this time. May God's blessings be with you,
and my Bill be forever smiling on us from above. Thank you Bill for
your friendship, words of encouragement, care, & concern for my son
and I. I'll miss you so very, very much. My hugs", Staci
Enouiti Florida
"Thank you so much for sending
out this message. I knew Bill for about 10 years from when he worked
at WDW and my husband Wayne has been his accountant for several years.
I have passed on the news to his ex-coworkers and the reaction has been
utter shock and distress. He was a wonderful guy and we all loved
him. My daughter (who works in Wayne's office) spoke to him on Friday
and he said how much he was looking forward to coming to the party at our
house on Saturday. There will be a gap in all our lives from now
on". Madeleine Smalley,
Orlando, FL
"I met Bill working a Disney,
and since then he has always been a dear friend and would do anything for
anyone. He was always so generous and helped out. I had the pleasure
of going to NY with Bill on business and pleasure. I met his mother, father,
one brother and one sister. I also got to meet a bunch of his friends
and went to a company Christmas party (eeoa I think). I just saw
him a couple of weekends ago in Orlando. Even though I moved to Jacksonville
about a year ago, we kept in touch, and I was looking forward to seeing
him more as I may be moving back to Orlando. I will truly miss him....
he was like a brother to me". Todd
Smith Jacksonville, FL
"I met Bill around 1994 working
side-by-side with him as an AS400 Sr. Programmer. In 1998 I went
to work for him at Executive Edge as a contract programmer for Universal
Studios Orlando. In 1999 he helped me roll over to full time employment
with Universal.
Bill was one of my closest friends
and occasional drinkin' buddy. He had a "heart of gold" and would give
you the "shirt off his back". You had to fight him if you wanted to pay
a tab! He was always first with the buck and very generous and sharing
with all aspects of his life. I feel a great loss knowing my good
friend is gone and I wish I had spent more time with him. I can't begin
to imagine what a terrible loss this must be for his parents and family.
I would often talk to Bill about
the Stock Market and he would say how "I would get along great with his
Dad!". When Bill got his motorcycle, I was tempted to get one myself
and go riding but having had a serious bike accident myself I resisted
the temptation. Now I'm looking for a Hog.
I know Bill was “reaching out”
in his final days and sometimes I feel like I could have saved him if I
would have just taken a little time out and gone to visit with him.
It's too late now, but lets all take a lesson in this. Now I sit at my
desk with tears welling up in my eyes … I really wish I had spent more
time with old “Golden Heart”..." Fred
Schloetzer Orlando, FL
"Bill will be missed.........I'm
actually upset he got out of here without
getting me a successful date (he
tried multiple times!!) :).....but I
guess its those fun times that
I remember...." James Miller
Fiserv, Orlando, FL
"My name is Paul A. Digregorio
I have been a friend of the family since grade school. Billy's brother
Danny is one of my best friends; I just wanted to tell the family my prayers
are always with them in the loses of dad and Billy, if ever anyone needs
something I want them to know I am and always will be their for any and
all of them, Danny hang in their your a great friend I love ya and will
help in anyway possible. Your Dad and brother are greatly missed, see ya
your pal always", Paul A. Digregorio
Long Island, NY
"Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness in
notifying Bill Byrnes' friends. I am stunned and deeply saddened.
I have known Bill for about 9 yrs, and knew him to be loving and fun-loving
and deeply committed to his friends. I would definitely appreciate
his mother's address so I can send a card. I am so sorry he was alone
when he died". "Thank you! It is definitely comforting to know
Bill is in a good place, safe in the arms of our maker". Lainie
H. Jenkins, Savannah, GA
"Mrs. Byrnes, I wish to tell
you how very sorry I am to hear of the passing of your son. Your
son, Bill, was a super person. I have done his accounting for the
past 4 years and have grown to love him. He was a sincerely likable
person with a heart as big as Florida. He was always generous with
his donations to any charity he felt for, especially if it had to do with
kids. I will greatly miss him. My prayers are with you and
your family at this trying time". Karen
Woody Orlando, FL
"I'm so destroyed by this...
Bill worked for me at Disney and we have kept in touch over the years.
I talked to him a couple of months ago". Julie
Rogers Orlando, FL
"Thank you so much for writing
to me about Bill. I am so sorry for your loss as well as mine.
I am in shock. I worked with Bill for two years at Disney until 1998
and we have kept in touch since then even though I live in Greece now.
Please know my prayers are with you and the rest of his family and friends".
Sincerely, Michelle Sawko, Greece
"I've known Bill for about 10
years since our time at Alltel/Systematics. He was such a full-of-live
person always giving to his friends and never expecting anything in return.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. This is a wonderful
tribute to Bill and will be so missed by all who ever new him". Martin
Bly, Orlando, FL
"Bill was my closest friend.
I was just talking with him last week and we where planning a holiday blast".
Fred Schiller
"I can't express the sorrow
that I am feeling. I met Bill in 1994 working in St. Petersburg. We had
been good friends ever since. Throughout the years, we helped each other
out.... I could always count on hearing from him from time to time. He
always had something going . I knew I could always count on him for anything.
My wife and I will miss you dearly...." Howard
and Nicole Steffensmeier St.
Petersburg, FL
"Im a Canadian who just fell
off an airplane in Orlando lookin for a change. I was sitting around the
pool at the Vinnings checking out the sights when this hip lookin dude
complete with designer towel, shorts, shades and cocktail in hand drops
his gear and slides into the pool. Makes his way around the pool like a
shark checking out the babes, I was having a laugh. He surfaces for air
notices that there are seven or so chicks and myself on this 90 degree
day. And Bill makes a point of welcoming asking everyone how there day
was. (that was his wonderful nature) Then asks me if I new around here
and we laughed , because I was as white as a ghost. He introduced himself
in this truly New York accent god love it! and explained a bit about himself
and Executive Edge. Then asks me what I was about and of course I explained
that I was from Canada and was looking for a new start. Well let tell you
I could not met better man at the right time. Bill and I met several times
there after". Randy Bertram
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Click image for large image, click
back to return
"An old friend once commented
about the relationship between Bill and I - "You two are like a pair of
old socks." I will miss his words of encouragement, generosity, and
funny little ways". Deborah J. Hall
(in picture above) Apopka, FL
"I'd like to say that I am very
saddened that Bill is not with us anymore he was a great friend to me we
had some good times together. I'll never forget those times and his laugh
rest in peace till we meet again..... one of your many friends". Blair
Miller a Canadian buddy (in
photo near top of page)
"My heart is with you please
know that BB will be missed and always will be loved and he is in a much
better place with no worries and all the fun in the world he's saving a
condo up there for us all I know it !" Jennifer
Kreier, Orlando, FL
"Bill will be deeply missed.
He is a wonderful free spirited individual who lived life with earnest.
I knew him well. God bless him...... and may He surround Bill with the
love and comfort he was so deserving of". Melinda
"As you look down at me
from heaven, please give me the strength and courage
to go on with this letter.
We became friends ten years ago
at Fiserv, when you asked me for fifty bucks for a charity bike (bicycle)
ride. I remember laughing and saying, but you would have to finish
the 75 mile ride. You did. Every few months when you would
ask for another check my wife Ilene would joke, another charity.
I would reply, Bill is going to double it.
>From there we had the infamous
TB Buc's condo trip through meeting your mother and going to the Orlando
Rays game only to find out, your mother and my best man's dad worked in
the same office for NY Tel. We grew up only miles apart. The Steve
Parella and Geer Dubois connection.
I will always remember our discussions
on your bachelorhood and my family life and the laughs about switching
each ones roles. Imagine trading your open Hawaii shirts for my button
downs. The long hours of BS in your condo, watching the Discovery Channel
and Animal Planet will never be forgotten. I really enjoyed spending last
XMAS with you and laughing about the Jewish guy coming over. Looking
at the website I can see many of your friends who would stop by the condo.
When I found out you passed away
Monday, my entire family wept with me, even though you only met my son
Daniel.
We had Orlando Magic tickets that
evening and Daniel said, "Dad do you really want to go?" I replied
Bill would want us to go" Later my wife confided he was concerned
with my ability to concentrate, boy was he ever right.
I miss miss you Bill and think
of you every day. Love, Glenn "Casey" Coogan
To your family. Bill was a special
man, when I think of Bill, all I see are positive words. The dictionary
needs at a minimum his picture next to these words: Trust, Friends, Caring,
Charitable, Life, Big, Fun, Family He loved you all". Shalom, Regards,
Glenn Coogan
"We are sad about Bill,
Bill had a great big heart. He was one of the most generous men I
know. We wanted to see him more but seemed that with his busy schedule
and ours we made 6 dates before one came through. We would love to
help out with a wake at his apartment by the pool. Or attend some
kind of service, keep us posted!" Sincerely, Bonita
and Dale, Cocoa Beach, FL
"I met Bill when I first moved
to Florida in 1988. We worked together at Baxter Healthcare, and
he basically taught me the ropes of AS/400 programming. Although
we worked together for many years at various cities and various companies,
it was our times spent away from the office that we became close friends.
Going out and enjoying the single life on any given night of the week,
staying out 'till the wee hours of the evening were regular events for
Bill and I. Although we had a great time partying in those days,
I quickly came to realize that Bill was about as genuine as a close friend
could be. He helped me get through the roughest time of my life -
the passing of my mother due to cancer in '92. He helped me move
from Orlando to Charlotte, also in '92 (actually made the trip with me).
He also assisted me a couple of times in job hunting and always made himself
available as a professional reference for me. But most of all, Bill
was the most giving person I've ever met. If I needed something,
he was there; If I had a question, he usually had the answer;
If I needed to talk, his ear was there; If I needed a shoulder to
cry on, his was there. Although we hadn't seen each in other in 2
years, we kept in touch via phone and email. I'll never forget the
memories we shared and all the positive influences he had on my life.
Bill's family should know that their son and sibling was a warm, caring,
and thoughtful person. I'll miss him dearly! ". Philip
G. Landry Jr., St. Petersburg, FL
 
A young Bill Byrnes, Phil
Landry, and friends from a party in Winter Park, Fl in the Summer of
'92. We had a great time that night, and the very next morning, Bill
and I drove a UHaul truck with all my belongings to Charlotte, NC.
"What a great web page.
brought tears to my eyes. thanks for sending it. He will be
missed". Lilabqm@aol.com
"I just want to say that
Bill was a good friend, and he would do anything for any one if they needed
help or just someone to talk to. He was unique in his own way.
We will all miss him greatly". His Canadian Friend Chris
Morseth, Orlando, FL
"I have known Bill for 5 years.
I worked with Bill at Disney and he was a really great guy. Even though
I didn't work for Bill, he would always extend an invitation to join him
for users group meetings and such. He hired a friend of mine to work for
him, and was very generous in giving to everybody, I will miss him very
much". Al Eastburn, Orlando, FL
"It was with a very sad heart
I read this message. It seems that I may have been one of the last
folks Bill spoke to, we spoke on Friday the 1st and were planning on finally
getting together.
Bill and I met in Montreal about
4 years ago when we were both there on business. We met in the hotel
lounge, had a few cocktails and talked for hours. We were both computer
people and also both lived in Florida. Bill, of course in Orlando,
and myself in Tampa.
We have communicated via email
and telephone since that first meeting. Since we both traveled so
heavily for our professions, it seemed that we were never in the state
at the same time. We had spoken often about getting together for
dinner, drinks and a bike ride but never were able to get it together.
To our amazement during last week's
conversation, we were both going to not only be in Florida at the same
time but Bill had planned to ride down to Tampa for a couple of days and
we were going to finally have that dinner. So it was quit a shock
to receive your message. He sounded great Friday, happy that the
holidays were approaching, making plans to visit his family back East.
Bill is one of the nicest men I
have ever known. He was compassionate, sensitive and giving; understood
when someone was in pain and tried to help them. I am very sad that
the world will now have to live on without him.
Please let his family know that
he will be greatly missed, even by those of us who got to share so little
of.
Thank you so much for letting the
rest of know. My prayers will be with his family and all of those
friends who will miss him greatly". Sincerely, Cathy
Amato (Cat), Tampa, FL
"He was a sweet guy and we stayed
in touch. I was very sad to hear of his death and am glad that you got
in touch with his friends (Dave Quint called me Monday night). I would
like to send his mom a card". Anne
Lautzenheiser, Orlando, FL
Thank you very much for letting
us know about Bill. Bill was a member of our motorcycle club so we
know first hand what a wonderful guy he was. He will be greatly missed!
The club had meetings last Friday, Saturday and Sunday and during
each Bill was in our prayers. Only the good....
The web site you created especially
hit home. Bill was only one month older than my husband (and club
President), Chris. Wow! We run around like kids, never dreaming
that life could be cut short so unexpectedly!! Bill was supposed
to join us on a ride several weeks ago, but cancelled due to a minor surgery
he was having.
With his travel schedule being
what it was, it wasn't unusual for him to dissapear on us for a few months
at a time and then resurface to go for a ride. So if it hadn't been
for your email, we might have never known. The last email we got
from him was to say he was sorry his schedule prevented him from being
more involved in the club and that he would like to make a financial contribution
instead. That's just the kind of guy he was. Generous to a
fault.
Please keep us informed of any
details you get about a Florida memorial service for Bill. The Orange
County Cruisers would like to attend. Sincerely, Anita
Jackson, Orlando, FL
"What
a sad day! Bill will be greatly missed! I only knew him for a short time,
but was blessed to know him. The World would be a much better place if
there were more people like Bill, I'm sure he's having a ball in Heaven!".
"Bill always spoke so highly and with much love about his Mom please relay
that to her in this time of sorrow". Sasha
Cooke, Richmond, VA
I met Bill back in 97 when we
both worked at Disney. I took Bill up on a job offer a few years
ago and have been working for him since. He
always made sure that I was taken care of. I had some tough times
when my contract had ran out, but Bill always managed to find work for
me and keep me busy. He was the nicest guy in the world.
He was the type of person to give you the shirt off of his back.
This is a true story. I had a black tie event to go to and didn't
have a tux. Bill told me to take the one he had. The shirt
was a tad bit too big, other than that the tux fit fine. When I tried
to return the tux, he told me to keep it. He said that he had out
grown it and didn't need it anymore. I still to this day cannot believe
that he is gone. He was a good friend and a good boss. He will
be greatly missed. Rob Rule Orlando,
FL
I am a neighbor of Bill's and
although I have only known him for a short time I will dearly miss him.
He was the maitre'd of the Vinings, introducing me to all of the neighbors.
He always made me laugh, and was as generous with his time as he was with
his heart. I'll never forget the pictures and letters he showed me from
the unfortunate children in third world countries he sponsored. I wish
I could give him one last bear hug. Thank you, Eileen, for raising such
a warm, caring, kind and generous son. My thoughts and prayers are
with you and your family. --Jennifer
Gutierrez, Orlando FL.
Bill's cat Jill making herself
comfortable on Bill Gorman's back
My name is Susie Morrissey and
I have been Bill's neighbor for close to 4 years. I live with my daughter, Amber,
& my 14 mo. old granddaughter , Kayla Rose. The day I was moving in...
He immediately introduced me to the 83 yr. old lady, Kay, that lived next
to him. She had just lost her sister and was alone. Bill was very concerned
about her, and always checked on her and asked if there was anything that
she needed when he went to the store. When I gave Amber's baby shower,
he was there to help, loaning me his BBQ and with a bottle of champagne
! He always brought flowers to Kay & I at holidays. When Sept.11 happened,
he placed an American flag on his, mine & Kay's door. I refuse to remove
them and I even did a "red, white & blue" Xmas wreath to go with it.
I know it would have pleased Bill. The Wed. evening before he died, we
stood on my patio, feeding the whooping cranes, and talking about how much
we loved living at the Vinings and loved our view of the lake. I was trying
to decide how to decorate my patio for Xmas...and Bill wanted me to do
a huge "USA" in red, white & blue, so that all of the airplanes could
see it ! He told me of his plans to spend Xmas with his mom and family,
since it would be the first one without his Dad. When his Mom came to visit
in the spring, we went to Epcot (I also work for Disney) and I photographed
them wearing funny hats ,in all of the countries. Ilene...you should send
some of the photo's in to be placed on this website. I've asked my neighbor
,Jen, to photograph Jill, because everyone needs to see his best friend
! I know he loved his family. I am currently taking care of Jill, his beautiful
white cat, and watching his home till the family returns. I sit in the
apt. everyday and look at all of the family & friend's photographs
adorning his walls, and it has truly inspired me to live life to the fullest.
We take too much for granted and need to be happy ! God Bless you BILL...my
neighbor and friend...I'll miss you ! Susie
Morrissey, Orlando, FL
"The
web page you made for BB was very nice and loving. That would have made
him happy. When I look at his picture it still blows me away that he isn't
here any more". Katheleen Bastin,
Orlando, FL
"While working at Whitehall
Robins in Richmond, VA Bill proved to be a person who could make friends
easily. It was also a joy to work with someone who knew his work
well and shared his knowledge freely. Although his assignment here
was complete all who worked with him now feels a lose". Karen
Lucas
top-Mike Shaw, Bill, bottom-Linda
Bryant, Karen Lucas
"I met Bill in Tampa in
1995. I worked with him several times and hired him as a DSI employee
I believe around April of this year. He worked out of the Atlanta
office and reported to me directly for several months". "Bill did
some great work for me and his most recent client called indicating how
much they loved Bill and the work he did for them". Michael
Comer, Alpharetta, GA
"I am so sorry to hear this
news." Cindy Salzman, Palm
Beach, FL
"I didn't know Bill all that
long. I had gone on several motorcycle runs with him along with his fellow
riders at Orange Count Cruisers in Winter Garden. He will be greatly missed
and I'm sure he's in a better place. God Bless him and all his Family".
Ken Dockter, Orlando, FL
My First
Christmas in Heaven
I see the
countless Christmas trees around the world below,
with tiny
lights, like heaven's stars, reflecting in the snow.
The sight
is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear,
for I am
spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the
many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
but the
sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no
words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
for it is
beyond description to hear the angels sing.
I know how
much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart,
but I am
not so far away, we really aren't apart.
So be happy
for me loved ones, you know I hold you dear,
and be glad
I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I send you
a special gift from my heavenly home above,
I send you
each a memory of my undying love.
After all
love is the gift more precious than pure gold,
It was always
the most important in the stories Jesus told.
Please love
and keep each other, as my Father said to do,
for I can't
count the blessings or the love he has for you.
So have
a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear,
for I am
spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
(In loving
memory of Bill Byrnes)
Lori
Smith - Jacksonville, FL
Even
people who did not know Bill have sent their sympathy.
"Dear Bill....place
your sorrow and memories of your friend with the LORD. I will say a prayer
for Bill and YOU at this moment. May the God above comfort you and even
in this time give you peace. As you know, we are all only here for a short
time, and the Lord tells us to be "our Brother's keeper", and to go to
HIM! Your web page is a loving tribute to your friend; I'm sure he is smiling
from above". Frank Gilligan
Castle Rock, CO
(This space
is for comments by Bill's Family and Friends, please send your contributions
and photos for Bill's page to Webmaster@LOOKinHERE.com
Please do not use all caps it's hard to read, looks tacky and I just
have to retype it) Also I have larger resolution photos that I can send
via e-mail, just send your requests to: Webmaster@LOOKinHERE.com |
