You epitomized class, humor, tenderness and likeability and we are all so fortunate that you passed so many of your best traits on to your children. You will be so greatly missed.
Bill’s photographs show a man who lived life to the fullest. I was scared silly when I met him and Susan but I grew accustomed to and loved his big laugh, big vision of life and larger than life heart.
I’ll miss him.
I first met Bill, years ago, when I was working at RGIS to make sme extra income and, I think, it was Bill’s only income at the time. He was an upbeat Updike. Always had a smile, never complaining about the tedius work or late hours. We both left RGIS, not sure when, and we lost contact with one another. Then one day, I get a call from a Bill Updike about training to be a Volunteer Facilitator. Because of the years that separated us, I thought it was my RGIS acquaintance,but was not really sure. Until he walked into the office, that is. We got caught up, especially the difficult time he was having to get gainfully employed. But still, the upbeat Updike. Bill took the training, did some volunteer work for us and eventually became inactive. However, he never forgot about us, nor us him. We kept him on the mailing list and when our Annuall Dinner came around Bill would show up with miniture houes for our Silent Auction. We’re thankful for knowing Bill, and sad at his passing. Blessings to the family. Peace, Jon Singer, Executive Director, LAVORP
A stunning tribute. It was absolutely evident through all of these lovely photos that Bill was a man who loved living life and loved his family. May your family find peace and solace in keeping these memories alive in yourselves.
Thanks so much for sharing this with me. My eyes are still tearful — knowing I won’t see Bill any more when I swing by their house and also from seeing all the love in these photos. It’s a beautiful thing to see how love and goodness pass through generations. My heart goes out to Bill’s family with much love and healing wishes.
Susan, the tribute to Bill was wonderful.My wife and I knew Bill at good ole PMHS in Buena Vista.May God bless you and your family and give you peace now and forever.
Susan, Kirsten, Kris & Jason
I am so very sorry for your loss.
I would always smile when Bill walked into Timbuktu, because his smile was contagious. I always wondered why he had such a twinkle in his eye, as if he knew a secret, and it was a funny one. I really enjoyed the slide show of your lives together. Thank you for sharing it with me. I believe now that Bill’s smile & twinkle had a lot to do with his wonderful family.
I believe Bill will be a star shining light on you all from now until forever.
Susan, Our heartfelt sympathy goes to you and your family. I went to PMHS in Buena Vista with Bill . Neal and I sat with you two at the reunion last Novenber. You all will be in our prayers and his memory will forever be in our hearts.
So very sorry to hear this news, knew Bill thru his Dad, Lewis, look so much alike. I worked with Margaret Updike for 15 years at the workshop and loved the family. I feel sure he will be missed a great deal.
Skip and Nancy Dickinson, Buena Vista, Va.
Sue, This is a wonderful tribute for a life well-lived. I was so happy to see you and Bill at the reunion in November. I will always remember Bill’s smile. Please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Mac and Judy Watts, Buena Vista, VA
It was with so much sadness that I learned of Bill’s passing this week….how he loved life and loved his family. Whenever he walked into a room, you always felt his warmth and joy of life. He was always there for Leadership Lancaster whenever I would ask for any thing. He was a very, very special person.
I am so sorry to hear of Bills Passing, I grew up across the street from Lewis and Margaret , Lynn a year older Bobby a year younger than I – I remember Bill and family coming to visit that was always a time for celebraation at he Updikes.
My heartfelt sympathies to you all.
Sadness is but a wall between two gardens.
When you are sorrowful look again in your heart,
and you shall see that in truth you are weeping
for that which has been your delight." -- Kahlil Gibran
August 16th, 2010 at 10:56 pm
What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man…..he will be missed by so many of the people whose lives he touched over the years.
We love you!
August 16th, 2010 at 11:02 pm
Dad I miss you so much. I love you and think about you all the time.
August 16th, 2010 at 11:28 pm
Bill,
You epitomized class, humor, tenderness and likeability and we are all so fortunate that you passed so many of your best traits on to your children. You will be so greatly missed.
August 17th, 2010 at 1:31 am
Dear Updikes and McKinneys,
Bill’s photographs show a man who lived life to the fullest. I was scared silly when I met him and Susan
but I grew accustomed to and loved his big laugh, big vision of life and larger than life heart.
I’ll miss him.
August 17th, 2010 at 8:16 am
I first met Bill, years ago, when I was working at RGIS to make sme extra income and, I think, it was Bill’s only income at the time. He was an upbeat Updike. Always had a smile, never complaining about the tedius work or late hours. We both left RGIS, not sure when, and we lost contact with one another. Then one day, I get a call from a Bill Updike about training to be a Volunteer Facilitator. Because of the years that separated us, I thought it was my RGIS acquaintance,but was not really sure. Until he walked into the office, that is. We got caught up, especially the difficult time he was having to get gainfully employed. But still, the upbeat Updike. Bill took the training, did some volunteer work for us and eventually became inactive. However, he never forgot about us, nor us him. We kept him on the mailing list and when our Annuall Dinner came around Bill would show up with miniture houes for our Silent Auction. We’re thankful for knowing Bill, and sad at his passing. Blessings to the family. Peace, Jon Singer, Executive Director, LAVORP
August 17th, 2010 at 10:22 am
A stunning tribute. It was absolutely evident through all of these lovely photos that Bill was a man who loved living life and loved his family. May your family find peace and solace in keeping these memories alive in yourselves.
August 17th, 2010 at 5:41 pm
Thanks so much for sharing this with me. My eyes are still tearful — knowing I won’t see Bill any more when I swing by their house and also from seeing all the love in these photos. It’s a beautiful thing to see how love and goodness pass through generations. My heart goes out to Bill’s family with much love and healing wishes.
August 19th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Susan, the tribute to Bill was wonderful.My wife and I knew Bill at good ole PMHS in Buena Vista.May God bless you and your family and give you peace now and forever.
August 19th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
Susan, Kirsten, Kris & Jason
I am so very sorry for your loss.
I would always smile when Bill walked into Timbuktu, because his smile was contagious. I always wondered why he had such a twinkle in his eye, as if he knew a secret, and it was a funny one. I really enjoyed the slide show of your lives together. Thank you for sharing it with me. I believe now that Bill’s smile & twinkle had a lot to do with his wonderful family.
I believe Bill will be a star shining light on you all from now until forever.
August 19th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
Susan, Our heartfelt sympathy goes to you and your family. I went to PMHS in Buena Vista with Bill . Neal and I sat with you two at the reunion last Novenber. You all will be in our prayers and his memory will forever be in our hearts.
August 19th, 2010 at 2:56 pm
So very sorry to hear this news, knew Bill thru his Dad, Lewis, look so much alike. I worked with Margaret Updike for 15 years at the workshop and loved the family. I feel sure he will be missed a great deal.
Skip and Nancy Dickinson, Buena Vista, Va.
August 19th, 2010 at 5:35 pm
Sue, This is a wonderful tribute for a life well-lived. I was so happy to see you and Bill at the reunion in November. I will always remember Bill’s smile. Please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Mac and Judy Watts, Buena Vista, VA
August 22nd, 2010 at 11:03 am
It was with so much sadness that I learned of Bill’s passing this week….how he loved life and loved his family. Whenever he walked into a room, you always felt his warmth and joy of life. He was always there for Leadership Lancaster whenever I would ask for any thing. He was a very, very special person.
September 8th, 2010 at 9:04 am
I am so sorry to hear of Bills Passing, I grew up across the street from Lewis and Margaret , Lynn a year older Bobby a year younger than I – I remember Bill and family coming to visit that was always a time for celebraation at he Updikes.
My heartfelt sympathies to you all.