Remembering Papa Bill from the Prueitt Family

Lacey is the second and last grandchild of Bill and Elsa's.  She married Aaron Prueitt almost 9 years ago.. They have three children:  Caleb (12), Addison (Addie 4 1/2) and Tristan (almost 3).   Granted the young ones don't have as many memories of Papa Bill as the older children do, but they do know and miss Papa Bill.  The day after surgery, Lacey brought all three children to the hospital along with a "Grande Coffee Mocha" for Papa Bill!

Here are their memory stories:

"My grandpa was one of the greatest men I have known.  He created so many memories that will remain in my heart forever.  His life was lived and centered around doing good for others.  We had so many traditions of family camping trips and beach trips.  Every time he would always do things to make those moments so special.  Every summer at Cannon Beach he would make sure we had camp fires to cook smores and if the wind was too strong he would put up a canvas tarp to block the wind from us.  He was always doing things for others.  He delighted in seeing joy in everyone he loved.  He built us a tree house, tire swing and the “Flying Foelker Rope” in his back yard.  We had so many gatherings back there.  Easter Egg Hunts where we even got to find the manikins dressed in camo military gear.  He was always asking “19 questions” but he was only so inquisitive because he wanted to be involved and learn as much as he could.  Any where he would go he was always getting to know people; he just had that kind of passion for life.  I will do my best to make sure that I live my life as he did in the motto of “You get what you give”."

Lacey




"The thing I loved about grandpa was that he was a true grit old school kind of man cut from the old cloth.  He was a marine through and through.  He had that kind of toughness you could just see and feel from the first time you met him and shook his hand.  He was as honest as they come and a straight shooter.  Those kind of men are a dying breed, I only hope I can instill in my children, his great grandchildren, the character and charisma he showed us all.  I will miss all the conversations and stories we shared."

Aaron

Halloween 2011 Papa Bill with all the greats!

"I remember Papa Bill as a kind, loving man. He used to love to play with me when I was using the hedgehog, and he used to always make me laugh. He used to push me on the tire swing and help me walk on the stilts that he made for my mom and aunt."

Caleb (12)



"I loved to go shoe shopping; I used to go with him.  It was so fun and I picked out pink shoes.  Then when I start getting ready to go I loved to look at squirrels"

Addie (4 1/2)

"I love Papa Bill super long time, he died."

Tristan (almost 3)