Remembering Papa Bill from the Snook Family

I have asked each of the kids, old and young to share stories about their memories of "Grandpa or Papa Bill" as he was later called by the great grandchildren.  They did the same for Elsa and we added those letters with her inside her space on the wall...I don't think I ever published those sentiments here, so that will be something I will add to this blog in a different post...those words and memories are certainly something that I want to keep alive and to have published here for future reading.

So first is Dina, the oldest and first grandchild of Bill and Elsa Foelker.  She married Jamie Snook almost 13 years ago.  They have three children;  Ellie is 10, Lily is 8 and Jalen is almost 5.

"My grandpa played such a huge role in my life...there aren't many girls as lucky as my sister and I were to have someone as special as him in our lives.  I could go on and on about all the memories I have with him, big events like camping, our summer visits to Cannon Beach, and skiing at Timberline.  But there were also the small everyday activities that made us close...like riding in his car and singing the Marine Core Hymn, or spending time in his backyard with the tree fort and tire swing, or making the deal that I would stop biting my nails if he stopped spitting.  While we were so fortunate to get so much time with my grandpa, it was the way he talked to us, the words that were said, the 21 questions that were asked and the lessons learned that really made an impact on my life.  I remember having to write an essay for a college application on who I admired most and the answer was easy...Grandpa.  He was such a kind, giving, generous, moral man that instilled self confidence in me...not only by exposing me to so many different activities but by always telling me how he thought I was great.  He would tell us to turn around in a model kind of way and then tell us we were beautiful.  He believed in me and supported me no matter what.  There aren't enough words to explain how much I will miss him and the huge hole that will be left in my heart.  One of his favorite lines was "count your blessings", and having him as my grandpa was one of the greatest blessings in my life."
Love,
Dina

 "One word comes to mind when Bill Foelker's name is mentioned, and that is "Championship"! He is without question, one of the most unselfish, upbeat, positive and authentic man I have been around. A true example of a hero in every aspect of the word. Beyond his service to his country as a marine, he was a role model as a man. He was a role model in all aspects of life. The example he provided as a husband, father, grandpa, great grandpa and friend was nothing short of pure class.

Three of my favorite saying's he used only further demonstrated what a total gentleman Bill was. "Holy Rackerfracks", his way of letting you and everyone around know that he was genuinely interested in the experience or story you were about to share. "Everyday is Saturday", Bill's unique way of telling you that "life was great".  This was Bill's standard response when you asked him how he was and to me, was his special way of expressing the gratitude and perspective he had towards the wonderful life and family we all have. And of course what I believed to be his favorite and signature line of "you get what you give".  When Bill said this it was a sign of his sincere commitment and determination to always be unselfish.  He was all about helping others get what they wanted.  Bill and Elsa were givers, the most generous couple I have ever known. Everyone Bill and Elsa were around were welcome and wanted, and anything anyone needed was always available through this amazing couple.

I feel lucky to have had the time I did with Bill and Elsa Foelker. The more time you spent with them the luckier you are. I will always be inspired to be the best person I can as a result of the legacy they leave behind.

Love,

Jamie

Ellie and Lily comforting Papa Bill at the cemetery for Grandma Elsa's funeral

"My Grandpa was truly amazing.  I love him so much and he will be in my heart forever.  It is very hard because it's sad for us, but he would've done anything to be with my grandma.   I know they are happy together again.  There are four lines that are very important sayings that my Grandpa liked to use, the first one is "You Get What YOU Give".  The second one is, "Everyday is Saturday", the third one is "Count Your Blessings" and the last but not least important is "Holy Rackerfracks".  These phrases that he used mean a lot to me because it describes everything about him.  He always had a good spirit and was very funny.  He taught me a song we are going to sing today, we as in my mom, my aunt Lacey, my sister and I.  I'm sure many of you are familiar with it.  That song is the Marine Core Hymn.  We are singing this because he was a Marine and he was proud to be one."

Ellie (10)

Lily sitting with Papa Bill and next to Papa Ben at a volleyball game for Ellie

"My great grandpa was the best great grandpa ever.  He would always have a smile on his face.  The thing that I remember forever is that he would always take us shoe shopping and would buy us anything that we wanted.  He wouldn't ask any questions about the shoe...not how much it cost.  Whatever shoe we'd like he'd like it too.  He was a very joyful, colorful, bright and passionate grandpa.  He will be in my heart forever, I will miss him so much.  But I know he wanted to be with my grandma and he is happy up there."
Love,
Lily (8)

Jalen is sitting on Papa Ben's lap...Lily is on Papa Bill's lap

"I love him and I know he wants to be with grandma up with God.  I remember all the hats he wore.  I liked giving him hugs. I like that rope in the backyard where he let us swing.  I love him forever."
Love,
Jalen (nearly 5)