William B. Fletcher, a good father, grandfather, husband, son, brother, counselor, coach, elk hunter, friend and most of all a man of God. There are so many words to describe my dad, but if I had to choose one it would be the word Love. He always said love is all we have, without love we’re nothing. We were always so proud of him. We know how much impact he had on people. He helped so many in his life.
Dad was always joking. He always made us laugh. It was the best though when YOU would laugh Dad. It made us so happy to see your wonderful smile. But it wasn’t always peaches and cream with dad…like when I would bring a girl home he would always walk around with his shirt off, and my dates were always like “That’s your father? He’s so fine, are you gonna look like that when you’re older?”
Gee thanks Dad!
Bill was a very spiritual man. It’s no wonder your favorite place in the world was in the mountains…especially the Uintah Mountains where you got your first big bull elk Sampson.. You took us there a lot. Countless hours we spent with you up there. You showed us everything about the wilderness, and that’s what you were dad…a teacher. You never stopped teaching. You loved so much being a professor, not only did you teach in your counseling office and classroom, but also you were a teacher of life.
You thought of us all in some special way. Dad’s beautiful daughter Andrea, he taught you how important an education was and you went all the way. He asked you if you were sure you wanted the counseling degree and then encouraged you when you wanted to follow his footsteps. He loved being with Robert and your beautiful girls, his first grandchildren. I know he is so proud of you, we all are. You done good as he would say.
Dad’s beautiful daughter Hollie, I know how hard it was for you growing up. Dad taught you perseverance. He showed you how to overcome your obstacles. He was there, throughout all your surgeries. When you’d wake up he was right there, because you wanted your daddy. Hollie, Dad is proud of you. We all are. You done good!
Dad’s beautiful daughter Angela (Dawnie), he gave you encouragement. He loved watching you dance so much. You are so talented and beautiful. It’s no wonder you were Little Miss Utah and went to Orlando to compete in the nationals. He was so proud of you, we all are. I’m so happy he got to see his beautiful granddaughter Marli, the day before he died. He loved you Tym, he always enjoyed being around you.
Dad’s extremely talented son Marc, Dad taught you his passion in life…hunting. Hunting consists of many things, strength, endurance, discipline, respect, structure, persistence, motivation, optimism, patience and hope. There is something very special about you. You are the spittin image of Dad. Your smile, your stance, your hands. He is still alive in you. When I was young I told him I didn’t want to shoot prey anymore. It was so hard for me to tell him. But you took that role. Everyone knows what that meant to him. I know he is so proud of you. We all are. And we will find Dad’s beast of the woods…Jackson.
Mom, without you, Dad wouldn’t have had us, I know he is so thankful for that. You were his loving wife for 26 years. You had so much history together and we have so many good memories.
Bills big boy grandson, “Aizik Da Boom” and his beautiful granddaughter Marli “Jugga”…dance your tail off.
Grampa Dick and Grandma Shirley, we will never forget how you treated him. You loved him, and he loved you both very much. I know he is with your son Paul now, teaching together.
Dad’s loving, caring wife Eileen. He loved loving you. I’m so thankful he met you. You made my father so happy with all the love you gave him. He loved your kids and treated them as his own.
Bill was a man of words and quotes like “Outstanding!” or “That’s uptown!” or “Sweet!” He loved nicknames and he had nicknames for everyone. And we called him “Crazy Elk”. I think Grampa Dick named you that.
Another big part of Bill’s teaching in life was coaching. The man loved soccer. For someone who never played the sport, he sure had the knowledge for it. He touched so many lives through sports….tee ball, basketball and soccer.
Dad you taught me faith and to believe in myself. Whether it was the big soccer game I played against BYU for the national championship or being the best father to my son Aizik, you had faith in me. You had faith in me on the day you died. If I didn’t have the faith that you gave me, where would Marc and I be? We were so exhausted Dad and we tried so hard to find you. The storm was like nothing I’d ever seen. We had no shelter and we were panicked, but our faith kept us going. Faith made the cell phone work in the rugged mountain storm. Faith made the fire start in strong winds. Faith made me believe my son and family would see us again. Faith made the two bald eagles appear letting us know you were with us. Faith guided the helicopter to us just before dark. Dad we know our faith was you. Dad, it was so hard to stay motivated and maintain composure knowing you were in harm’s way. We were so scared Dad, but we didn’t give up. We gave it our all, just like you taught us. Dad you always said to me, “Boy, I want to die in the mountains!” God bless you Dad, you died right where you wanted to and I know you are with Jesus now. We all love you forever. Thanks for an “Outstanding” life!
Monday, January 7, 2008
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Bill Fletcher
I had the privilege of playing three seasons of soccer for Bill Fletcher at St. Joseph's (and a season or two of off-season soccer too), and while I was so saddened to hear of Bill's passing, I continue to be inspired by his example and the legacy that he's left behind. Bill was an excellent tactician and field general as a coach, a mentor to those who needed one, and a genuinely good and loyal guy. While always maintaining the discipline necessary to succeed as a team, Bill always treated us with respect (even though there were many times that we probably didn't deserve it) and had a great sense of humor. I remember particularly the time that Scott Platz and I rigged the voting for the team captains (we were only in 10th grade, so Bill was really surprised to see our names among the leading vote-getters)--we all had a good laugh after confessing to it. Making Coach Fletcher laugh was one of the great joys of playing for him. Winning was also fun, and we did a lot of that thanks to Bill's leadership.
After I left St. Joe's and had a much less positive experience playing under a different coach, I began to think about what made Bill such an effective leader. I came to the conclusion that it was his ability to really understand and connect with his players on a personal level--he'd figure out what made you tick and how to get the best out of you. Of course, it also helped that he was such a great guy that you'd want to run through walls for him.
Bill Fletcher passed far too soon, but I think it's a tribute to him that there were people all over this country calling and e-mailing each other to talk about him. I'm now in North Carolina and first heard about Bill's passing from a friend in Connecticut who got a call from one of our other teammates in Salt Lake City. I'm certain that these kinds of calls having been going out regularly for the past couple weeks because Bill was such a positive influence on so many people's lives. If we all tried to make the same kind of impression on others' lives as Bill Fletcher did on ours, the world would be a much better place.
My sincerest condolences to Aric, Angie and the other members of Bill's family.
Mike Slipsky
St. Joseph Catholic High School, 1993-1996
After I left St. Joe's and had a much less positive experience playing under a different coach, I began to think about what made Bill such an effective leader. I came to the conclusion that it was his ability to really understand and connect with his players on a personal level--he'd figure out what made you tick and how to get the best out of you. Of course, it also helped that he was such a great guy that you'd want to run through walls for him.
Bill Fletcher passed far too soon, but I think it's a tribute to him that there were people all over this country calling and e-mailing each other to talk about him. I'm now in North Carolina and first heard about Bill's passing from a friend in Connecticut who got a call from one of our other teammates in Salt Lake City. I'm certain that these kinds of calls having been going out regularly for the past couple weeks because Bill was such a positive influence on so many people's lives. If we all tried to make the same kind of impression on others' lives as Bill Fletcher did on ours, the world would be a much better place.
My sincerest condolences to Aric, Angie and the other members of Bill's family.
Mike Slipsky
St. Joseph Catholic High School, 1993-1996
Sunday, October 28, 2007
The Man who Loved All Part II
I don't have much more to say, but I did want to finish what I wrote earlier in the week. Marc, thanks for posting your talk. I really wished I could have been there for the live version. I hear you did a great job. Bill would have been proud.
My heart has definitely been full this week while I've been reflecting on the impact Bill had on my life and the lives of everyone else. Here are a few things I don't think I will ever forget:
1. Don't Assume (those who will there will never forget it)
2. The famous fall on the ball that Tyson mentioned earlier.
3. Color challenged people really do pick ugly jerseys (remember those tiger stripped things we had to wear one summer?)
4. The butt chewing under the tree at Roy's field.
5. The afore mentioned Bear Hugs.
6. The opportunity he gave me to play with the "older" team in a scrimmage against Weber State's Club team. One of the biggest confidence boosters I've ever had.
7. Last of all, those DANG hienz 57s (isn't that what they were called) he'd make us run to get into shape!
Bill, you are a great man that has left an unforgettable legacy. Thanks for all the memories, all the hugs, and for all the tears that we shed together. May we all do our best to follow your example. May God's peace be with you and your family at this time.
My heart has definitely been full this week while I've been reflecting on the impact Bill had on my life and the lives of everyone else. Here are a few things I don't think I will ever forget:
1. Don't Assume (those who will there will never forget it)
2. The famous fall on the ball that Tyson mentioned earlier.
3. Color challenged people really do pick ugly jerseys (remember those tiger stripped things we had to wear one summer?)
4. The butt chewing under the tree at Roy's field.
5. The afore mentioned Bear Hugs.
6. The opportunity he gave me to play with the "older" team in a scrimmage against Weber State's Club team. One of the biggest confidence boosters I've ever had.
7. Last of all, those DANG hienz 57s (isn't that what they were called) he'd make us run to get into shape!
Bill, you are a great man that has left an unforgettable legacy. Thanks for all the memories, all the hugs, and for all the tears that we shed together. May we all do our best to follow your example. May God's peace be with you and your family at this time.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
My Dad (speech @ funeral) by Marc Fletcher
My father, William Byron Fletcher was an intelligent, loving, loyal and extraordinary man. He was our father, grandfather, husband, uncle, coach, professor, friend, and an unbelievable hunter. He left us doing what he loved. He had a passion to hunt with me and Aric. He was so happy with his life, being a professor. He said he always had to pinch himself and say “Am I really teaching a class at a university?” He loved to educate people how to teach others how to live a quality life. He loved Eileen passionately and his children, step-children and grandchildren. He touched hundreds of thousands of lives from the day he was put on this earth, coaching, teaching, counseling. The counseling…he had the ability to put a thousand words into just a few. A very well-spoken man. He made you feel so good, just to listen to him speak.
We almost lost this man a year ago to a bleeding ulcer. I am so thankful for the time we had from then until now. He had a birthday, and time in the home that he and Eileen built. We got to go hunting last August. It was a beautiful weekend. We always stopped at this Flying J restaurant in Evanstan before we would go back into Utah and go to his playground the Uintah Wilderness areas. He stopped eating and looked at me and said, “Boy it is a miracle that I am sitting here with you and we are going to hunt elk.” And that was an understatement. I will never forget that weekend. We talked about everything. We hiked a hundred miles in four days and we talked the whole time. Every step, every ridge, every mountain. He always was worried that he would not finish teaching me how to hunt elk. You did, so rest easy my father. He remained in the mountains an additional five days by himself. He insisted on taking me back to the truck himself for me to drive his truck back to Ogden without him. We gave each other a hug and we both began to sob and cry. He said it was the hardest thing he had to do. I watched that man walk up the ridge until I could not see him any longer. I cried all the way back home. He always pushed everything to the limit…hunting, coaching, teaching and especially loving. He always said Jesus is love, but I think William Fletcher is love.
My father loved life and most everything about it. Altogether, he was “Outstanding!” as he would say. He wrote a book and it was going to be finished this year. He just needed to write a smaller version of it. Dad, I will get it finished for you one way or the other.
Eileen, he loved you very much. He always made that clear. And Eileen’s kids…he was always so happy for how close he got to each of you. Grampa Dale, he always talked about you and what a good man you are. He told me a story about when you were riding your three wheeler and hit a rock and fell straight over and soon after, he bought you that four wheeler because it was safer. He loved to go to Tooele with you.
Shirley and Dick…he was so touched by how much you loved him and he spoke of you often….the times you had…the dinners Dick would cook and just being with you.
Marcie and Kris, my dad felt lucky to have you for sisters. He enjoyed being with you and talking about his life that he had with you. He was your big brother and guardian at different times in your lives. I know he loved you both very much.
To my mom and sisters, we had a great family growing up. We had a mom and dad who devoted their lives to us. We have a million good memories. We were a wild bunch and we still are! We always laughed and had fun. Dad had a great sense of humor. He was always telling us that he was going to drop kick us off the deck. And we believed him for a very long time. But finally we realized he was not going to drop kick us off the deck, but it had worked for all those years. When anything got crazy around the house which was often, he would say “this is like a Chinese fire drill!” He always told you Angi that he loved to watch you dance and to watch you cheerlead at games. Hollie he always told you what a great job you did in spite of your hardships and if you continued to work as hard as you have, you will accomplish anything. You were the first kid he ever coached. Aric you were his star soccer player for Weber State. He was very proud of the national championship when you beat BYU in the finals. Andrea he was so proud of you getting your degrees especially when you got your graduate degrees in counseling and he was proud of the woman you have become. Dad never called anyone by their names. He had nick names for all of us. Mom was Fox. Andrea was puhchooka cheekers. Hollie was Hollie Wolly or Hollie Fletch. Aric was ALWAYS Boy. I was Peewee. Angela for some reason had the most nick names….Skodie Bodie, Yoda, Miss Piggy, Skode and Dawn. Dad loved us all very much.
Aric, my brother, I am so thankful for you. Dad would be so proud of how we adapted and survived up there so that we would be able to live and raise his grandchildren. Aric have no regrets about that day. We have a purpose on this earth and it was not our time.
Thank you Dad for the cell phone service, and lighting our fire and for the 40 minute break in the weather to allow the helicopter to get up to us. I know that Dad made all that happen. He always kept us safe. I believe that my father knew what was to come. He made it very clear for us to stay where we were and to not follow him. He was also very quiet during the last hour. He told me happy birthday a few hours after midnight. The day I came into this world 26 years ago was on the same date that you left us. I am so thankful for the last hours I had with you. You will be in my heart forever, my best man, my best friend, the best dad. I love you very much.
Your Son
Marc William
We almost lost this man a year ago to a bleeding ulcer. I am so thankful for the time we had from then until now. He had a birthday, and time in the home that he and Eileen built. We got to go hunting last August. It was a beautiful weekend. We always stopped at this Flying J restaurant in Evanstan before we would go back into Utah and go to his playground the Uintah Wilderness areas. He stopped eating and looked at me and said, “Boy it is a miracle that I am sitting here with you and we are going to hunt elk.” And that was an understatement. I will never forget that weekend. We talked about everything. We hiked a hundred miles in four days and we talked the whole time. Every step, every ridge, every mountain. He always was worried that he would not finish teaching me how to hunt elk. You did, so rest easy my father. He remained in the mountains an additional five days by himself. He insisted on taking me back to the truck himself for me to drive his truck back to Ogden without him. We gave each other a hug and we both began to sob and cry. He said it was the hardest thing he had to do. I watched that man walk up the ridge until I could not see him any longer. I cried all the way back home. He always pushed everything to the limit…hunting, coaching, teaching and especially loving. He always said Jesus is love, but I think William Fletcher is love.
My father loved life and most everything about it. Altogether, he was “Outstanding!” as he would say. He wrote a book and it was going to be finished this year. He just needed to write a smaller version of it. Dad, I will get it finished for you one way or the other.
Eileen, he loved you very much. He always made that clear. And Eileen’s kids…he was always so happy for how close he got to each of you. Grampa Dale, he always talked about you and what a good man you are. He told me a story about when you were riding your three wheeler and hit a rock and fell straight over and soon after, he bought you that four wheeler because it was safer. He loved to go to Tooele with you.
Shirley and Dick…he was so touched by how much you loved him and he spoke of you often….the times you had…the dinners Dick would cook and just being with you.
Marcie and Kris, my dad felt lucky to have you for sisters. He enjoyed being with you and talking about his life that he had with you. He was your big brother and guardian at different times in your lives. I know he loved you both very much.
To my mom and sisters, we had a great family growing up. We had a mom and dad who devoted their lives to us. We have a million good memories. We were a wild bunch and we still are! We always laughed and had fun. Dad had a great sense of humor. He was always telling us that he was going to drop kick us off the deck. And we believed him for a very long time. But finally we realized he was not going to drop kick us off the deck, but it had worked for all those years. When anything got crazy around the house which was often, he would say “this is like a Chinese fire drill!” He always told you Angi that he loved to watch you dance and to watch you cheerlead at games. Hollie he always told you what a great job you did in spite of your hardships and if you continued to work as hard as you have, you will accomplish anything. You were the first kid he ever coached. Aric you were his star soccer player for Weber State. He was very proud of the national championship when you beat BYU in the finals. Andrea he was so proud of you getting your degrees especially when you got your graduate degrees in counseling and he was proud of the woman you have become. Dad never called anyone by their names. He had nick names for all of us. Mom was Fox. Andrea was puhchooka cheekers. Hollie was Hollie Wolly or Hollie Fletch. Aric was ALWAYS Boy. I was Peewee. Angela for some reason had the most nick names….Skodie Bodie, Yoda, Miss Piggy, Skode and Dawn. Dad loved us all very much.
Aric, my brother, I am so thankful for you. Dad would be so proud of how we adapted and survived up there so that we would be able to live and raise his grandchildren. Aric have no regrets about that day. We have a purpose on this earth and it was not our time.
Thank you Dad for the cell phone service, and lighting our fire and for the 40 minute break in the weather to allow the helicopter to get up to us. I know that Dad made all that happen. He always kept us safe. I believe that my father knew what was to come. He made it very clear for us to stay where we were and to not follow him. He was also very quiet during the last hour. He told me happy birthday a few hours after midnight. The day I came into this world 26 years ago was on the same date that you left us. I am so thankful for the last hours I had with you. You will be in my heart forever, my best man, my best friend, the best dad. I love you very much.
Your Son
Marc William
Thursday, October 25, 2007
An Inspiration
Growing up just two houses down from the Fletchers, Mike and I spent a lot of our time at there house. I remember Bill always showing interest in what we wre doing. He'd ask us questions and tell us whether he thought it was a good idea or not. Even as young children he was counseling us and helping us make the right choices.
I always watched him coach my brother's soccer team and always wished that I could be on that team. It wasn't because his team was good, it was because Bill was such an "outstanding" man to watch. I spent half my time on the sideline just watching him coach - or love - his team. I grew up wanting to be a part of that so bad. The way AYSO went back in the day was that because of my age, I had a chance to try out for his AllStar team every other year, and you can gaurantee I was at the tryouts, every other year. But for one reason or another, and I never questioned as to why, I didn't get Bill as my coach. One year there were tryouts for a team that Bill would be taking to California for a World Cup tournament. I wanted to be on that team more than anything. I didn't make the roster, but I think Bill new how bad I wanted it, and he gave me an alternate spot. Not long afterward, a very unexpected turn of events occurred and we all lost a good friend and teammate. Bill was at our sides mourning and comforting us kids, reassuring us that everything would work out. I specifically remember Shaun Beardall and I were looking at the pictures of Nick, each with huge tears in our eyes, when Bill came and put an arm around the both of us, kissed our heads, and with tears in his eyes told us that we hadn't seen the last of our dear friend. It was by no means the way that I wanted to make that team, but Bill gave me the opportunity to learn from him that summer. It was the only year that I had Bill as a coach, and the lessons that I learned from him were too many to count. That summer we had a very successful soccer team and I don't think it was because we were the best. But Bill made us feel like we were the best. He always had a way with words to inspire us to do the best we possibly could. I remember at the beginning of each game that summer, we started with a team huddle, and Bill helped us dedicate each moment of that particular game to our dear friend, Nick. We were playing for more than the win, we were playing out of love and respect to a lost friend and teammate, and it was Bill that inspired us to do it. That summer is one of the most memorable summers of my life.
I know that someday we will be able to see Bill again, and he'll have his arms wide open and ready to give us one of his giant hugs, and he'll have that warm smile on his loving face that we will all miss so much. Bill, thank you for your life lessons, your love, patience, guidance, and for inpiring me and so many others to always strive to be better. You are a dear friend to more people than you'll ever know and you will be missed.
I always watched him coach my brother's soccer team and always wished that I could be on that team. It wasn't because his team was good, it was because Bill was such an "outstanding" man to watch. I spent half my time on the sideline just watching him coach - or love - his team. I grew up wanting to be a part of that so bad. The way AYSO went back in the day was that because of my age, I had a chance to try out for his AllStar team every other year, and you can gaurantee I was at the tryouts, every other year. But for one reason or another, and I never questioned as to why, I didn't get Bill as my coach. One year there were tryouts for a team that Bill would be taking to California for a World Cup tournament. I wanted to be on that team more than anything. I didn't make the roster, but I think Bill new how bad I wanted it, and he gave me an alternate spot. Not long afterward, a very unexpected turn of events occurred and we all lost a good friend and teammate. Bill was at our sides mourning and comforting us kids, reassuring us that everything would work out. I specifically remember Shaun Beardall and I were looking at the pictures of Nick, each with huge tears in our eyes, when Bill came and put an arm around the both of us, kissed our heads, and with tears in his eyes told us that we hadn't seen the last of our dear friend. It was by no means the way that I wanted to make that team, but Bill gave me the opportunity to learn from him that summer. It was the only year that I had Bill as a coach, and the lessons that I learned from him were too many to count. That summer we had a very successful soccer team and I don't think it was because we were the best. But Bill made us feel like we were the best. He always had a way with words to inspire us to do the best we possibly could. I remember at the beginning of each game that summer, we started with a team huddle, and Bill helped us dedicate each moment of that particular game to our dear friend, Nick. We were playing for more than the win, we were playing out of love and respect to a lost friend and teammate, and it was Bill that inspired us to do it. That summer is one of the most memorable summers of my life.
I know that someday we will be able to see Bill again, and he'll have his arms wide open and ready to give us one of his giant hugs, and he'll have that warm smile on his loving face that we will all miss so much. Bill, thank you for your life lessons, your love, patience, guidance, and for inpiring me and so many others to always strive to be better. You are a dear friend to more people than you'll ever know and you will be missed.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
I played for Bill for four years at St Joe's. During that time period a number of things became abundantly clear. Bill cared for each one of his players as if they were his own child. Even the weakest, slowest, most unskilled player had a place on Bill's team and more importantly in Bill's heart. Bill had a way of uniting people, individuals who would not, or could not get along in everyday life, somehow fused together to create a successful team. People who seemed to have nothing more in common than knowing Bill Fletcher came together and achieved monumental goals.
Bill was a great soccer coach to be sure; but it was not his knowledge of the game that made him great, for Bill, it was about people. Bill had a way of inspiring young men, getting them to believe. Not so much in him or his program, but in themselves and each other. Bill did not teach soccer, so much as he taught life. Bill taught boys how to be men, not in the machismo sense, rather, he provided a living example of how to mature and become a responsible, man. He inspired many of us who needed a kick in the ass. He made us better than we had ever been, and in many ways will ever be again. Bill, certainly inspired me. I coach and teach, largely because of the inspiration provided to me by Bill Fletcher.
I know we all feel a tremendous loss. We have lost a coach, a friend, and a mentor. But we should all take with us the lessons that we learned from Bill. He will forever be a part of us, and together we carry on his the legacy. It is a tremendous gift, but also tremendous responsibility. Take it, use it and pass it on, so that others may know the gifts that Bill left behind.
Scott Platz
St. Joseph Catholic High School 1997
Bill was a great soccer coach to be sure; but it was not his knowledge of the game that made him great, for Bill, it was about people. Bill had a way of inspiring young men, getting them to believe. Not so much in him or his program, but in themselves and each other. Bill did not teach soccer, so much as he taught life. Bill taught boys how to be men, not in the machismo sense, rather, he provided a living example of how to mature and become a responsible, man. He inspired many of us who needed a kick in the ass. He made us better than we had ever been, and in many ways will ever be again. Bill, certainly inspired me. I coach and teach, largely because of the inspiration provided to me by Bill Fletcher.
I know we all feel a tremendous loss. We have lost a coach, a friend, and a mentor. But we should all take with us the lessons that we learned from Bill. He will forever be a part of us, and together we carry on his the legacy. It is a tremendous gift, but also tremendous responsibility. Take it, use it and pass it on, so that others may know the gifts that Bill left behind.
Scott Platz
St. Joseph Catholic High School 1997
Coach (written by Jake Porter)
As you read these messages, you not only see a pattern of Bill’s influence in our lives, but the mark that he has left on all of us that we, too, will to pass on to others. We trusted him, loved him, and appreciated him as a father. As I read Tyson’s and Brock’s blogs, I too had many memories rush through my mind. I can’t help but think of one that stands out the most to me. Tyson mentioned, “His players loved him so much they refused to let him down.” We all know my junior year I was somewhat off a “hot head” on the soccer field and as we played in the quarter-finals my junior year I received a red card. The next day, I found out that I would not only miss the semi-finals, but would have to sit out the state championship as well. This was devastating news to a young boy who had played his whole life to get to this point. I remember telling you guys that day in practice and fighting back my emotion. As the team started its warm-up run, I lost it. Bill gave me his usual fatherly hug, but this time I was sobbing in his shoulder. No one could console me, not my family, friends, or teammates. As he held me in his arms that day, I let it all out. Our relationship with Coach is one that is hard to describe in words. He was an amazing man. As you read these thoughts, you realize he didn’t just coach a soccer team, he showed us our potential in life and played a major role in our development into who are today (and we all have turned out pretty dang good, if you don’t mind me saying so). That week, Bill spent countless hours with me talking to state officials and trying to get them to take back one of my reds cards which would allow me to play in the state championship. I would have given anything to play in that game, but that week has had a lasting influence on my life. We weren’t just a team that year, we truly were a family and that was the turn-around. If my memory serves me correctly, the year before we were 4-10 and that year we went 17-3. That is unheard of! But as mentioned before, we played for each other and for our Coach, the one we all admired. That week, he had 27 other players to prepare for the biggest game of our lives; yet, it seemed to me that I was his only worry. I take a lot from that personal experience and have tried to demonstrate those same characteristics that Coach showed to me that week. I will never forget the kind of man he was and the life he led.
My senior year, our relationship grew and I think I saw Bill in the same light that a few of you older players saw him in. I remember one day after practice he called me aside, as he had done many times, to talk about the team and the direction it was going. He asked me, ”Jake what does the team need; what will help this team reach is full potential?” I hesitated and then started to ramble on about something that both of us knew wasn’t the answer he was looking for. He looked me in the eyes and with tears swelling up in them he said, “They need you to lead them.” Bill’s loyalty and trust allowed us to grow and become better people both on and off the field. That year, we studied film together, we went to lunch together and he became a close friend of mine. At times, we would even have long conversations about the church, but at the time he would act as if he was not interested. I don’t remember one missionary farewell where I didn’t see Bill in the congregation. He supported us in all of our activities not just in soccer.
As I returned from my mission, I had the opportunity to coach Bonneville’s soccer team with him his last year. It was then that I noticed something different about Bill. He was the same amazing man that many of us had known for the past 10 years, but there was something more. I would ask him about it and he would dismiss it and say that nothing had changed. Until one day, when he said he had to leave practice early and I said, “Just wait one second Coach, where do you think you are going?” I continued to tease him asking what was more important than soccer? As he looked at me with tears in his eyes he said, “Brother Jake, I am receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood.” His response was typical Bill, always quite humble about his own life, never wanting to flaunt his own accomplishments. The decisions he made later in his life will not have only affected his mortal life, but will carry on with him through all eternity. Coach, we love you; you were the best example a group of high school kids could have asked for and you continue to be that example through the memories you have left engraved in our hearts.
"A Second Father"
Sitting on Bill's porch as a kid with Marc, my brother, and the rest of the boys on the street, we somehow ended up arguing about who's dad was stronger than who's. Eventually, Marc bested all of by saying, "my dad could lift our house with his pinky." Of course, we debated and argued the fact that it would be impossible for anyone to lift a house with their pinky, and that Marc was lying. In retrospect I have to say that although he may not have been able to lift a house with his pinky, Bill definitely lifted our team and many young people with his love, devotion, and giant spirit.
I hesitate to share memories and experiences that are so fond that I would repeat them in an instant for fear of not being able to adequately describe them. Some of by best memories revolve around being part of a team that Bill coached from our first years in AYSO to a state championship game. Anyone who had the chance to learn from Bill and to be on the receiving end of one of his huge bear hugs before a game or a kiss on the forehead with a huge bear hug after a hard loss was truly fortunate.
I still clearly remember being a six year old kid starting his first day of soccer practice with a big bearded man as a coach. I recall very vividly lining up in one of our first practices as Bill taught us one-by-one how to use something other than our toe to kick a soccer ball. I see him kneeling in front of me holding my foot and slowly moving my instep toward the ball as I hold on to his shoulder for balance. That memory was with me throughout my years of playing for Bill - a man larger than life who was willing to kneel down in front of a timid six year old to teach him the basics of soccer. Just as he was a source of stability that day, he was a source of confidence, motivation, discipline, unity, and love for those who played for him over the years.
Bill taught me confidence in myself. In retrospect I can see now that I was not the greatest player, but thanks to Bill I believed I could play great. Early on, Bill took the time to pull my parents and me aside after a game, to discuss with them the possibility of me being able to play college soccer on scholarship. I was young enough that I had never heard of a scholarship, but that day I began to believe that I had the potential to be great at something. Bill's confidence and sense of motivation was contagious. I never played collegiate soccer, but the sense of accomplishment, confidence, and potential he gave me translated to success in other areas of my life.
We were all lucky to play for and know Bill whether it was for all the years that we played or only a single season. No matter what was happening in our lives Bill gave us a second family and someone to be that shoulder of stability. In times of great personal or collective loss, he was our friend. When we lost one of our best and dearest teammates he grieved with us, lifted us up, and unified us. As others have said, Bill truly loved his players like sons, and we loved him like a second father.
Thank you, Bill. I hope that being wrapped in loving arms on the other side will help you know how much those hugs meant to us.
I hesitate to share memories and experiences that are so fond that I would repeat them in an instant for fear of not being able to adequately describe them. Some of by best memories revolve around being part of a team that Bill coached from our first years in AYSO to a state championship game. Anyone who had the chance to learn from Bill and to be on the receiving end of one of his huge bear hugs before a game or a kiss on the forehead with a huge bear hug after a hard loss was truly fortunate.
I still clearly remember being a six year old kid starting his first day of soccer practice with a big bearded man as a coach. I recall very vividly lining up in one of our first practices as Bill taught us one-by-one how to use something other than our toe to kick a soccer ball. I see him kneeling in front of me holding my foot and slowly moving my instep toward the ball as I hold on to his shoulder for balance. That memory was with me throughout my years of playing for Bill - a man larger than life who was willing to kneel down in front of a timid six year old to teach him the basics of soccer. Just as he was a source of stability that day, he was a source of confidence, motivation, discipline, unity, and love for those who played for him over the years.
Bill taught me confidence in myself. In retrospect I can see now that I was not the greatest player, but thanks to Bill I believed I could play great. Early on, Bill took the time to pull my parents and me aside after a game, to discuss with them the possibility of me being able to play college soccer on scholarship. I was young enough that I had never heard of a scholarship, but that day I began to believe that I had the potential to be great at something. Bill's confidence and sense of motivation was contagious. I never played collegiate soccer, but the sense of accomplishment, confidence, and potential he gave me translated to success in other areas of my life.
We were all lucky to play for and know Bill whether it was for all the years that we played or only a single season. No matter what was happening in our lives Bill gave us a second family and someone to be that shoulder of stability. In times of great personal or collective loss, he was our friend. When we lost one of our best and dearest teammates he grieved with us, lifted us up, and unified us. As others have said, Bill truly loved his players like sons, and we loved him like a second father.
Thank you, Bill. I hope that being wrapped in loving arms on the other side will help you know how much those hugs meant to us.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
One of my biggest hero's
What can I say than hasn't already been said? Probably nothing, but as any of you who know me well realized a long time ago, it just isn't my style to stay silent! Monday morning I got a text message saying that Bill had passed away. I was riding the bus to school and it took me back for a minute and I struggled to keep my composure. I got to school and Mike had sent an email with the story from the paper and I teared up a little bit, but kept it together pretty well. Today, seeing the picture in the obituary, I lost it. As soon as I saw Bill there, with that million dollar smile he had given me literally a thousand times before, all the memories from the lifetime of interactions I've had with the man cruised through my heart and into my mind. What can you say about a person that has directly and indirectly touched so many lives? The following thoughts are not all my own, but are what I feel from the messages I have received from family and friends alike.
Most of us, and me in particular, came to know Bill because he was our soccer coach. Bill was the one who convinced me to move from my normal role of being an unstoppable scoring machine to that of being a goal keeper. That day my friends, "The Wall" was born! I think it is fair to say that Bill was not the most knowledgeable soccer mind around. He never played the sport, as was evidenced when at an AYSO practice he attempted to show us how to trap the ball and ended up on his butt with a bunch of little kids laughing at him. For those of you who were there, I know you remember that one! It was not his knowledge of the game that made him great, it was his knowledge of people. If anyone knew how to build love and trust, it was him.
As has been said, Bill was the first soccer coach I ever had in my first year of AYSO. He happened to follow our group all the way up through the high school and took a perennially pathetic BHS team to a state championship game. Was it his soccer genius? Or was it that his players loved him so much that they refused to let him down? We all know what the answer to that question is. I trusted Bill as much as I trust anyone in the world. If he would have asked me to run my head through a brick wall, I would have done it because I know it would have been for my own good. And we all know I probably could have used it at times.
As anyone who knows Bill well can attest, he could at times and when needed be a very intense man. All of us knew this and I think in the back of our minds none of us wanted to see it. But that is not why we were so motivated to work for Bill. Bill motivated by complete love. Every single one of us knew that he cared more about us as individuals and people than he ever did about winning a game. Bill knew very well some of the struggles I had in high school as a person and I know he was more proud of me for the decisions I made to turn my life around and be a better person than he ever was when I got all-state. One example of how much he loved me was the second time we played Roy my senior year. We lost to Roy in a shootout the first go-round and Bill was very upset. I'm sure all of you who were there remember the butt chewing we took under the tree out there. The day before the second game we were goofing around a little bit at the beginning of practice and he kicked us all out and just said, "You better come ready to play tomorrow." We showed up for the game and I remember the first thing he said to us as a team was "We won't have one of our biggest fans today, he's in the hospital. Let's go win this one for him." That fan happened to be my dad, and I knew that he didn't care about the win for his own satisfaction of getting back at Roy, he really wanted to win that one for my dad. After we broke and right before we took the field he called me over, gave me one of the patented hugs that have been discussed and just said, "Ty, I'm here for ya." And I knew he was. That game we blew them out 5-0, all of the varsity was out of the game in the second half but he left me in. He knew it was important for me to finish what I had started that day for my dad, and I didn't even have to tell him I needed to do that.
Sorry for the novel, but I have one more. Our only other loss our senior year came up at Logan. They sucked and kicked our butts. After the game there were a few players that were not taking it too seriously and goofing off, and being the hot head that I am just exploded on them. Many inappropriate things came out of my mouth (I know, shocking!) in front of a few parents and also our principle. All the sudden I hear, "Ty, on the bus, NOW!" I walked across the field toward the bus just thinking in the back of my head, "This guy is going to kick my butt!" I get to the bus and a few minutes later Bill came in and I was ready to just get the butt chewing of a lifetime. He told me, "stand up" so I stood up, he once again puts his arms around me and just said, "The losses hurt, don't they?" By this time we both had tears in our eyes because he knew exactly why it was that I was upset, and felt like doing exactly what I had done, but also knew that it wouldn't do any good. We spent some time on the bus together and right before we left, in the way the he always could, lightened the mood a bit by saying, "If you're going to have anymore of these blow-ups, at least make sure the principal is not right next to you when you do it. You're going to get us both in trouble. Now go out and apologize to your teammates." Of course, I got another hug, and I left knowing that I messed up, but also was a better person because of it. But that was his M.O. If you spent any significant time around the man, you were better because of it.
We all have such great memories of Bill, and I apologize for taking up so much of the room here and time for you to read this, but it was very therapeutic for me to do it. With as many people as Bill has influenced in this life, the most comforting aspect of his passing is how much influence he will also have in the next. To one of my, and many or your hero's, God speed brother. We'll see each other again soon enough. Reserve a spot for one more soccer game when we all get there!
Most of us, and me in particular, came to know Bill because he was our soccer coach. Bill was the one who convinced me to move from my normal role of being an unstoppable scoring machine to that of being a goal keeper. That day my friends, "The Wall" was born! I think it is fair to say that Bill was not the most knowledgeable soccer mind around. He never played the sport, as was evidenced when at an AYSO practice he attempted to show us how to trap the ball and ended up on his butt with a bunch of little kids laughing at him. For those of you who were there, I know you remember that one! It was not his knowledge of the game that made him great, it was his knowledge of people. If anyone knew how to build love and trust, it was him.
As has been said, Bill was the first soccer coach I ever had in my first year of AYSO. He happened to follow our group all the way up through the high school and took a perennially pathetic BHS team to a state championship game. Was it his soccer genius? Or was it that his players loved him so much that they refused to let him down? We all know what the answer to that question is. I trusted Bill as much as I trust anyone in the world. If he would have asked me to run my head through a brick wall, I would have done it because I know it would have been for my own good. And we all know I probably could have used it at times.
As anyone who knows Bill well can attest, he could at times and when needed be a very intense man. All of us knew this and I think in the back of our minds none of us wanted to see it. But that is not why we were so motivated to work for Bill. Bill motivated by complete love. Every single one of us knew that he cared more about us as individuals and people than he ever did about winning a game. Bill knew very well some of the struggles I had in high school as a person and I know he was more proud of me for the decisions I made to turn my life around and be a better person than he ever was when I got all-state. One example of how much he loved me was the second time we played Roy my senior year. We lost to Roy in a shootout the first go-round and Bill was very upset. I'm sure all of you who were there remember the butt chewing we took under the tree out there. The day before the second game we were goofing around a little bit at the beginning of practice and he kicked us all out and just said, "You better come ready to play tomorrow." We showed up for the game and I remember the first thing he said to us as a team was "We won't have one of our biggest fans today, he's in the hospital. Let's go win this one for him." That fan happened to be my dad, and I knew that he didn't care about the win for his own satisfaction of getting back at Roy, he really wanted to win that one for my dad. After we broke and right before we took the field he called me over, gave me one of the patented hugs that have been discussed and just said, "Ty, I'm here for ya." And I knew he was. That game we blew them out 5-0, all of the varsity was out of the game in the second half but he left me in. He knew it was important for me to finish what I had started that day for my dad, and I didn't even have to tell him I needed to do that.
Sorry for the novel, but I have one more. Our only other loss our senior year came up at Logan. They sucked and kicked our butts. After the game there were a few players that were not taking it too seriously and goofing off, and being the hot head that I am just exploded on them. Many inappropriate things came out of my mouth (I know, shocking!) in front of a few parents and also our principle. All the sudden I hear, "Ty, on the bus, NOW!" I walked across the field toward the bus just thinking in the back of my head, "This guy is going to kick my butt!" I get to the bus and a few minutes later Bill came in and I was ready to just get the butt chewing of a lifetime. He told me, "stand up" so I stood up, he once again puts his arms around me and just said, "The losses hurt, don't they?" By this time we both had tears in our eyes because he knew exactly why it was that I was upset, and felt like doing exactly what I had done, but also knew that it wouldn't do any good. We spent some time on the bus together and right before we left, in the way the he always could, lightened the mood a bit by saying, "If you're going to have anymore of these blow-ups, at least make sure the principal is not right next to you when you do it. You're going to get us both in trouble. Now go out and apologize to your teammates." Of course, I got another hug, and I left knowing that I messed up, but also was a better person because of it. But that was his M.O. If you spent any significant time around the man, you were better because of it.
We all have such great memories of Bill, and I apologize for taking up so much of the room here and time for you to read this, but it was very therapeutic for me to do it. With as many people as Bill has influenced in this life, the most comforting aspect of his passing is how much influence he will also have in the next. To one of my, and many or your hero's, God speed brother. We'll see each other again soon enough. Reserve a spot for one more soccer game when we all get there!
The Man who Loved All
There are way too many memories going through my mind right now. I have no idea where to start. I also have no pictures to back up any of my stories, so I hope I am descriptive enough.
First off, Bill was not just a soccer coach. He was an amazing friend in whom I, and my parents had complete trust.
He definitely was a second Dad to everyone he coached, but especially to those of us who he coached for 12+ years. The relationship that was built over those many years is indescribable, and one I definitely took for granted. My wife (Kristin) always wondered about, and I think maybe even questioned, the relationship that I had with him. I always talked about how great of guy he was and how much fun we had together as a soccer team, but she had never met him until September 2004, when a passing of a loved one hit our family. Even though I had not seen Bill for probably 2-3 years at that point, he came out of the woodwork to deliver one of his famous "bear hugs" to one of his adopted sons in need. This might not seem like much to any outsider, but it meant the world to me. His hug and his tears that he shed reminded me of immediately of a scripture in Mosiah 18:9 "are willing to mourn with those that mourn yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort..." Bill was that kind of guy. He loved everyone, and Kristin finally understood what I had been talking about for so long. Bill was not your usual, every day coach. He was our second Dad.
I have never and will not ever take for granted the life lessons that he taught us on and off the field. He was a man of integrity and of respect. Despite the usual dominance that we had during summer, fall, and spring leagues, he never once allowed us young teens to disrespect another team, (or official) in any way.
I have to run to a lab, but I hope to continue with some of my humorous memories in the next post.
First off, Bill was not just a soccer coach. He was an amazing friend in whom I, and my parents had complete trust.
He definitely was a second Dad to everyone he coached, but especially to those of us who he coached for 12+ years. The relationship that was built over those many years is indescribable, and one I definitely took for granted. My wife (Kristin) always wondered about, and I think maybe even questioned, the relationship that I had with him. I always talked about how great of guy he was and how much fun we had together as a soccer team, but she had never met him until September 2004, when a passing of a loved one hit our family. Even though I had not seen Bill for probably 2-3 years at that point, he came out of the woodwork to deliver one of his famous "bear hugs" to one of his adopted sons in need. This might not seem like much to any outsider, but it meant the world to me. His hug and his tears that he shed reminded me of immediately of a scripture in Mosiah 18:9 "are willing to mourn with those that mourn yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort..." Bill was that kind of guy. He loved everyone, and Kristin finally understood what I had been talking about for so long. Bill was not your usual, every day coach. He was our second Dad.
I have never and will not ever take for granted the life lessons that he taught us on and off the field. He was a man of integrity and of respect. Despite the usual dominance that we had during summer, fall, and spring leagues, he never once allowed us young teens to disrespect another team, (or official) in any way.
I have to run to a lab, but I hope to continue with some of my humorous memories in the next post.
More than a Coach
I was late to work this morning. It took me 20 minutes to get into the office.... and I honestly cried the whole way. I couldn't stop thinking about a man that has had a significant impact on my life.A few of us friends have been passing emails back & forth -- each filled with thoughtful and sincere compliments of a man that has impacted our lives. He was more than a coach to us. He was a role model and a "2nd dad" that happened to coach us on the soccer field.
For a lot of us, he coached us from a very young age (probably 6 years old) until the State Soccer Championship our senior year. He never got paid. He spent a lot of hours with us. All I can remember were good times and lots of hugs.
Bill cared about us individually more than he ever cared about winning. He taught us lessons about life because he knew that
we would listen to him.I have no idea how many hours he missed at the office. Honestly, I'm not sure what kind of job would allow him to spend so much time with a team of boys. He was always there.
It's been probably 5+ years since I've seen Bill. I'm sure the last time I saw him, he came up to me and give me a big hug -- that's the type of man that he is.
Though the passing of loved ones is not new to my friends and me -- we've been through a lot of these types of situations in our short 26 years -- I've been crying all day. Memories have been racing through my mind -- what a great man!
Thank you Bill Fletcher. You were a selfless man that loved all. You saw the best in each of us (no matter what struggles we were going through). You have left a legacy that I hope to follow.
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