Hi Sandy,
I attended Bill's funeral today, 11-7.

He had a big send-off. The procession of cars was at least over a quarter mile long from the funeral parlor to the cemetery. Bill's grandson gave a very heartfelt but lighthearted eulogy. He explained how Bill had informed him several years ago that he (Bill) had already made the funeral arrangements for "that day" whenever it might come. He told his grandson (I can't remember his name!) that he wanted to be buried in a green casket with shamrocks on it.

The grandson said that there was no way they could get a casket with shamrocks painted on it, on such short notice, but at least they did find a green one. He had a big shamrock sticker that he proceeded to slap on the coffin in front of us and then he told everyone that he had a handful of smaller stickers for those who wanted to put one on for Bill.

He told about how Bill liked to visit one of his old boxing buddies who lived in Napa (about 65 - 70 miles north of Bill's place in Milbrae,CA., which is very near the San Francisco Airport.) and how Bill would have him pick up two or three other old boxers to ride up with them. The guy who lived in Napa had made a lot of money after his boxing days were over, so he would always have a great lunch laid out for all of them.

He mentioned that a week or so before Bill died, the City of Milbrae had a Pet Parade about a block from the rest home where Bill was staying. He told his Grandpa that he had come to spring him out of there, so they went down to the corner to watch the parade. He said Bill was really touched by all the kids who brought their pets over for him to pet and how several of them thanked Bill for his service in the Navy. (I think there is still hope for our Country after all!)

It was one of the best eulogies I have heard!

All his kids were there.

Bill and Alice have a great family and Alice will be well looked after!

Rich

I enlisted in the Navy in Oct. of 1937 and was sent to Boot Camp in Newport, RI. for 3 months. After Boot Camp I was assigned to the USS HOUSTON at Charleston, SC. and at that time it was President Roosevelt's Cruiser. The same day we boarded the ship, the President came aboard and we left for the Guantanama Bay to review the Fleet.

I was transferred to the USS SALT LAKE CITY in April of 1939 and served on her until 1943 when I was transferred to new construction after the Battle of Cape Esperance.

During my service on the USS SLC I was a member of the boxing team and baseball team. My good friend and shipmate Bob "Ace" Duval won the All Navy Lightweight title.

I enjoyed my time on the SLC and I am very proud of "her" and "her" war record. She had the best shipmates in the Fleet.