I was living in Ashland, Oregon and working at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival from 2002-2007. One of the best things about living in southern Oregon was the fact that I was so much closer to all of my California relatives. This allowed me many wonderful visits with my dear Uncle Bill. The first few years that I lived there, he was still driving, and would come up to spend several days with me. In 2002 his trip corresponded to our annual Scene Shop party, a huge event at the festival, which always has a theme. Costumes are requested but not required. Bill was always up for some fun, and brought some costume accessories to wear at the event. He always enjoyed meeting and talking with people, and he really could talk to anyone about anything. It was a remarkable skill, one I wish I was capable of! He was just genuinely interested in people. He met lots of people that night, and had lots of interesting conversations. No one ever forgets meeting Uncle Bill! We had a grand time, and stayed until about 1:30 in the morning. This became an annual tradition, with him planning his trips to Ashland to correspond with the party. Every year he brought a costume accessory related to the theme, and every year he talked with my coworkers and stayed until the wee hours of the morning. One year he was watching people dance, and remarked that dancing had certainly changed since he was a young man. He said that he could probably manage to dance, if that is how we danced nowadays. I asked if he wanted to dance with me, and he agreed with pleasure. So there we were on the dance floor, arms flailing, having a good ole time. We were both extremely happy with this moment together. He finally felt like he could fit in with all the other dancers. He was so full of LIFE, always willing to try new things, to experience all he could. I will always admire that mindset. He will forever remain an inspiration to me. Love you, Uncle Bill. Tanya