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Lee Traver posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 31, 2022
Bill and I began work at SED at the same time in the Bureau of Agricultural Education. We both moved on to other positions but our work brought us together frequently over the years.
The one word that, to me, describes Bill is "Gentleman". This is exemplified by how he related to people, his dedication to family and his faith. The description in the obituary is the best testament to Bill's character.
Barbara, my thoughts are with you and your family as you rejoice in Bill's life.
Lee Traver
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Alexis Carle uploaded photo(s)
Monday, May 30, 2022
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I've been waiting to make this post because I've been thinking about what to say, busy adjusting to the changes of having a newborn, recovering from surgery, and overwhelmed by love, adoration, and joy of my blessed, tiny son. I think my Grandpa would understand...
The morning of my son's birth, my Grandpa Bill passed away. It was not a surprise. He has been suffering from illnesses for many years now. He is finally at peace.
Grandpa Bill was a good man. He was the type to give you the shirt off his back if you said you needed it, even if he knew you were already wearing a shirt. No questions asked and he never asked for anything in return.
When I was two years old my mother left my father and the courts granted him full custody. My Grandpa Bill fought in court for the right to remain in my life. The court mandated three visits a year (two weeks in the summer at my grandparents in Saratoga, NY and two weekends in a hotel by where I lived with my father in Maryland) and a phone call every Thursday. My grandparents never missed a visit or a call. Never.
After my little sister and brother were born, my grandparents began bringing them with them for visits. It was thanks to them that I had a relationship with my siblings.
The summer weeks with my grandparents were my favorite part of the year. I learned to swim in their pool, picked berries with my grandfather that my grandmother would bake into pie, ate fresh veggies from my grandfather's garden, saw the cows at the King farm, listened to my Grandma read books from the Little House on the Prairie series, went to church, etc. My grandparents took me to see the Amish, to visit a village in Canada, to Howe Caverns, to zoos, to county fairs, to farm festivals, etc. They truly spoiled me for two weeks of the year, but in a way that made me a much better person for it.
My grandfather was a Gideon and had a trunk full of New Testaments that he would hand out on street corners and to everyone he met. As a goth/punk teenager with goth/punk friends I used to warn my friends before my grandfather would come over, "He's going to give you a Bible. Just smile, take it, and say thank you. I don't care what you do with it after."
I can't even begin to express how much I appreciate having my Grandfather in my life growing up. He taught me so much about being humble and kind and about having faith. He was the example of what a true, non-judgemental, compassionate Christian person is and because of him I was never jaded by those that wear the Christian label, but act in opposite of Christ's teachings.
Rest in peace Grandpa Bill. I love you ❤️
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Ross Thomson posted a condolence
Sunday, May 29, 2022
My prayers and sincere sympathy are sent to Bill's family. I had the blessing of working with Bill on several projects when we were with the NYS Education Department. I attest to everything stated in his obituary as absolutely true. Bill was a man of highest character and genuine compassion. I truly enjoyed having him as a great colleague and shared his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Now, Bill is in the presence of our Lord.
-- Ross Thomson
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Jo Ann (Jody) Coffinger posted a condolence
Friday, May 27, 2022
My deepest prayers and sympathy for all that loved and knew Bill, he will be greatly missed. Bill was a very caring man and a man I felt privilged to know and work with years ago.
A Memorial Tree was planted for William Wakefield
Thursday, May 26, 2022
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Flynn Bros. Inc - Schuylerville Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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The family of William H Wakefield uploaded a photo
Thursday, May 26, 2022
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