William Patrick Dalton

Goodbye My Childhood Friend

I just found out about Bill's passing. He was a good friend of mine when we were young. We were neighborhood friends. Biil, Lynn, Bill's sister Debbie, the Elder kids, the Cox kids, Ron Smock, and others. We filled our summers with running, playing baseball, football, basketball, flashlight tag at night and learning about life.

I beleive Bill had many unrealized talents as an athlete. Had Bill been encouraged with conviction as a youth, he could have played professional baseball. He was always very agile, quick, lots of fun.

We grew up in the sixties and early seventies. The Beatles were always a big thing in the Dalton house. Bill always looked up to his big brother Steve because he was in a band. Bill dreamed of being a rock star or star athlete. He could have been either with good direction and leadership.

The Dalton household was always busy with visiting kids in a vibrant family full of active kids of all ages. In the winter time when it was too cold to be outside, Bill used to enjoy playing hockey with the old mechanical hockey game he had. Bill was very competitive and enjoyed games of all kinds. He enjoyed his friends and was a good friend.

I tried to reach Bill a few years ago while in Mattoon. I spoke with him briefly but did not get a chance to see him. I will always remember the young, energietic Bill.

May blessings and peace go to his family of children whom I never knew and never met. Bill has gone on to his next place where he lives in peace and joy. I have no doubt he is smiling upon his family and visits with you and occasionally warms your hearts when you do not even know it.

Rest peacefully my old friend. I will miss you always.

God Bless,

Randy

Randy Kirkendoll January 24, 2009

For just a moment
I'm sure I saw
a flicker of light ahead.
Perhaps it was your smile.
Though past now, remembered,
in my heart
like the small sound of
a butterfly passing by.
No night
is so dark
that can not be brightened
with memories of you
Raindrops carry along
your blessings from heaven
to wash away my tears
and bring me hope anew.

by Brenda Penepent

Geraldine Snell January 7, 2009