One thing that endeared me to my brother Bill was this soft,  compassionate, sensitive spot in his heart.  I believe the Lord brought His eternal life into Bill's heart in those vulnerable moments before he passed and he is fulfilled like never before, finally forever.   Bill was (is) incredibly talented.  I used to love listening to him practice his drums - man could he get those complicated rhythms going.  Our birthdays were a week apart and one summer we both got the same orange chopper bikes - so cool to have the same bike as my brother.  He was so much fun at youth group and a leader in our summer neighborhood night games of capture the flag.  We were in high-school together.  He was in plays and excelled in art class. I was very proud of him.  After he graduated, I was leaving Miss Westby's class one afternoon when she asked, "How's Bill?  I really like that boy. I really do."  Bill could pick up a tune and just play it on the piano.  He had a keen sense of design.  He won several graphic art awards once he got established in his career.  He loved his wife and often expressed to us sisters how proud and " in awe"  he was of his 2 sons and only daughter.  He had a quick wit and always brought humor into the mix.   I  miss my always "favorite brother ".  RIP Bill (aka Bia Bunkin).

Billy was born three days before me in the same hospital. Our mom's were friends and our families became very close as we spent many summers together at Sand Lake.  My childhood memories are filled with adventures with Billy.  My favorite memory was a trip we took with our Dads down the Namekagon River one summer (I think it was 1969).  It was a great experience and perhaps the last summer I spent with Billy.  A donation was made in Billy's memory to the Wild Rivers Conservancy which helps preserve the St. Croix and Namekagon Riverways.   I will always remember and cherish those memories. 

My heart goes out to Billy's children and grandchildren and to the Bevis family. Love to all, Steve

One of my favorite memories was swimming in Sand Lake at our parents' cabin.  We played ball tag with that silly old plastic ball and swam under the float, avoiding muskrats and turtles.  I think he was only nine or ten when he drew a picture of a pirate, perfectly anatomically correct with depth and character.  I couldn't believe how talented he was at such an  early age.  We posted it at the cabin, and it was still there until we sold the cabin in 2013.  He loved that cabin, and we have many happy memories with our neighbors who played with us.  It was a great childhood.  

My condolences to Billy’s family. We had many fun times at Sand Lake, running through the trees, swimming in the lake, fishing, rowing the beautiful boat Dr. Bill built. Many great memories. RIP Bill 

Peter Griffen 

Your dad was an amazing man.  Very talented from an early age.  Words cannot describe how I'm feeling at losing him.  I loved him and told him so many times.  He will be dearly missed.