When I think of Mr. C, I think of all the time I spent at his and Mrs. C's home when I was in high school, with my first best friend, Bailey. The year was 2009, and every Saturday, there I would be! Mr. C would tote us around everywhere; to VH football games, the movies, concerts, and even Orlando once (I was so lucky!) As season AU ticket holders, the Cage's also allowed me to visit a few Auburn football games. To my excitement, and my mother's anguish, we loaded up in Susan's teal mini cooper one Saturday AM, and hit the road. The Cage's bought me my first Auburn shirt at a side student store and we headed to Jordan Hare- and Mr. Cage was very serious when he told me "go around the seal on the ground in front of you- its gameday and its bad luck". Once, Ben thought it would be hilarious to pretend to step on it and teased stepping on it by hovering his foot over it... Mr. C didn't find this as funny as he did haha. Living in Alabama, we are no strangers to heat. There was a specific game where I was cooking in the sun and started feeling really ill. Mr. C got Bailey and I Dippin' Dots to cool us off- her cookies and cream I think, and me rainbow ice. It didn't really help much so he suggested I walk down to the entry tunnel and sit in the shade. He sacrificed seeing his favorite team play after driving all this way to help his daughter's friend with heat sickness- still to this day I hear him say "it's going to be ok if you're still sweating, it's when you stop sweating is the issue." We then loaded up and would point and say "look at that sunset! God is an Auburn fan!"
Mr. C I recall always in the kitchen or in the living room hanging with Susan, chatting or watching a movie or tv show on the sofa or in his chair on the left side of the room of the Boulder Lake house. I recall his presence was very mild and calm. Like he was very sure of himself and where he stood in life. Comfortable. He would ask genuine questions, and wait for your reply. He didn't let any quick remarks slide, and was already ready with a quick whip back at you with a joke. He took things seriously and passionately and preferred order over mess. He was protective of his family and always did everything he possibly could for them- that was very obvious to me. He was known by a plethora of names I came to find- Billiam, BillCage, and "ughh DAAAAD". He was the inventor of the word "Spelunking!" as a term for 'the cave' that I would often spend the night in, and I can't ever hear that word in present day and not think of him and the animated way he would yell it.
I never understood what he did as his job. I just recall something about computers and needing to 'flying out to DC' a lot. I remember he would never put work first, but always poured a lot of effort and heart into his position, and made an equal effort to show up to things back at home like wrestling matches and games, and the like. He always made an effort in everything he did- and never made it a big deal of the stretch because to him, it was easy to show up for the one's in his life, I feel. Mr. C was a total family man, through and through. I recall him giving Bailey and I life advice over fresh cooked pancakes, giving Ben driving tips, and cuddling Sanders/Squirtle in his lap when she was little- making sure the love was distributed evenly. You would look over and he would reach down and give Buck a big heavy pat, and then would come up with a quick rebuttal to the many questions we all would hypothetically throw at him. Susan and Mr. C, I seldom saw either of them alone, truly an inseparable duo, never one without the other. The yin to her yang and vice versa- he was a solid anchor for the whole family rooted in family and love that they spread to their friends, coworkers, and partners, and patients to this day; a love I am thankful to have experienced personally.
Mr. Cage, I want to thank you for opening your home to me at a time that was a little unsteady and weird for me in my life. You never made me feel like a burden or nuisance being in your presence so much, and I mean I can't begin to express how much I needed that growing up. You we're a kind and thoughtful guy, a great dad, and I'm sure a great friend to all. And I know you probably still think I muddied up your Gold Nissan backseat with my shoes, and I still want to express that it wasn't me! ;)
Cage family, I love you all dearly. I am so, unbelievably sorry for this tragic loss. Mr. Cage, I pray you are resting peacefully knowing you gave it your all, and accomplished a hell of a lot in your life. Please stay close and protect these guys from above.
Best,
Whitney Deyo
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