Memories of William "Bill" Friend

In memory of

William "Bill" Friend

Hingham, MA, USA

June 19, 1946 - August 3, 2021

Jun 19, 1946 - Aug 3, 2021

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Janet Lipp

To Bill’s family and friends I give my heartfelt sympathies. Bill was always smiling in high school when I saw him. I know he was a good friend with Lee and that says a great deal about the character and kindness of this very loved friend. Janet Calland Lipp

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Linda Friend

Martha Harvey

Elizabeth Friend

Linda Friend

Comments:

Martha Harvey

nothing more needs to be said! nothing more needs to be said! nothing more needs to be said!

Elizabeth Friend

Agreed; there is truly no need for a caption. Those Harvey Barn parties were indescribable ;-) Agreed; there is truly no need for a caption. Those Harvey Barn parties were indescribable ;-) Agreed; there is truly no need for a caption. Those... Read more

Sandra Bailey

Bill recapped the bowling group's weekly events in a newsletter sent to the members. It was hysterical--on a par with the nationally syndicated humor columnist for the Boston Globe and Miami Herald, Dave Barry. We loved Bill's amazing sense of humor.

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Linda Friend

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Doug Squeo

I will really, really miss Bill, my boyhood and forever friend. We grew up on the same street and, over these past few days, school day memories have been pouring over me. I feel I could write a book, or story lines for a sit-com series. Though I eventually moved west and Bill east, Bill kept us in touch, not only with each other but also with other friends; Bill was the glue. It’s Saturday morning right now, and I woke up recalling all those Saturday mornings when Bill would wake me by throwing pebbles at my bedroom window; he wanted to start doing stuff, not wasting time sleeping. Bill is sleeping in peace now until the Lord wakes him, maybe with pebbles.

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Elizabeth Friend

Linda Friend

Comments:

Elizabeth Friend

Such a great mental image of Bill, who was always looking for an adventure. It was such a strong character... Read more Such a great mental image of Bill, who was always looking for an adventure. It was such a strong character trait that I can so... Read more Such a great mental image of Bill, who was always looking... Read more

Michelle Awtrey

Shared a heart

Linda Friend

Trudy Harney

So glad I had the privilege of playing in the 'Grandukes' ukulele group with this remarkable man. Our little group enjoyed his company at a 'jam' session and lunch just before his fateful game of golf on August 3. Linda made a caprise salad with his wonderful tomatoes! Along with so many others, we will miss Bill so much.

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Linda Friend

Kathy Pero

I met Bill when he transferred from Columbus, OH, to Canton, MA.

Will always remember walking into work on Friday mornings in the Fall to the sound of Ohio State Band music blasting from Bill’s office. So many other great memories. I can’t imagine anyone who as they think of Bill won’t smile. I miss him for myself, but I miss him for Linda and Elizabeth. What a dynamic threesome.

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Linda Friend

Karen Magley

Shared a heart

Linda Friend

Karen Magley

Don Simcox

My friendship with Bill started in high school. However, it really got going when we all went off to college. He went to Ohio University and I to Ohio State. When the holiday breaks came around and also during the summer, he and I and others would get back together - usually at the North Heidelberg on High Street. Also, we would take many trips down to Athens. It was during this collegiate time that I really came to know what a fun-loving person Bill was.

It seemed as though Bill was always looking for ways to have a good time; to enjoy life. And no one made it happen more than Bill. He would organize annual outings to Cumberland Lake in Kentucky where all of us would float around on houseboats, water ski, and worry that we might encounter Deliverance-like mountain men. During these trips we would also hold a limerick reading contest to see who could continue reading them the longest, whlle we took another drink after each round. Also, he and Linda would throw many parties; during one of which I fondly remember all of us marching through German Village with instruments, pretending to create “script Ohio”. I never knew what to expect when Bill would call. However, I knew for sure that I and others were in for some fun, and likely a very memorable experience.

Bill always took the initiative to make things happen. I remember not long ago when he called and suggested we both make the trip back to Columbus for an Ohio State football game. Also, just this past spring, he organized several Zoom calls for “Bexley Buddies”. This is what Bill did. To me, this was one of Bill's greatest and endearing qualities. He wouldn't just sit around waiting for something to happen. He made it happen. I will forever be indebted to him for this.

Knowing Bill and being blessed to call him a friend, meant the world to me.

To Linda and Elle, Ruth and I have you in our thoughts and prayers.

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Karen Magley

Elizabeth Friend

Michelle Awtrey

Linda Friend

Comments:

Karen Magley

Don, thanks so much for sharing these memories. He got folks together at the Bath Club, too My sister, Leslie,... Read more Don, thanks so much for sharing these memories. He got folks together at the Bath Club, too My sister, Leslie, & I greatly enjoyed... Read more Don, thanks so much for sharing these memories. He ... Read more

Lloyd Hill

Elizabeth Friend

Linda Friend

Karen Magley

Comments:

Lloyd Hill

Our friendship lasted for decades,my memories will last a lifetime Our friendship lasted for decades,my memories will last a lifetime Our friendship lasted for decades,my memories will ... Read more

J’aime Kennedy Agostino

Mr. Friend or “Bill” to us later in life was one of the kindest and sweetest souls you could ever meet. Just an amazing person all around. Truly an unbelievable Husband, Dad and Friend. Bill was one of a kind. I’ll miss seeing him at parties with Liz and Linda, chatting when I would wait for Liz to get ready or buzzing around Hingham and bumping into him at the “barrel” as he grabs the morning paper and would head to SSCC. To know Bill and to have had him in our lives, I know we are better people because of him. He will be missed greatly. Linda and Liz you will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers during this truly devastating and heartbreaking time.
Love,
J’aime Kennedy Agostino (Donovan) and Family
(Liz’s long time Hingham friend)

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Linda Friend

Bill Bowe

Blue Springs, MO, USA

Not exactly a techy.
I set up some spreadsheets for Bill’s Bowling league.
Had many phone calls from Bill. Most started with, “ I screwed up the bowling sheets again” but he always got back on track. Usually ended up talking golf or Red Sox.
I will miss our calls.

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Linda Friend

Comments:

Elizabeth Friend

You are spot on - Bill was never one to take the time to truly master spreadsheets and he always appreciated... Read more You are spot on - Bill was never one to take the time to truly master spreadsheets and he always appreciated your patience and... Read more You are spot on - Bill was never one to take the time... Read more

Linda Friend

Ditto. Ditto. Ditto.

kevin willis

Dear Linda and Elizabeth, I am sure you're heartbroken, my heart breaks for you. Bill was one of the sweetest, kindest, funny, and fun people I have ever known. I was, and always will be, proud to call him my dear friend. The world is a lesser place without him.

With condolences and love, Kevin.

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Linda Friend

Darci Gervais

I met Bill Friend in the late 80’s when the company he worked for, Hills Department Stores, moved its corporate headquarters from Columbus, OH to Canton, MA. Bill hired me as a personal assistant. I was 19 years old. I worked closely with Bill for the next 10 years at Hills. He was my boss, my mentor, my friend and my father-figure at a time in my life when I needed one most. He gently nudged me in the right direction when I felt lost. In the absence of my own parents, he helped me navigate those young adulthood years, which were sometimes wild, with sound advice and a wonderful sense of humor. We laughed hysterically together. He openly approved/disapproved of my boyfriend choices, let me know when he thought I could have made a better decision about something, and probably spent some time worrying about what would become of me. He also lived vicariously through my Monday (sometimes Tuesday) morning stories of the outrageous weekend I’d just had. He was the kindest person I’ve ever known. I loved him like a father, and I believed he felt the same way when he agreed to walk me down the aisle when I finally found “the right one”. I am among, I’m sure, a vast amount of people whose lives Bill touched in an extraordinary way. He will be deeply missed and I’m so sorry for your loss.

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kevin willis

Elizabeth Friend

Michelle Awtrey

Linda Friend

Comments:

Lee Caryer

He mentioned you often, even to those of us who never met you. Beautiful story! He mentioned you often, even to those of us who never met you. Beautiful story! He mentioned you often, even to those of us who never... Read more

Ronald Dillard

1974, Columbus, OH, USA

Bill, you gave me so many marvelous memories and laughs over the years from "Bean Town Billy", to elephant hats, to locked gas caps, to family vacations, family gatherings, and road trips to Buckeye games. You enriched my life, the lives of my family, and the lives around you. Those of us who had the good fortune of knowing you and spending time with you were truly blessed.

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Linda Friend

Karen Magley

Vicki Donlan

Bill was a wonderful man who cared about people and his love for the South Shore Country Club. I enjoyed working with him and will miss his engaging smile. So sorry for his loss.

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kevin willis

Linda Friend

Elizabeth Friend

Shared a heart

Linda Friend

Comments:

Lee Caryer

I remember Bill asking me to come down to Athens for lunch when I was home from college, spring break maybe.... Read more I remember Bill asking me to come down to Athens for lunch when I was home from college, spring break maybe. He wanted me to meet... Read more I remember Bill asking me to come down to Athens for... Read more

Lee Caryer

I would like to add that the only female Bill looked at after he met Linda was Elle. He was a great model... Read more I would like to add that the only female Bill looked at after he met Linda was Elle. He was a great model for husbands and fathers,... Read more I would like to add that the only female Bill looked... Read more

Doug Vance

Westerville, OH, USA

I have such fond memories of Uncle Bill from playing basketball in Grandma & Grandpa Vance's backyard when I was a younger fella. "Horse" was often the game of choice. Grandpa Vance's shooting style was such that he would take about a step and a half towards the basket from the spot where you made your shot that he had to take. All of us young whipper snappers would often bring this to light that he was not truly taking the same shot from the same distance as the original shooter. Uncle Bill would quickly come to the defense of his fellow "elder statesman" by assuming the role of the on-court referee and stating emphatically that there was indeed "no infraction and the basket counts"! It was all said and done in good fun and we always had great laughs over it all.

I thoroughly enjoyed all my conversations and time spent with Uncle Bill at family gatherings. A true gentleman and a joy to be around. Bill will be missed for sure. My love and prayers go out to Aunt Linda and Elizabeth. So sorry for your loss.

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Elizabeth Friend

Linda Friend

Kerry Ryan

Bill lit up every room he entered with a smile. His many years of work as a volunteer for the Town and the South Shore Country Club made an incredible difference. He made the Town of Hingham a better place to be. We'll all miss him. I'm very sorry for your loss.

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kevin willis

Linda Friend

Bruce Rabuffo

Without Bill’s time, dedication and leadership, the Country Club would have fallen back to where it was in the 1990’s. He made my life as a Selectman so much easier. We all will miss his smile

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Linda Friend

Jay Mcgrail

I owe Bill so much for my personal and professional success. Bill was my mentor. I am heartbroken at the loss. So sorry to both of you.

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kevin willis

Linda Friend

Comments:

Sue Sullivan

One of my favorite people in the world... Bill was always so smart, so humble and so incredibly friendly ... Read more One of my favorite people in the world... Bill was always so smart, so humble and so incredibly friendly and giving... the world... Read more One of my favorite people in the world... Bill was ... Read more

Mary Power

Bill’s many contributions to the Town include his leadership at the South Shore Country Club and the Town’s... Read more Bill’s many contributions to the Town include his leadership at the South Shore Country Club and the Town’s acquisition of the... Read more Bill’s many contributions to the Town include his leadership... Read more