Loss
I found out a few days ago that I lost someone that played a very special role in a large portion of my youth.
When I was about 8 years old, I began going to the San Joaquin AIDS Foundation for group meetings for Family & Friends of AIDS patients. I met many wonderful and supportive people while going to these meetings over the years... but the two people that were ALWAYS there were Bill and Ella Marie Hunt. They led this meeting for MANY years. Bill was a retired pastor and a great mentor/listener. While religious, he never pushed his religious beliefs on anyone and simply listened with an open/kind ear. He was like a grandpa to me in many ways. I cried on his shoulder a few times... but also shared many laughs and joyous times. I found comfort and support in these meetings and they definately helped to ease many of my fears as I dealt with my father's illness. After all, back then, AIDS wasn't really something people talked about and it certainly wasn't something I talked to any of my closest friends about for a very long time.
It has been years since I last saw Bill or Ella Marie... and quite some time since I have even spoken to them via phone. Over the last few years, any contact was messages passed through my mom. I wish I had gotten to see him one last time before he passed away. I will always remember him.... He led a life of service to others. There are not as many people around these days like him (or Ella Marie)... and I must say that I am truly blessed to have known him and had him in my life. I will go to the funeral/memorial next Tuesday to pay my respects and see him one last time... it is the least I can do for all the years he was there for me. I feel like I lost a family member... and I know that the community has lost a wonderful mentor.
Rest In Peace William "Bill" P. Hunt
You will forever be remembered and missed by the numerous lives you touched, especially me.
When I was about 8 years old, I began going to the San Joaquin AIDS Foundation for group meetings for Family & Friends of AIDS patients. I met many wonderful and supportive people while going to these meetings over the years... but the two people that were ALWAYS there were Bill and Ella Marie Hunt. They led this meeting for MANY years. Bill was a retired pastor and a great mentor/listener. While religious, he never pushed his religious beliefs on anyone and simply listened with an open/kind ear. He was like a grandpa to me in many ways. I cried on his shoulder a few times... but also shared many laughs and joyous times. I found comfort and support in these meetings and they definately helped to ease many of my fears as I dealt with my father's illness. After all, back then, AIDS wasn't really something people talked about and it certainly wasn't something I talked to any of my closest friends about for a very long time.
It has been years since I last saw Bill or Ella Marie... and quite some time since I have even spoken to them via phone. Over the last few years, any contact was messages passed through my mom. I wish I had gotten to see him one last time before he passed away. I will always remember him.... He led a life of service to others. There are not as many people around these days like him (or Ella Marie)... and I must say that I am truly blessed to have known him and had him in my life. I will go to the funeral/memorial next Tuesday to pay my respects and see him one last time... it is the least I can do for all the years he was there for me. I feel like I lost a family member... and I know that the community has lost a wonderful mentor.
Rest In Peace William "Bill" P. Hunt
You will forever be remembered and missed by the numerous lives you touched, especially me.