Chapter 654

8/21/2023

Bill Mirabile Memorial Hike

Sleeping Beauty

Long time friend from our water quality work passed away , hard to believe almost three years ago. A well done video on that obit.

A group of some of Bill's friends came together for a group hike to Sleeping Beauty mountain overlooking Lake George to spread some of his ashes.

It was a special moment sharing stories, none of which I can repeat on a public space.

We laughed, we toasted and there might have even been a bit of smoke in the air. Ports launches. Was that his image joining us near his favorite ice fishing spot in the Narrows near Sagamore?

The lake was completely clouded in when we arrived but it lifted before a bit of rain, which did not dampen our lifted spirits.

Bill would have enjoyed this moment - I think he did.

Mike was the primary catalyst bringing the ashes in what he had, a tea tin.

Jeff handled the logistics, digitally organizing the timing and hard wiring the liquor, Four Roses Bourbon Whiskey.

McTague read a moving poem that fit the occasion.

This is the perfect tone for a celebration of life memorial.

Joe was a highschool class mate to Bill as well as life long friend.

Angus had a close working relationship with Bill.

Rick another long time associate and friend.

There were actually 9 of us but it was just a sample of the lives Bill touched.

They all said they want to do it again next year. Then as the elder of the group, they looked over at me with a haunting silence.

Billy ended up in the best brew, fittingly.

Have many pics of Bill, guess my favs are from 1982 on a motorcycle trip to Laconia, NH for the Gypsy Tour races and revelrie. As we started the trip Bills spit shined Harley fell over and broke the tail light. He said, Oh I like it that way. Then we had to stop every 100 miles for gas and oil to his leaker. Got caught in downpours coming home and stopped at another Eddys in Waterford for a nightcap.