IN MEMORY OF |
William Harris "Head" O'Connell |
William Harris "Head" O'Connell We gather here today, on the date of his birth, to remember a dear friend and a great human being, William H. "Head" O'Connell. Bill blazed the trail that brought all of us to Arizona. He was the first hometown boy that knew the beauty of the desert and inspired all of us to come seek its stark beauty and enjoy its plentiful sunshine. Bill worked hard to establish his construction business along with his Brother Pat. He found enough success that enabled me to gain employment during a difficult stretch in my life. Bill was always there when anyone needed help and when I found myself in a pinch, it was Bill who showed up in his truck and saved the day. I'll be forever grateful for his many kindnesses. Bill had his demons but, on daily basis he fought the demons of hatred, indolence and feeling sorry for himself with a smile and a gentle spirit. We come to this place of quiet and solitude, of peace and serenity, to lift our spirits and to honor a man who fought the good fight. Our hope is to ensure that his ashes are forever linked to this place where he spent his happiest days and that he will find all of these qualities in his eternal rest. We will never know why the best of us are called to God's hand too early but, we do know that it is God's promise that we are given people like Bill to show us strength and to teach us lessons that we will never learn from anyone else. So, thank you Bill! We now raise a can of Bud to you my friend and, pray that you have the comforts that were denied you here on this earth and hope that we will meet again my friend in a far better place! Godspeed Bill! |
William requested that his ashes be spread in the waters of Lake Pleasant in Arizona where he spent his happiest days camping along its lakeshore at Fireman's Cove. |
Chris, Ashley, Diane & Brayden Honor Billy O'Connell |
The Vessel Made for Billy's Ashes |
W.H.O. William Harris O'Connell |
Filling the Vessel With Billy's Ashes |
Farewell Thee Me Friend Rest Peacefully |
Balloon Release in Billy's Memory |
We Loved You Bill! |
1955-2011 |