Gerry Riddick-Bernard
Bill's eulogy- Bill, how do I say it? How could I ever say enough? You were always the lover of words. OK. Keep it simple, keep it real. Something along the lines of “chop wood, carry water”- like that ancient Zen proverb you reminded me of last week during one of our conversations while you were facing the greatest challenge… facing death, of letting go, of moving on. OK. “chop wood, carry water”.
William Tatem Riddick was born on March 14, 1952. He died peacefully in his home on Oct. 11, 2010, surrounded by his loved ones- Maureen, Munch, Wilma, his faithful dogs Mookie, Bo, and his beautiful familiar surroundings. He was one beautiful and amazing guy.
Bill was the first born son of Kenneth William Riddick- who just weeks before led the way, ready to greet his son, and Mary Virginia Lynch Reilly Riddick, who loved Bill beyond words. Bill was named after his great grandfather William Tatem. Bill grew up in Elmont, NY on Long Island, one of 5 siblings. He attended St. Vincent de Paul Elementary School, Holy Cross High School, and then on to college, graduating from the University of New Hampshire. Bill loved the outdoors and spent much time hiking, fishing, traveling, and working in such far and beautiful places as St.Croix, Virgin Islands, and Denali National Park, Alaska. He met his beloved Maureen, they married and settled in upstate NY, where he enjoyed taking care of his home and property; building, planting trees, refurbishing boats, furniture, antiques, had a short stint at raising goats, always enjoying the beautiful lakes surrounding his house, and of course shoveling snow. Bill worked as a counselor for 18 years with the NY State Department of Corrections. He gave hope, and advice, and guidance to those so much in need. And then too, Bill was a lover of words, books, poetry, music, song. He was very touched and comforted by the words of his favorite poets during his final days.
Bill said at one point, that he was glad that he was not going to die all of a sudden without notice and not have the opportunity to tell us how he felt, and that he loved us. Bill did the hard work, he took it moment by moment and I think he stayed in the spirit of the Zen proverb he was speaking of- a Zen student asked his master what he should do to attain enlightenment, the master replied “chop wood, carry water”. And then the student asked “Master, what should I do when I reach enlightenment”? To which he replied “chop wood, carry water”. The everyday, the day to day stuff, plodding along, is the stuff of God, God in everything, and I feel that is what Bill could recognize at the end. He lived a good life and died courageously, strong to the end. He taught us much. He has made our lives and this world a better place.
I feel the winds today, they echoed the sorrow of our immense loss of you; a sign, just as was the eagle that flew along side our car, just as the rainbows before you died, signs of God’s grace and comfort. Bill you were immense to us, and we feel you bigger than ever in our hearts, we see you in the beauty of this world. The winds are calming and the sun is out. It’s a good sign.
