The Passing of Wild Bill

I just learned of the passing of William Hillegonds, Hope College Chaplain during my tenure there as a student (1970-74). The Chaplain's nickname was Wild Bill. I'm not sure how he earned this nickname, probably because his Chapel sermons were not easily slept through. He was also an outspoken critic of the VietNam war. But, I still remember his favorite prayer, 6 words that have stuck with me these almost 40 years, Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.

Wild Bill and his family had the (dubious) honor of living next to the campus mini-dorm (Taylor Cottage) that also housed me, my roommate PC, and several other guys during those years. Because at that time the Michigan drinking age was 18, we had some rather good (and loud) parties at Taylor Cottage. Campus parties with anything but soft drinks were forbidden. But Wild Bill never ratted on us, and in fact, one Saturday night came searching for a wine opener, confident in the knowledge that the wild guys of Taylor Cottage would certainly have such a device. We obliged him.

The other thing that I recall about Wild Bill was his coming home to his family residence each evening. I would be studying in our Taylor cottage room with the windows open, plotting how to become the world's greatest lawyer (or at least how to ace my current Poli Sci course), and he would climb up the steps to his front door and announce in the most insightful, reverent voice ever, "Hello Jerry. How was your day?" When I first heard this, I thought perhaps Wild Bill was speaking to a respected colleague, but I heard no answer. Curious, I gazed out the window, only to discover that the Chaplain's greeting was directed to a cat of dubious pedigree. To this day, I'm amazed that Jerry the cat never answered him back.

I trust that he and Jerry are having the best of conversations in Heaven.

Thanks for blogging with me thus far.