Dear Willie,
For your birthday, I give you one of my favorite poems that I read in my yoga classes...
We have not come here to take prisoners,
But to surrender ever more deeply
To freedom and Joy.
We have not come into this exquisite world
To hold ourselves hostage from love.
Run my dear,
From anything
That may not strengthen your precious budding wings.
Run like hell my dear,
From anyone likely
To put a sharp knife
Into the sacred, tender vision
Of your beautiful heart.
We have a duty to befriend
Those aspects of obedience
That stand outside of our house
And shout to our reason
"O please, O please,
Come out and play."
For we have not come here to take prisoners
Or to confine our wondrous spirits,
But to experience ever and ever more deeply
Our divine courage, freedom, and
Light!
Hafiz (translation by Daniel Ladinsky)
Thank you for living with courage, freedom and light!
I wish you a most joyful birthday!
Many blessings,
Jennifer Mabus
Sunday, October 11, 2009
From Willie Baronet (Dad)
William,
Happy Birthday. I'm sorry Ruth and I aren't able to be there with you, but I wrote a note to Tanya explaining why. I also sent two cards to her to pass along to you. Here are some pictures I thought you would enjoy.
Dad
Happy Birthday. I'm sorry Ruth and I aren't able to be there with you, but I wrote a note to Tanya explaining why. I also sent two cards to her to pass along to you. Here are some pictures I thought you would enjoy.
Dad
From Douglas Muir
Willie, my big brother, I love you. Have a good one.
Oct 06 I think. Table Mountain, Cape Town, beautiful weather, good company. Later, after the weekend we saw whales off the coast at Hermanus.
Oct 06 I think. Table Mountain, Cape Town, beautiful weather, good company. Later, after the weekend we saw whales off the coast at Hermanus.
From Gus Granger
Dear White Snoop Dogg,
Is Lafayette the Compton of the South? As aside from looks, you have a lot in common with your counterpart, being: warm and intimidating; funny and dead serious; cutting edge and old school. I don’t know anything about weapons charges and weed busts, but I’m going to stay out of your business.
Your music has inspired me to discover potential I never realized I had, gain confidence I wouldn’t have dreamed of, and shown me how to live passionately for the things that are truly important in life.
Thank you for that. Happy Birthday my friend.
Gus Granger
Is Lafayette the Compton of the South? As aside from looks, you have a lot in common with your counterpart, being: warm and intimidating; funny and dead serious; cutting edge and old school. I don’t know anything about weapons charges and weed busts, but I’m going to stay out of your business.
Your music has inspired me to discover potential I never realized I had, gain confidence I wouldn’t have dreamed of, and shown me how to live passionately for the things that are truly important in life.
Thank you for that. Happy Birthday my friend.
Gus Granger
From Jeff Rogalski
Happy 50th birthday, Willie! You model for me what it means to be a friend, a confidant, a leader, a lover, a teacher, a student, a man and an alive, authentic and awake human being. I believe that I speak for many when I say that the world is a much better place because of who you are and all that you have done, and continue to do, to make it more beautiful.
Jeff
Jeff
From Christine Daigle
Happy 50th Birthday William!
This is one of my favorite pictures of us. It was just a day spent hanging out with family which is something I love to do. I don’t have many memories of us growing up together because we really didn’t because of the age difference. As an older child and adult, I have to come to know you and learn from you. You were never afraid to go out and follow your dreams. You’re still doing it today and I admire you for that. We don’t get to see each other as much as I’d like but I cherish the times when we do. I love your kindness, your goofy sense of humor and your zest for life. I can’t believe you’re 50….Happy Birthday and I love you big brother!!!
Christine
This is one of my favorite pictures of us. It was just a day spent hanging out with family which is something I love to do. I don’t have many memories of us growing up together because we really didn’t because of the age difference. As an older child and adult, I have to come to know you and learn from you. You were never afraid to go out and follow your dreams. You’re still doing it today and I admire you for that. We don’t get to see each other as much as I’d like but I cherish the times when we do. I love your kindness, your goofy sense of humor and your zest for life. I can’t believe you’re 50….Happy Birthday and I love you big brother!!!
Christine
From Jenny Jemison
About a million years ago, I was a waitress in Dallas at a tiny Italian restaurant in Lakewood. Willie and his friend Mike were regulars. And by that, I mean that they came in on the same day of the week, and sat in the same table and ordered the exact same (though practically reinvented just for them) menu items.
I always tried to trade a better table for theirs if I wasn't working their section when they came in, because I loved to talk to them. Or listen to whatever funny comments they made when I went by them to pick up pizzas as they came out of the wood fired oven. (Most of Mike's I had to ignore so that my face wouldn't be red when I visited my other tables.)
When Willie found out that I was in the creative advertising program at SMU, he became somewhat of a mentor to me. Despite the fact I was constantly doodling on napkins and receipts, I told him I wanted to be a copywriter. I think that was maybe the same night that Willie didn't order his standard two beers. I asked why and he said jokingly, "Because I've become a teetotaler."
I was a college freshman and had no idea what that meant. I'm embarrassed to admit that, yet, sobriety was not really something I'd considered much at that age. (Or since actually.) Willie said of this obvious vocabulary deficit, "Maybe you should rethink being a copywriter." I took his advice and became an art director instead - and now twelve years later I'm a partner in a design firm in Austin. I really have to thank Willie for that. Although, I think at the time, it wasn't the kind of tip I wanted.
This is one of those doodled napkins that commemorated a Willie visit to La Dolce Vita. ( I'm pretty sure the Hot Enchilada reference came from Mike - ha) Happy Birthday Willie! You remain a mentor to me - living life on your own terms and always always with a sense of humor.
I always tried to trade a better table for theirs if I wasn't working their section when they came in, because I loved to talk to them. Or listen to whatever funny comments they made when I went by them to pick up pizzas as they came out of the wood fired oven. (Most of Mike's I had to ignore so that my face wouldn't be red when I visited my other tables.)
When Willie found out that I was in the creative advertising program at SMU, he became somewhat of a mentor to me. Despite the fact I was constantly doodling on napkins and receipts, I told him I wanted to be a copywriter. I think that was maybe the same night that Willie didn't order his standard two beers. I asked why and he said jokingly, "Because I've become a teetotaler."
I was a college freshman and had no idea what that meant. I'm embarrassed to admit that, yet, sobriety was not really something I'd considered much at that age. (Or since actually.) Willie said of this obvious vocabulary deficit, "Maybe you should rethink being a copywriter." I took his advice and became an art director instead - and now twelve years later I'm a partner in a design firm in Austin. I really have to thank Willie for that. Although, I think at the time, it wasn't the kind of tip I wanted.
This is one of those doodled napkins that commemorated a Willie visit to La Dolce Vita. ( I'm pretty sure the Hot Enchilada reference came from Mike - ha) Happy Birthday Willie! You remain a mentor to me - living life on your own terms and always always with a sense of humor.
From Scott Metcalfe
Happy Birthday Willie!
As a fellow Cheetah I can attest that you are truly Glorious! I just hope to be as old & wise as you are one day ;)
Hope you have an awesome year!
Scott
As a fellow Cheetah I can attest that you are truly Glorious! I just hope to be as old & wise as you are one day ;)
Hope you have an awesome year!
Scott
From Paul Jerde
Willie,
You are terrific. You have been there every step of the way in my recovery and I am so grateful.
Paul Jerde
You are terrific. You have been there every step of the way in my recovery and I am so grateful.
Paul Jerde
From Patty, Paul and Buzz Jerde
Willie,
I've known you for a long time - you and your ponytail even came to our wedding in 1997 - but I didn't really KNOW you until Paul had his accident. You were at the hospital the day you found out about the accident and it feels like you never left. Literally, you were there every single day for the first two two months, and your daily arrival, with your relentless, positive energy always seemed to come just at the moment that I needed it most. Your involvement in our lives after Paul's accident literally has given his recovery an added dimension that would not have been there. You pushed me to put news about Paul out on the blog, something I was initially a little uncomfortable with but, ultimately, one of the best things I could have ever done. You were so great, taking on whatever role was needed at that particular time... security, screener of visitors, IT guy, barber, therapist (mine), illustrator, slideshow presenter, documentary filmmaker, friend of Mr. Squeaky's (sounds much worse than it is), motivator, photographer, and, most importantly, listener.
Here we are, 16 months later, and you are still as present and involved as you were from that first day, which shows me what an incredible friend you are to Paul. You have single-handedly kept Paul in the men's group - even bringing the men's group to him when he was in Anna. You were with us on our first outings in Anna (which was a scary time as we didn't really know how Paul would react or what he was thinking), and you have even involved Paul once again in his Saturday morning basketball. Although he doesn't play, you pick him up and take him there and help him shoot baskets and get some exercise and reconnect with the outside world. Most importantly though, you continue to remind him of his talents as an artist and graphic designer and even had him design the graphic for the Warrior retreat T-shirt. Seeing Paul at the computer again, designing, was a beautiful site to me.
Willie, you have been and continue to be so instrumental in helping us make Paul whole again. I get so caught up in the everydayness and you come in and suddenly you've got Paul doing something that I didn't know was possible and I am seeing sides of him that I was afraid we had lost. You truly have a gift of guiding people, in a very non-intrusive way, to accomplish things they didn't even know they were capable of doing. You did it for Paul before the accident and you've done it many times since for both me and Paul. Paul, Buzz, and I are so lucky, and happy, to have you in our lives. I hope you have a wonderful birthday and that you retain your zest for life for many, many, many years to come! We love you!
Patty, Paul, and Buzz
I've known you for a long time - you and your ponytail even came to our wedding in 1997 - but I didn't really KNOW you until Paul had his accident. You were at the hospital the day you found out about the accident and it feels like you never left. Literally, you were there every single day for the first two two months, and your daily arrival, with your relentless, positive energy always seemed to come just at the moment that I needed it most. Your involvement in our lives after Paul's accident literally has given his recovery an added dimension that would not have been there. You pushed me to put news about Paul out on the blog, something I was initially a little uncomfortable with but, ultimately, one of the best things I could have ever done. You were so great, taking on whatever role was needed at that particular time... security, screener of visitors, IT guy, barber, therapist (mine), illustrator, slideshow presenter, documentary filmmaker, friend of Mr. Squeaky's (sounds much worse than it is), motivator, photographer, and, most importantly, listener.
Here we are, 16 months later, and you are still as present and involved as you were from that first day, which shows me what an incredible friend you are to Paul. You have single-handedly kept Paul in the men's group - even bringing the men's group to him when he was in Anna. You were with us on our first outings in Anna (which was a scary time as we didn't really know how Paul would react or what he was thinking), and you have even involved Paul once again in his Saturday morning basketball. Although he doesn't play, you pick him up and take him there and help him shoot baskets and get some exercise and reconnect with the outside world. Most importantly though, you continue to remind him of his talents as an artist and graphic designer and even had him design the graphic for the Warrior retreat T-shirt. Seeing Paul at the computer again, designing, was a beautiful site to me.
Willie, you have been and continue to be so instrumental in helping us make Paul whole again. I get so caught up in the everydayness and you come in and suddenly you've got Paul doing something that I didn't know was possible and I am seeing sides of him that I was afraid we had lost. You truly have a gift of guiding people, in a very non-intrusive way, to accomplish things they didn't even know they were capable of doing. You did it for Paul before the accident and you've done it many times since for both me and Paul. Paul, Buzz, and I are so lucky, and happy, to have you in our lives. I hope you have a wonderful birthday and that you retain your zest for life for many, many, many years to come! We love you!
Patty, Paul, and Buzz
From Megan Barra
Happy Birthday Willie!
There’s a party goin’ on right here
A celebration to last throughout the years
So bring your good times
And your laughter too
We gonna celebrate your party with you
Come on now
(Celebration)
Let’s all celebrate and have a good time
(Celebration)
We gonna celebrate and have a good time
Oh the memories! When you were junior to my senior, there was a Pink Panther Pajama Party among many other themed parties I can’t remember now, the day you sat on and broke the light table at Kevin Megison’s office, all-nighters in the art-o-graph closet after we hid from USL security... crawfish boils, fishing at Dutch’s place, commandeering Dutch’s place, dancing at Fred’s, The Corner Bar in Breaux Bridge, Jay’s Lounge in Cankton, Antler’s, DTA, Grant Street and numerous festivals... Art Marines, Moosehead Beer, field trips to Houston and Dallas, watching you leave Lafayette for Dallas... a shared love of Willie Nelson and Clifton Chenier, visiting you in Dallas, the B-52s, Kool and the Gang, the 80s...Meche’s Donuts, Comeaux’s boudin, Hawk’s... your 40th birthday party... hooking up in New Orleans, Breaux Bridge, Mamou and most recently in San Marcos. Visits with your family. A shared love for Elemore. And many more memories to come.
I love and appreciate our friendship.
Happy Birthday Willie!!
Love, Megan
Photo: Peter Faulk or Willie Baronet?
There’s a party goin’ on right here
A celebration to last throughout the years
So bring your good times
And your laughter too
We gonna celebrate your party with you
Come on now
(Celebration)
Let’s all celebrate and have a good time
(Celebration)
We gonna celebrate and have a good time
Oh the memories! When you were junior to my senior, there was a Pink Panther Pajama Party among many other themed parties I can’t remember now, the day you sat on and broke the light table at Kevin Megison’s office, all-nighters in the art-o-graph closet after we hid from USL security... crawfish boils, fishing at Dutch’s place, commandeering Dutch’s place, dancing at Fred’s, The Corner Bar in Breaux Bridge, Jay’s Lounge in Cankton, Antler’s, DTA, Grant Street and numerous festivals... Art Marines, Moosehead Beer, field trips to Houston and Dallas, watching you leave Lafayette for Dallas... a shared love of Willie Nelson and Clifton Chenier, visiting you in Dallas, the B-52s, Kool and the Gang, the 80s...Meche’s Donuts, Comeaux’s boudin, Hawk’s... your 40th birthday party... hooking up in New Orleans, Breaux Bridge, Mamou and most recently in San Marcos. Visits with your family. A shared love for Elemore. And many more memories to come.
I love and appreciate our friendship.
Happy Birthday Willie!!
Love, Megan
Photo: Peter Faulk or Willie Baronet?
From Lisa Prejean
Happy Birthday, Willie!
This is where your book begins.
The rest is still unwritten.
Lisa
Willie holding Avery when she was just 2-3 weeks old (1988)
And this one was taken in 2006!
Slam Dunk!
The three Amigos.
This is where your book begins.
The rest is still unwritten.
Lisa
Willie holding Avery when she was just 2-3 weeks old (1988)
And this one was taken in 2006!
Slam Dunk!
The three Amigos.From Martha Quinn
Willie, (IN YOUR FAVORITE COLOR)
Click here - this song's for you!
How and where do I start? From the first time I met you, I knew you were very special. Fortunately, my daughter thinks and thought the same way. I could not, as a Mother, have looked the world over and found a more perfect match for Tanya. It makes me so happy that you two are so awesome and happy together.
I am looking so forward to the time you come to the Academy as a consultant to my students and as a guest speaker to the teachers who have heard of you and cannot wait to have you visit. You have such a kind and gentle heart, that it is fun, rewarding and inspiring to be near you. You not only influence your peers but also your employees when you owned GroupBaronet, your nieces, your friends and your Little Brothers. I am so proud of you for the help, encouragement and love you have provided both of them but especially Kyle after the loss of his Mother.
You were so sweet to my Mother while she was alive and I will never forget the beautiful flowers you sent her the week before we lost her. Every time she would open her eyes she would comment about how beautiful the flowers were. Willie, it is very special to me that you want to spend time with me on Mother’s Day. It still breaks my heart that your Mother is gone but you are a wonderful role model for your siblings and you have made your Dad happy in the recent years. I am happy that he is happy.
NOW, back to my daughter, the love of my life. YOU make her so happy and therefore, you make me happy. I would do anything for the two of you and I hope you remain a part of my life forever.
HAPPY, HAPPY 50TH, WILLIE!
Martha, Savannah, and Velvet
Click here - this song's for you!
How and where do I start? From the first time I met you, I knew you were very special. Fortunately, my daughter thinks and thought the same way. I could not, as a Mother, have looked the world over and found a more perfect match for Tanya. It makes me so happy that you two are so awesome and happy together.
I am looking so forward to the time you come to the Academy as a consultant to my students and as a guest speaker to the teachers who have heard of you and cannot wait to have you visit. You have such a kind and gentle heart, that it is fun, rewarding and inspiring to be near you. You not only influence your peers but also your employees when you owned GroupBaronet, your nieces, your friends and your Little Brothers. I am so proud of you for the help, encouragement and love you have provided both of them but especially Kyle after the loss of his Mother. 
You were so sweet to my Mother while she was alive and I will never forget the beautiful flowers you sent her the week before we lost her. Every time she would open her eyes she would comment about how beautiful the flowers were. Willie, it is very special to me that you want to spend time with me on Mother’s Day. It still breaks my heart that your Mother is gone but you are a wonderful role model for your siblings and you have made your Dad happy in the recent years. I am happy that he is happy. NOW, back to my daughter, the love of my life. YOU make her so happy and therefore, you make me happy. I would do anything for the two of you and I hope you remain a part of my life forever.
HAPPY, HAPPY 50TH, WILLIE! Martha, Savannah, and Velvet
From Kirby Banks
Uncle Willie, you're the best I have to say,
Ever since my very 1st day,
You were there to stay,
and never ever turned away.
Uncle Willie, you deserve to be cherished on this very special day,
You blessed my life in a very special way,
You made me feel important every month of May,
Cause you never forgot my birthday.
Uncle Willie, with all the love in your heart that we all see,
I've been shown for the last 23 years what an amazing uncle you are to me,
And now I wish your 50th full of joy and glee,
As You continue being happy go lucky and free.
You’ll never know how much your presence has truly meant to me,
I will never forget no matter how old i shall be,
all the love you've given and I have received ,
So thank you Uncle Willie for all you've given me.
Uncle Willie, happy birthday and thank you for being
an inspiring role model to me and always being there.
I Love You! HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY!
Ever since my very 1st day,
You were there to stay,
and never ever turned away.
Uncle Willie, you deserve to be cherished on this very special day,
You blessed my life in a very special way,
You made me feel important every month of May,
Cause you never forgot my birthday.
Uncle Willie, with all the love in your heart that we all see,
I've been shown for the last 23 years what an amazing uncle you are to me,
And now I wish your 50th full of joy and glee,
As You continue being happy go lucky and free.
You’ll never know how much your presence has truly meant to me,
I will never forget no matter how old i shall be,
all the love you've given and I have received ,
So thank you Uncle Willie for all you've given me.
Uncle Willie, happy birthday and thank you for being
an inspiring role model to me and always being there.
I Love You! HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY!
From Carl Youngberg
Dear Willie,
A 50th birthday is a chance to pause and look backwards as well as forwards. We look back to see all the wonderful people that have filled our first 50 years and that still travel with us today. And we look forward to see the new directions our life will be taking. I continue to marvel at the exciting activities and work I get to do each day.
And this is so much more fun than a funeral.
Much Love, Carl Youngberg
This railroad track picture is from that speech and it has always stuck with me.
These group pictures are from a birthday party for Judy Hoffman
several years agoand it was clearly a time of reconnecting with old friends.
A 50th birthday is a chance to pause and look backwards as well as forwards. We look back to see all the wonderful people that have filled our first 50 years and that still travel with us today. And we look forward to see the new directions our life will be taking. I continue to marvel at the exciting activities and work I get to do each day.
And this is so much more fun than a funeral.
Much Love, Carl Youngberg
This picture is when I met Willie when he spoke at the BMA luncheon
at the Aerobic Center years ago and liked him right away.
at the Aerobic Center years ago and liked him right away.
This railroad track picture is from that speech and it has always stuck with me. 
These group pictures are from a birthday party for Judy Hoffmanseveral years agoand it was clearly a time of reconnecting with old friends.
From Julie Gregory
Dear Willie,
When I first met you, I was confused. Not confused as to whether I was a dancer or an attorney or an artist or an Artist. I was confused about your relationship with Tanya. My monkey mind was working overtime during Circle trying to figure out what exactly was the deal between these two people who apparently were together but not sitting together. I missed the first meeting of that Circle and knew I must have missed some crucial piece of the puzzle. I’m not sure how I came to know the facts, but it doesn’t matter. What does matter is that I’m honored to be a part of your circle. You make me feel safe. You make me feel known. You make me think. Knowing you has been a great blessing in my life.
Happy Birthday from, in your words, “the greatest belly dancer the world has ever known”. xoxo
Love,
Julie Gregory
When I first met you, I was confused. Not confused as to whether I was a dancer or an attorney or an artist or an Artist. I was confused about your relationship with Tanya. My monkey mind was working overtime during Circle trying to figure out what exactly was the deal between these two people who apparently were together but not sitting together. I missed the first meeting of that Circle and knew I must have missed some crucial piece of the puzzle. I’m not sure how I came to know the facts, but it doesn’t matter. What does matter is that I’m honored to be a part of your circle. You make me feel safe. You make me feel known. You make me think. Knowing you has been a great blessing in my life.
Happy Birthday from, in your words, “the greatest belly dancer the world has ever known”. xoxo
Love,
Julie Gregory
From Jodie Garrison
Happy Birthday Willie -
I remember you and Tanya came down to Austin to celebrate another one of your birthdays. Y'all were here to check out museums - some of which I'd never even heard of! Anyway, at dinner, we went around the table and each discussed what we'd learned that year and what our goal was for the coming year. Something you said that night has really stuck with me and that was about how important discipline is in life particularly in the creative process. I go back to that time and again.
My life is better for knowing you,
Love,
Jodie
PS - MKP really made a difference in my relationship with David and I have you to thank for that!
I remember you and Tanya came down to Austin to celebrate another one of your birthdays. Y'all were here to check out museums - some of which I'd never even heard of! Anyway, at dinner, we went around the table and each discussed what we'd learned that year and what our goal was for the coming year. Something you said that night has really stuck with me and that was about how important discipline is in life particularly in the creative process. I go back to that time and again.
My life is better for knowing you,
Love,
Jodie
PS - MKP really made a difference in my relationship with David and I have you to thank for that!
From Mihai Nadin
Now that I found (with the help of two of your colleagues, Vera Maxakova and Leslie McMillin) my lost brother, I feel relieved. And excited. Since you are turning 50, I expect you to tell me how it feels. I might follow soon, and do not want to be caught by surprise. Best wishes.
PS You know who I am…
(MN for those who might not know me from…Willie).
PS You know who I am…
(MN for those who might not know me from…Willie).
From Bruce Chodosh & Ramona Tepper
Willie’s Birthday Poem from Bruce and Ramona
there was a young man named Willie.
who loved to play ball and be silly
but then he met Tanya, a sweet young lass
who said ‘stop playing around and get off your ass.’
goofy like Simpsons, not Homer but Bart,
loves kitties, loves music, loves Tanya, loves art…
ultimate warrior, tall and slender,
wise as an elder, strong and tender…….
there are men in the world you can trust;
it’s a blessing to luck out, and find one
especially if he’s a regular guy--
a loving, courageous and kind one.
so Willie this poem is inspired by you,
half a century now you have made.
Its not a surprise there are stars in your eyes.
may your passion never fade
(See if you can guess which of us wrote which stanza(s))
there was a young man named Willie.
who loved to play ball and be silly
but then he met Tanya, a sweet young lass
who said ‘stop playing around and get off your ass.’
goofy like Simpsons, not Homer but Bart,
loves kitties, loves music, loves Tanya, loves art…
ultimate warrior, tall and slender,
wise as an elder, strong and tender…….
there are men in the world you can trust;
it’s a blessing to luck out, and find one
especially if he’s a regular guy--
a loving, courageous and kind one.
so Willie this poem is inspired by you,
half a century now you have made.
Its not a surprise there are stars in your eyes.
may your passion never fade
(See if you can guess which of us wrote which stanza(s))
From Beth Jerde
Dear Willie,
Thinking of you and want to wish you a VERY HAPPY BIRTH MONTH! I'm sending you all positive energy for the next 50 years to go as well! I'll also be sending you a very special card that is not appropriate to share at-large.
Love,
Beth Jerde
Thinking of you and want to wish you a VERY HAPPY BIRTH MONTH! I'm sending you all positive energy for the next 50 years to go as well! I'll also be sending you a very special card that is not appropriate to share at-large.
Love,
Beth Jerde
From Gary Polito
Willie, your influence through the years without your knowing, has led to a better life for me. A bird's eye view of life's expressions through a man's man. For that I thank you, my family thanks you and most importantly my wife thanks you. God Bless on this 50th Birthday.
The present, your very own WILLIE PLATE.
Gary
Gary
From Cheryl Polito
Willie,
It's so weird, I don't ever see you on your birthday, but I feel like every time I do see you, I have a CELEBRATION to myself, that I'm so lucky we have known and cared about each other for so long. Even when it's been a long time when I see you it's like no time has passed at all. You are one of my favorite people and I wish I there were more men like you. I probably wouldn't worry so much about my daughter's future if there were. They say that the reason women out live men is because we talk, we laugh, we commiserate, we hash it out or we cry it out! Knowing you the way I do, you will probably out live most of us...
Thank you for being the brother I never or ever will have.
Truly, my life, my Marriage, all my Relationships that I Cherish would not be what they are if it weren't for you.
I'm so thankful to you.
I'm so proud to count you as my friend.
I thank God for you.
Your Friend Forever
Love Cheryl
PS. Not only have you given to my life spiritually, don't forget that there is not a better lookin' nail technician business card out there. NOPE! NO WAY! NO HOW!!!
It's so weird, I don't ever see you on your birthday, but I feel like every time I do see you, I have a CELEBRATION to myself, that I'm so lucky we have known and cared about each other for so long. Even when it's been a long time when I see you it's like no time has passed at all. You are one of my favorite people and I wish I there were more men like you. I probably wouldn't worry so much about my daughter's future if there were. They say that the reason women out live men is because we talk, we laugh, we commiserate, we hash it out or we cry it out! Knowing you the way I do, you will probably out live most of us...
Thank you for being the brother I never or ever will have.
Truly, my life, my Marriage, all my Relationships that I Cherish would not be what they are if it weren't for you.
I'm so thankful to you.
I'm so proud to count you as my friend.
I thank God for you.
Your Friend Forever
Love Cheryl
PS. Not only have you given to my life spiritually, don't forget that there is not a better lookin' nail technician business card out there. NOPE! NO WAY! NO HOW!!!
From Sylvia Wofford
Happy 50th birthday Willie!
I hope you enjoy being in your 50's as much as I have.
Even though the troubles of life are still around, they somehow seem easier to accept, while at the same time all the little gifts and pleasures of life seem so much more valuable.
When I think of you many images come to mind, one is as a teacher who really wants the best for every one he meets and who acts to help those he can.
One image is of the artist group members laying on large pieces of butcher paper, drawing each others outlines, contributing our view of each other to these images with thoughts and designs and art. These images were a joy to me and I think all who were there.
One image is of the homeless, because of your fascination with their public display of need, their signs, and because of my own connection.
One image is from your story of working on oil rigs and the seeing the sharks come to feed on all the creatures attracted by the night lights, I think of this because I swim with those same sharks and have learned to love them.
One image is of the artist who has found the way and means to practice his art.
May fortune continue to smile on your life and the life of those around you.
I hope you enjoy being in your 50's as much as I have.
Even though the troubles of life are still around, they somehow seem easier to accept, while at the same time all the little gifts and pleasures of life seem so much more valuable.
When I think of you many images come to mind, one is as a teacher who really wants the best for every one he meets and who acts to help those he can.
One image is of the artist group members laying on large pieces of butcher paper, drawing each others outlines, contributing our view of each other to these images with thoughts and designs and art. These images were a joy to me and I think all who were there.
One image is of the homeless, because of your fascination with their public display of need, their signs, and because of my own connection.
One image is from your story of working on oil rigs and the seeing the sharks come to feed on all the creatures attracted by the night lights, I think of this because I swim with those same sharks and have learned to love them.
One image is of the artist who has found the way and means to practice his art.
May fortune continue to smile on your life and the life of those around you.
From Rhonda Butler
Happy Birthday Willie.
I remember when I first met you oh so many years ago. All the girls and Willie had a evening out dining and disco dancing (so much fun). And here we are years later all the girls and Willie. You're one cool guy. Hey lets all go salsa dancing you and Tanya can teach us your moves. Have a wonderful birthday, 50 is the new 40. Hey I am right there with you I'll find out in a couple of months. Did you receive your AARP card?
Rhonda
I remember when I first met you oh so many years ago. All the girls and Willie had a evening out dining and disco dancing (so much fun). And here we are years later all the girls and Willie. You're one cool guy. Hey lets all go salsa dancing you and Tanya can teach us your moves. Have a wonderful birthday, 50 is the new 40. Hey I am right there with you I'll find out in a couple of months. Did you receive your AARP card?
Rhonda
From Ellen Raff
Dear Willie:
I have never seen anyone get more excited about playing dice than YOU.
Also, when you were at my house you appreciated my Monkees CD, whether or not you remember this. It meant more to me than you realized, then or now.
And I am really glad you are, apparently, not afraid to take pictures of you and Tanya together, because your arm is long enough to hold the camera but not show up in the picture.
You are so unique!
Happy birthday
Ellen (Raff), sister in creativity
I have never seen anyone get more excited about playing dice than YOU.
Also, when you were at my house you appreciated my Monkees CD, whether or not you remember this. It meant more to me than you realized, then or now.
And I am really glad you are, apparently, not afraid to take pictures of you and Tanya together, because your arm is long enough to hold the camera but not show up in the picture.
You are so unique!
Happy birthday
Ellen (Raff), sister in creativity
From Lizette del Rosario
I met Willie in Oct 06 in Cape Town (see beautiful pictures attached, taken from Table Mountain). He staffed a warrior weekend in South Africa with my then S.O. Together with another warrior (Benny) we spent an entire afternoon touring Table Mountain and the wine country ... I will never forget that beautiful afternoon in that beautiful city. It is one of my fondest memories traveling the world. I have not seen Willie since then and I am no longer with that S.O. but I still consider Willie a friend. Thank goodness for Facebook we are still in touch. Willie is a gentle, wise, loving, compassionate soul ... it is an honor to know you Willie ... Happy happy birthday to a wonderful man!
From Leah Overcash
Willie –
Your smile and sense of humor were so uplifting at a time in my life when things were really tough. I will always remember that. Thank you.
Happy Birthday!
Your smile and sense of humor were so uplifting at a time in my life when things were really tough. I will always remember that. Thank you.
Happy Birthday!
From Claire Hart Brunner
Happy Birthday Willie!
I hope you have a momentous year - you deserve it!! You've touched so many different people's lives including mine. I will always remember my experience at GroupBaronet and how you lovingly lead, taught, and even learned from your employees. You have an amazing ability to not judge and to appreciate everyone for their uniqueness, and that is something I admire greatly in you. The world is a better place with you in it. Here's to you, Willie, and another great 50+ years!
Now... how about answering those birthday questions... :)
Love,
Claire Hart Brunner
I hope you have a momentous year - you deserve it!! You've touched so many different people's lives including mine. I will always remember my experience at GroupBaronet and how you lovingly lead, taught, and even learned from your employees. You have an amazing ability to not judge and to appreciate everyone for their uniqueness, and that is something I admire greatly in you. The world is a better place with you in it. Here's to you, Willie, and another great 50+ years!
Now... how about answering those birthday questions... :)
Love,
Claire Hart Brunner
Saturday, October 10, 2009
From David Garrison
Willie,
You are truly a man among the best of men and a friend among the truest of friends.
Lots of things I could share but just a few memories from college days:
We first met in Culture of Man class back at USL (aka U of Slow Learners) and lived together with some other guys in that run-down Antebellum home on South Washington. Did we live high on the hog! Chicken pot pies for dinner & fried biscuits with powdered sugar for desert. Slept together to stay warm during the winter (you’re still the “boniest” bed partner I’ve had the pleasure to spoon). We eventually moved to even “plusher” digs on St. Landry (with Danny, Leroy the cat, et al). Just remember it being a great time with lots of laughter, practical jokes, and philosophical discussions.
One of the things in you, that I was (and still am) most struck by was your shockingly unselfconscious approach to dealing with everyone (from college professors to beautiful girls, both of whom I was petrified by at the time).
I remember you going through a period where you chewed tobacco or dipped Copenhagen constantly. One day, your jaw puffed out with a chaw, you spat into that disgusting cup you carried everywhere and then gave your cute girlfriend a deep (and obviously wet) kiss. Her, rather than pushing you away, actually seemed to like (love?) it. Me, reserved and polite with girls, thought “WTF??? What does he know that I don’t?”
You were always so open about sex, bodily functions and other subjects that most people either shied away from or treated with superficial juvenile humor. Your approach was direct & graphic. Shocking to me but also VERY funny! Looking back I think just one way (among many that you are so amazingly good at) of breaking down barriers and making everyone feel more human and connected.
E.G., you were always ready to call out anyone that tried to hide a fart. You’d chastise them and then give your pronouncement on their stink level. Finally, you’d unabashedly fart yourself (do you still have the ability to do this at will?) and brag about your relative stench (in my book, you’re still the champ!).
To paraphrase some of the best advice I’ve ever had:
“True love is when your lover (or friend) lets out a really smelly fart in the car and you’re ok leaving the windows up.” -Willie Baronet
Truer words never spoken.
Willie, I believe your willingness to be with others exactly as they are is a big part of why people are drawn to you. Among many other things you’ve given me, you have been a HUGE model for me in my desire to be more loving & accepting of myself and others. Thank you.
Have a GREAT 50th, Willie.
David
Art Project - 1979
Willie and Leroy - 1979
Halloween - 1980
David and Jodie's Wedding - 2007
David and Jodie's Wedding - 2007
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