William was one of the best friends of my life. He was a constant, loving support for me and my husband David through every joy and sorrow. I admired his great creativity, his love for Kena, Kai, Carly, and Jonah,and how totally he gave his love to his wife, Susan. He and Susan always introduced me as the person who introduced them to each other. I miss his sparkle, his sweet smile, his delight in the face of surprises, and his enveloping hugs.
William was all I could have asked for in a step-father. He was always supportive, always pointing out our strengths and unique character traits. He could make anything into a pun or joke, and even if no one else laughed, he could laugh until he cried. He could captivate a room with his presence and people listened when he spoke.
Every time I saw him he would point out some small thing that he appreciated, usually about my mother. He made her so happy, and she did the same for him in return. I loved to see them laugh together.
He could make a gourmet meal out of a few scraps of left-overs, and it was always healthy and delicious. He was the master of sauces.
He loved Sonoma County in the spring, especially all of the blooming fruit trees. And he loved the flooded laguna in the winter, the gnarled oaks standing like sentinels in the fog. He loved to work in the garden, grow his own food, and talk to McCovey the Cat, the only other man in the house.
My life is better because he was in it. Through him I have gained my sisters, whom I love and cherish. I will miss him greatly. So long for now, William.
Oh, and William, did you know that if you were to measure the shoreline it would be infinite?
Billy's mother and my mother were friends. My mother took a 2nd shift job at an electronics plant around the corner from where we all lived. There was about an hour and half gap between the time my mother left and my father arrived home. Billy was hired to babysit two mischievous kids! Rain or shine he did his best to keep us out of trouble and entertained. It's funny the things that we remember from our childhood? My memory of Billy, as a young child, was standing on his feet while he danced me around the living room. We had other babysitters but, in my book Billy was our best! I never knew what happen to him after he left us. It was nice to read that he found happiness. Thank you for sharing the celebration of his life. G. Small
I had the good fortune to get to know William while I was at the Commonwealth Club, and over several years talked to him often. He and I are the same age, and both had daughters, so we were able to relate on many levels, and I always enjoyed hearing his thoughts. He was fine man, and I know his family will feel a deep loss at his passing. My condolences to the family and to everyone who called William "friend".
I am saddened to hear of the passing of William. I had only met him a few times through good friends, but during those times I spoke with him I was impressed with such a kind, intelligent, happy, devoted, loving husband and friend of many. My condolences to Susan and family.
Our book club had a mini-memorial at a recent meeting. Joni and I will be out of the country and unable to attend the memorial in Santa Rosa. When I met William for the first time at a book club meeting, I knew I was in the presence of a remarkable man. Although our visits were brief, the impression is deep. I will miss him. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
I had the pleasure of spending a little time with William and Susan in the late 90's, when we met through a mutual friend, Avon Kirkland. I remember going to their house for dinner once, and the sense that I had of a couple who respected and loved one another deeply, and who were at peace with themselves yet engaged in all kinds of interests in life. My condolences to all of his family. William's transition is a loss, but his memory will be kept in our hearts.
I, too, attended the Agassiz school with "Billy". He was one of my best friends, and.as kids, we would play for hours in my backyard,and he would often stay for dinner.
As those things go, we lost touch after awhile, but I have thought of him over the years, wondering where he was and what he was doing.
I am not surprised that he turned out to be a very successful, loving person.
My condolences to the family, may your memories comfort you.
I was very saddened to learn of William's death when I read his obituary in the Sunday Chronicle. I don't read them very much but something drew me to them. I worked with William at Crown Zellerbach about 30 years ago. He was an elegant, soft spoken man and a pleasure to be around. He handled his job and co workers with an uncommon grace. I send my deepest sympathies to his wife, sisters and children. He was a special man and I cannot imagine how sad you all must be.
Billy! Tarzan and the City of Gold, among the many books he loaned me (and I'm happy to say, I returned). Freezing ants with anesthetic spray, then watching them slowly walk away as they returned to consciousness. These are a few of the things that come immediately to mind from nearly 50 years ago.
He was a great kid and a gentle soul, and I've thought of him often over the years since I last saw him in the '60s. In fact, in one of life's imponderables, I thought of him just last week and wondered where he was and what he was, and had been, up to.
It is no surprise to me to read the tributes to him and the warmth of the man that I knew in the boy. It is a surprise, however, that I have to hold back tears for a lost friend I haven't seen in half a century.
Billy, I'm so pleased that the man you turned out to be did not lose the high qualities of the friend I knew; that you managed to navigate your life and remain Billy Hazelwood to the end. To those of us who hold you in our early memories, that's a great gift from you. It's pure warmth to know that it's a gift that you continued to give to those around you.
Susan, the love and bonds of six decades of Billy's friends rests with you. He was, and remains, a presence.
I want to express my sympathy to Susan and to Williams children and family. As a neighbor of William and Susan I was fortunate to have met them both after my son came home one day excited about the wonderful couple that had moved in. He enjoyed cat sitting for them on many occasions. While not knowing William as well or as long as many, I was so impressed by his kind,engaging and happy manner. He also had a bright, welcoming smile. His intelligence was obvious and was apparently only equaled by his humility as I had no idea of all his accomplishments. He did though speak proudly of all his children and their successes. My fourteen year old son is very saddened and misses William. William made him feel important and special. I know my son saw in William a great example of what a man should be. As a family we learned a lot from watching Susan and William together. Whether seeing them on their walk or just chatting with them, their love and respect for each other was so apparent. I was always struck by how he looked at Susan with such happiness in his eyes. I will be praying for you Susan. I know you are a close knit family with many friends and Im glad you can lean on one another through this difficult time. May Jehovah Gods promises comfort you all.
William, you were one of my loves of my life - and my beloved brother in law. Actually more of a true brother. I was shocked and deeply saddened when I received the phone call about your passing.
I will so miss your laughter and love and what you added to any family gathering - or the rare, unfortunately, times you and Susan and James and I found time to get together and laugh and play and talk. And I will forever thank you for turning me on, again, away from years of medical books, to the joys of good literature.
And I am so sad for Susan and her loss and pain. You two had the most wonderful relationship I have known - from being able to work together - even in the kitchen making scalloped potatoes each year - and to play together. And to communicate and to love.
When you and Susan walked into a room all heads turned to see this tall and elegant couple who effected all who were there.
James and I were in Belize and unable to be at your informal memorial. We had our own communing with you by the ocean - tossing petals of flowers of the same red-orange color as the orchid you loved so much,sharing memories or something we loved about you with each petal we tossed, and watched as the blossoms floated out to sea. I know you were there to share and we felt your love and presence.
We will be at your memorial service April 18th and look forward to being with you and Susan and the family as well as the friends who have known and shared with you. I love you all,
I just learned of Bill's death. I knew him in his high school days in Cambridge through his work behind the counter at Brigham's, making ice cream sundaes and hot chocolate. He stood out then for his easy smile, his warmth, and cool manner. How I wish our paths had crossed more recently!
I only new Bill for a short time, but I soon found a very intelligent, warm person. Bill had taken an emergency disaster response class in our community that I teach. He brought much more to the class than he took and we all looked forward to bringing Bill back to help us make the program better.
We are all very sorry to hear of his passing and all of us associated with the program send our best thoughts and prayers to his family.
how wonderful it was to watch you come into susan's life. how wonderful to help celebrate the day you two were married. how wonderful to be an employee of the family so that i could be around you two often...how much fun the three of us had laughing while we all worked together...how privileged i was to be there when you told a story or offered your wisdom on any matter!!....I wish i could of called you "billy"...and we could laugh again....I'll always remember the last day i saw you in andy's market...a jaunty hat, a gorgeous sweater ...there was something important marking that day and now i know what it was...and you joking me that you could never get rid of me because you always seemed to need my help (i found something you were looking for in the store).....because of all the love and kindness you gave, you live on immortal, in all those who knew you, dear william...your soul is with us and lives on in our everyday life...
all my love and heart to surround and comfort the family...jonah, carly, kena, kai, and my dear sweetheart susan ...laurie needham
I remember Bill from high school as the kind and gentle person with the soft deep voice. I have not seen Bill since then, but like all who knew him at Cambridge HIgh and Latin, I liked and respected him very much.
It was 1963, right after the March on Washington and just before the assasination of President Kennedy. Haze and I were delegated to the JV Basketbal Team. Haze was at center, I was playing guard. We were the only two blacks in the visiting Gym. I got into a tussle with a white ref who by his actions and demeanor showed his feelings towards players of our color. The following play I committed a very hard foul and was ejected from the game. I heard the word nigger coming from the stands. After our game, we were to come out and watch the Varsity play. Coach Balfe told Haze and I to stay in the locker room for he didn't want us to get into trouble. We refused and went and sat in the section where the word nigger was coming from. Charlie Barger who played on the football team with us came too. The three of us were pretty formidable. An old man who sat behind us made it a point to tell us that in the old days "we knew how to keep boys like you in line" Haze turned around and stood up ((6'4") was pretty big in 1963)and cooly said "THOSE DAYS ARE OVER"!!!!!! You had to be there! The blood drained from this old man's face and he looked crushed. I'll never forget that moment. For me, it marked the beginning of the sixties and then and there I resolved that I would never tolerate racism again. To think Haze and I lived to see a Black President!!!!
From the first day we met I have felt proud and lucky to have you in my life. You saw the best in me and consistently inspired me to improve. Your love and appreciation for the simple things in life was admirable and infectious. You reminded me to slow down, take a step back, and focus on the many things I have to be grateful for rather than the few that sometimes get me down. You taught me to stop wasting energy worrying about things that are out of my control. Your presence was calming, your laugh was contagious, and your smile lit up every room you entered. Without intending to or even realizing it, you had an immediate and lasting impact on everyone you met. You were always honest, even when you knew someone wasn’t going to like what you had to say. You didn’t get everything right the first time, but you never gave up until you were satisfied. You tolerated baseball because you knew how much it means to me. You challenged me to see the complexities in myself and the world and you introduced many new things to my life, including two more amazing sisters. You were one of the kindest, funniest, most caring, and most supportive people I have ever known. You made my mom happier than I have ever seen.
William, you will always hold a special place in my heart and forever be a guiding force in my life. I love you dearly.
When William came into our lives he was an instructor in the BCA department at San Francisco State and I was a graduate student in the theatre department who was doing a lot of work with BCA. It was odd having one of my professors suddenly become my uncle, but it was also wonderful.
Like William, I had the "Step" appellation to my name, but that never mattered. Being a Harman means being pert of one of the most loving, supportive and accepting families in the world, and we folded William into our lives as they had folded me into theirs years ago. William was a great uncle. He always took an interest in whatever we were doing. His advice was sage and the example he set of kindness, humor, and above all grace was inspiring. I was one of the more distant members of the family. Over the past ten years I haven't seen my west-coast loved ones nearly enough. But whenever I came back to the West Coast or went on a family gathering, William always made me feel special. He took an interest in my film projects and offered advice, he asked about my grad school work and teaching. We were family, and I am proud to have had him as an uncle.
Susan, I just learned of Bill's death, and I am so, so sorry. What a huge loss for you and for the community. His contribution to my mother's video made it the treasure that it is. She lives on, in part, because of his sensitivity, his hard work, and his wise counsel. Bill was a caring man, a very big presence and, I know, there is a huge hole left behind. My love and thoughts are with you and the rest of the family.
Dear Susan and Family, I was so very saddened to learn of William's death. I worked with William on a number of video productions for the California Department of Education, for which William was the floor director and producer. I learned so much from William during those productions, and his ever-present calmness and direction kept our entire crew and staff on task and reassured. To this day, his respectful demeanor and calm bearing are the standards to which I hold myself when on set. From my limited experiences with him, it was so clear that he was an extraordinarily kind, thoughtful, and passionate soul. I was a joy and privilege to know and work with him. All my thoughts are with you all, Sincerely, Sara Webb-Schmitz
He was Bill when I knew him early in my TV career in San Francisco. Later, I sat next to him in a control room at KQED every night for nearly four years. I have never met a kinder, gentler soul. He taught me patience and helped me put work in a whole-life perspective that I have never forgotten. I am unable to attend his memorial but will be there in spirit. The world is worse for his loss.
I knew and worked with him as Bill and William. I had the honor of stage managing my first local show for him in 1978 at KQED and associate directed his last multicamera show this year in January. He was a mentor and a fun guy to be around, and I will miss his smile and laugh. He left us to early.
William was a HUGE influence on my career and my life. When we first met I was one of only 2 girls in a BECA class of about 10 at San Francisco State. What started as a last minute class add to my schedule turned out to be the best decision I ever made in my college life. He was hugely intimidating at first because of his choice few words and large presence, but also patient and wise. He was always more than happy to impart his wisdom (and humor) if you were lucky enough to have him believe in you. I will always be grateful for his belief in me. It helped shape me and it was a wonderful gift that I will never be able to repay. Thank you William. I was honored to have you as a mentor as well as a friend.
My heart goes out to you for the loss of such a great person as William. When we worked together at KPIX-TV in the early 70’s I enjoyed the “New England” in William since I was raised in New England. We found ourselves together in the control room of the 6:00 o’clock weekend edition of Eyewitness News … he directing the script I had prepared and produced. He had an amazing and rare ability to inspire confidence in the crew with his calmness, control and serenity, even when the show looked like it was going down the tubes.
Over the years we bumped into each other, I like to believe, out of respect for each other’s professionalism and mutual interest and love for television production. Later I got to know a different, deeper and warmer side of him when you had me for dinner and I got to know you too Susan. Science of Mind also emerged as a common bond. And wasn’t it only about three weeks ago that he stopped by my office to see a new software video switcher I had downloaded? We were always looking forward to working together again.
When William couldn’t attend the Reel Recovery retreat several years ago, he offered his space to me where I shared cancer recovery and flyfishing with eleven other guys in a weekend retreat that meant so much to me and continues to feed me. And Williams’s kindness in sharing that with me allowed me to create a video that Reel Recovery uses for fund raising … that healing for others came directly from William’s generous heart. He then followed me the next year and I was always eagerly looking forward to casting our fly lines together sometime.
I will dearly miss his presence in my life. My life is richer for it.
Bill’s death sent a wave of shock and sadness through a rather tightly knit group of friends from Cambridge, MA. Although he became “one of the world”, we will always regard him as one of us, and his passing leaves a palpable empty space. We also reveled in his many accomplishments; his continued success was no surprise. Bill was one of the most popular students at Cambridge High and Latin School, where we were classmates. He was Secretary of the Class of 1965, and voted Best Dancer – oh yes, he was smooth! He was so talented, athletic, intellectual without being pompous, wise, and funny – an all round great guy. He was a “guy’s guy”, but also a gentleman. I regret not being able to attend Saturday’s memorial, so I offer my sincerest condolences to you, his immediate and extended family, whom he cherished. I hope that there will be some comfort in the wonderful memories you created together. It is certainly comforting to know that Bill spent his final hours on earth surrounded by love. “...And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.” (Lennon/McCartney, 1969) Peace, Paula Paris
I only had the opportunity and pleasure to work with William twice the past two years, but I'm sure what I learned about him was the same for many of you who have known him for a long time. He was intelligent, witty, had an easy smile...creative, thoughtful, respectful of others. He was a gentle soul, dignified and serene. We talked about a book that he wanted to begin writing. His passion for storytelling was obvious. I work with several great people who all loved Bill and it's easy to see why. Until your joyful reunion, may God bless all of his family and loved ones with neverending cherished memories and echoes of his calm voice to comfort their temporary loss. Kind regards, Todd Erickson
It was in a Men’s Group in the late 90s that I was first introduced to a big, dashing gentleman named William. We met every few months with a three or four other guys, over lunch or dinner, telling our stories, checking in with each other, celebrating good news and supporting each other (in manly fashion—namely, with sarcasm, insults and needling) through tough times. It was one thing that helped us all make it through the W years: a small band of smart guys with a lot of heart.
William’s fame in our group was for his emotional openness, his artistry in conversation, his sense of humor. (And the best-dressed by many yards.) I don’t remember once seeing William in a sour mood. The man did not know how to kvetch. When William was listening, you felt your words more intelligent, your jokes were funnier; maybe everything was going to be okay after all. I realize now that he probably had this effect on everybody who came into his circle, but I would like to go on thinking it was really just the pleasure of the shared company of our group.
Whenever William talked about his family, his face lit up with pride. I was (as he had been) a single dad of two daughters, and I came to be very grateful for William’s advice and commiseration in the tricky work of raising strong, self-confident girls. It was a privilege to watch the way he and Susan integrated their lives and kids into a complex, nourishing new family.
On February 25th, Albert, David, William and I met up in my kitchen for pizza and conversation. It was a warm afternoon and we left the windows open to catch the sun and breezes. William looked healthy, relaxed, happy. There was a nice bottle of wine and I was pleased that William enjoyed it enough to take a second glass. We laughed and laughed that afternoon, like a bunch of kids. All the spiderwebs of the world, all the stupidities and injustices and worries, just dropped away; not forever, but not very relevant either in the one eternal moment of laughter and sun and friendship.
I loved Jim Spencer’s story, above, about William calling a racist to order at a basketball game: “THOSE DAYS ARE OVER!” Such a beautiful illustration the way William faced down human wrongness in general and racism in particular: a gentle strength, but definitive, fearless and unhesitating. Still that story cuts kinda sharply when I think of the friendship I was lucky enough to have with William, of William’s days on this earth, with his family and with all of us, to think that in all the days of passing those days too must now be over, the good along with the bad.
I only knew William for maybe 11 years, but I will miss him for the rest of my life. We first met as neighbors. He seemed so serious, striding through the neighborhood, but little did we know!
We used to have pet guinea pigs running in the yard, and one day William came over and started playing with them and making jokes about them. We became a close friend - sharing meals, having extra copies of each other's house keys (like for when Kai would lock herself out.)
We would talk about creativity and business ideas, parenting and surviving. He showed me how to fly kites. He always pushed me to do more with my work.
Many have mentioned his great sense of humor. I was always struck by his grace under fire. No matter how threatening or unpleasant some situation was, he never lost control and rarely even raised his voice. I'm afraid all that self-control may not have been that healthy for him, but maybe that's the price of being African-American and successful. He did everything he could to take care of himself - Tai Chi, kite flying, healthy eating, marrying Susan.
William was an inspiration and a support to me. I will not forget him.
William, big, gracious Being while being Being while Black Safe travels.
William was a big and gracious man.who, as I knew him, lived “being while being” and “being while Black”.
Being while being. He was present and aware and watching in whatever he was doing and.especially when you talked with him. He listened like you knew truth and physics - made you feel wise and right and good and the only one who knew; and even better, had you thinking you did the same for him..
Being while Black. He was always aware. For us, it would show up when we’d come across one or another outrageous racial thing about Chinese- or African-Americans and, then solemnly assure that we would get back to each other about its validity after either I polled “my people” (all the Chinese and most of the rest of Asia and possibly India), or he, “his people” (presumably, all Blacks in America, Africa and the Caribbean). Meanwhile, we would be sharing his latest tai-chi finding or my bootlegged Miles Davis cut, knowing full well that he and I were of the same people.
William was a constant joy of a man. Working with him every year for about 15 years, he was the leader, the rock, of this huge project run by a tribe of good people who gathered every year. He was like summer. Made you happy to know William would be there. You could count on him always gently reminding you the first hundred times that you really still needed to give him a script even if he could fly by the seat of his pants and be a better director than anyone could put on paper. It makes me sad to think he's not here now, but he'll always be there in the best memories of life, the ones that bring joy around again and again. Bye William and I'll give you a script when I get there. Karen
Dear Susan and family, Yesterday's memorial service was a wonderful tribute to a special man. Thank you for organizing it and for giving those of us who attended a greater insight into William's life. I knew William across the years in the BECA Department. I admired him as a friend and colleague, and I valued his influence on students. When I invited William into my classroom to do critiques of "pitches," he pulled no punches when he delivered criticism - but he was always willing to praise, as well. The students knew that when Mr. Hazelwood was in the classroom, they had better deliver! I remember with compassion the difficulties he kept very private during the years he lived at Parkmerced. What was clear, however, was his devotion to his daughters. Making sure they were secure, in a stable and wholesome environment, was his priority. We have missed William in the department in the last few years - he left a huge hole. But it was always wonderful to see him at social gatherings, looking relaxed and happy. Thank you all for nurturing that happiness. Best, Betsy Blosser
William was one of the best friends of my life. He was a constant, loving support for me and my husband David through every joy and sorrow. I admired his great creativity, his love for Kena, Kai, Carly, and Jonah,and how totally he gave his love to his wife, Susan. He and Susan always introduced me as the person who introduced them to each other. I miss his sparkle, his sweet smile, his delight in the face of surprises, and his enveloping hugs.
ReplyDeleteWilliam was all I could have asked for in a step-father. He was always supportive, always pointing out our strengths and unique character traits. He could make anything into a pun or joke, and even if no one else laughed, he could laugh until he cried. He could captivate a room with his presence and people listened when he spoke.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I saw him he would point out some small thing that he appreciated, usually about my mother. He made her so happy, and she did the same for him in return. I loved to see them laugh together.
He could make a gourmet meal out of a few scraps of left-overs, and it was always healthy and delicious. He was the master of sauces.
He loved Sonoma County in the spring, especially all of the blooming fruit trees. And he loved the flooded laguna in the winter, the gnarled oaks standing like sentinels in the fog. He loved to work in the garden, grow his own food, and talk to McCovey the Cat, the only other man in the house.
My life is better because he was in it. Through him I have gained my sisters, whom I love and cherish. I will miss him greatly. So long for now, William.
Oh, and William, did you know that if you were to measure the shoreline it would be infinite?
I attended the Agassiz Grammar School and Cambridge High and Latin School with Billy. He was a good friend and I am sorry to read of his passing.
ReplyDeleteBilly's mother and my mother were friends. My mother took a 2nd shift job at an electronics plant around the corner from where we all lived. There was about an hour and half gap between the time my mother left and my father arrived home. Billy was hired to babysit two mischievous kids! Rain or shine he did his best to keep us out of trouble and entertained. It's funny the things that we remember from our childhood? My memory of Billy, as a young child, was standing on his feet while he danced me around the living room. We had other babysitters but, in my book Billy was our best! I never knew what happen to him after he left us. It was nice to read that he found happiness. Thank you for sharing the celebration of his life.
ReplyDeleteG. Small
I had the good fortune to get to know William while I was at the Commonwealth Club, and over several years talked to him often. He and I are the same age, and both had daughters, so we were able to relate on many levels, and I always enjoyed hearing his thoughts. He was fine man, and I know his family will feel a deep loss at his passing. My condolences to the family and to everyone who called William "friend".
ReplyDeleteI am saddened to hear of the passing of William. I had only met him a few times through good friends, but during those times I spoke with him I was impressed with such a kind, intelligent, happy, devoted, loving husband and friend of many. My condolences to Susan and family.
ReplyDeleteOur book club had a mini-memorial at a recent meeting. Joni and I will be out of the country and unable to attend the memorial in Santa Rosa. When I met William for the first time at a book club meeting, I knew I was in the presence of a remarkable man. Although our visits were brief, the impression is deep. I will miss him. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
ReplyDeleteI had the pleasure of spending a little time with William and Susan in the late 90's, when we met through a mutual friend, Avon Kirkland. I remember going to their house for dinner once, and the sense that I had of a couple who respected and loved one another deeply, and who were at peace with themselves yet engaged in all kinds of interests in life. My condolences to all of his family. William's transition is a loss, but his memory will be kept in our hearts.
ReplyDeleteI, too, attended the Agassiz school with "Billy". He was one of my best friends, and.as kids, we would play for hours in my backyard,and he would often stay for dinner.
ReplyDeleteAs those things go, we lost touch after awhile, but I have thought of him over the years, wondering where he was and what he was doing.
I am not surprised that he turned out to be a very successful, loving person.
My condolences to the family, may your memories comfort you.
Marcia Mahoney (formerly of North Cambridge)
I was very saddened to learn of William's death when I read his obituary in the Sunday Chronicle. I don't read them very much but something drew me to them. I worked with William at Crown Zellerbach about 30 years ago. He was an elegant, soft spoken man and a pleasure to be around. He handled his job and co workers with an uncommon grace. I send my deepest sympathies to his wife, sisters and children. He was a special man and I cannot imagine how sad you all must be.
ReplyDeleteBilly! Tarzan and the City of Gold, among the many books he loaned me (and I'm happy to say, I returned). Freezing ants with anesthetic spray, then watching them slowly walk away as they returned to consciousness. These are a few of the things that come immediately to mind from nearly 50 years ago.
ReplyDeleteHe was a great kid and a gentle soul, and I've thought of him often over the years since I last saw him in the '60s. In fact, in one of life's imponderables, I thought of him just last week and wondered where he was and what he was, and had been, up to.
It is no surprise to me to read the tributes to him and the warmth of the man that I knew in the boy. It is a surprise, however, that I have to hold back tears for a lost friend I haven't seen in half a century.
Billy, I'm so pleased that the man you turned out to be did not lose the high qualities of the friend I knew; that you managed to navigate your life and remain Billy Hazelwood to the end. To those of us who hold you in our early memories, that's a great gift from you. It's pure warmth to know that it's a gift that you continued to give to those around you.
Susan, the love and bonds of six decades of Billy's friends rests with you. He was, and remains, a presence.
I want to express my sympathy to Susan and to Williams children and family. As a neighbor of William and Susan I was fortunate to have met them both after my son came home one day excited about the wonderful couple that had moved in. He enjoyed cat sitting for them on many occasions. While not knowing William as well or as long as many, I was so impressed by his kind,engaging and happy manner. He also had a bright, welcoming smile. His intelligence was obvious and was apparently only equaled by his humility as I had no idea of all his accomplishments. He did though speak proudly of all his children and their successes. My fourteen year old son is very saddened and misses William. William made him feel important and special. I know my son saw in William a great example of what a man should be. As a family we learned a lot from watching Susan and William together. Whether seeing them on their walk or just chatting with them, their love and respect for each other was so apparent. I was always struck by how he looked at Susan with such happiness in his eyes.
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for you Susan. I know you are a close knit family with many friends and Im glad you can lean on one another through this difficult time. May Jehovah Gods promises comfort you all.
William, you were one of my loves of my life - and my beloved brother in law. Actually more of a true brother. I was shocked and deeply saddened when I received the phone call about your passing.
ReplyDeleteI will so miss your laughter and love and what you added to any family gathering - or the rare, unfortunately, times you and Susan and James and I found time to get together and laugh and play and talk. And I will forever thank you for turning me on, again, away from years of medical books, to the joys of good literature.
And I am so sad for Susan and her loss and pain. You two had the most wonderful relationship I have known - from being able to work together - even in the kitchen making scalloped potatoes each year - and to play together. And to communicate and to love.
When you and Susan walked into a room all heads turned to see this tall and elegant couple who effected all who were there.
James and I were in Belize and unable to be at your informal memorial. We had our own communing with you by the ocean - tossing petals of flowers of the same red-orange color as the orchid you loved so much,sharing memories or something we loved about you with each petal we tossed, and watched as the blossoms floated out to sea. I know you were there to share and we felt your love and presence.
We will be at your memorial service April 18th and look forward to being with you and Susan and the family as well as the friends who have known and shared with you. I love you all,
Your sister-in-law, Billie
I just learned of Bill's death. I knew him in his high school days in Cambridge through his work behind the counter at Brigham's, making ice cream sundaes and hot chocolate. He stood out then for his easy smile, his warmth, and cool manner. How I wish our paths had crossed more recently!
ReplyDeleteI only new Bill for a short time, but I soon found a very intelligent, warm person. Bill had taken an emergency disaster response class in our community that I teach. He brought much more to the class than he took and we all looked forward to bringing Bill back to help us make the program better.
ReplyDeleteWe are all very sorry to hear of his passing and all of us associated with the program send our best thoughts and prayers to his family.
John Zanzi
Fire Chief
City of Sebastopol
my dearest william
ReplyDeletehow wonderful it was to watch you come into susan's life. how wonderful to help celebrate the day you two were married. how wonderful to be an employee of the family so that i could be around you two often...how much fun the three of us had laughing while we all worked together...how privileged i was to be there when you told a story or offered your wisdom on any matter!!....I wish i could of called you
"billy"...and we could laugh again....I'll always remember the last day i saw you in andy's market...a jaunty hat, a gorgeous sweater ...there was something important marking that day and now i know what it was...and you joking me that you could never get rid of me because you always seemed to need my help (i found something you were looking for in the store).....because of all the love and kindness you gave, you live on immortal, in all those who knew you, dear william...your soul is with us and lives on in our everyday life...
all my love and heart to surround and comfort the family...jonah, carly, kena, kai, and my dear sweetheart susan ...laurie needham
I remember Bill from high school as the kind and gentle person with the soft deep voice. I have not seen Bill since then, but like all who knew him at Cambridge HIgh and Latin, I liked and respected him very much.
ReplyDeleteIt was 1963, right after the March on Washington and just before the assasination of President Kennedy.
ReplyDeleteHaze and I were delegated to the JV Basketbal Team. Haze was at center, I was playing guard. We were the only two blacks in the visiting Gym.
I got into a tussle with a white ref who by his actions and demeanor showed his feelings towards players of our color. The following play I committed a very hard foul and was ejected from the game. I heard the word nigger coming from the stands. After our game, we were to come out and watch the Varsity play. Coach Balfe told Haze and I to stay in the locker room for he didn't want us to get into trouble. We refused and went and sat in the section where the word nigger was coming from. Charlie Barger who played on the football team with us came too. The three of us were pretty formidable. An old man who sat behind us made it a point to tell us that in the old days "we knew how to keep boys like you in line"
Haze turned around and stood up ((6'4") was pretty big in 1963)and cooly said "THOSE DAYS ARE OVER"!!!!!! You had to be there! The blood drained from this old man's face and he looked crushed. I'll never forget that moment. For me, it marked the beginning of the sixties and then and there I resolved that I would never tolerate racism again.
To think Haze and I lived to see a Black President!!!!
From the first day we met I have felt proud and lucky to have you in my life. You saw the best in me and consistently inspired me to improve. Your love and appreciation for the simple things in life was admirable and infectious. You reminded me to slow down, take a step back, and focus on the many things I have to be grateful for rather than the few that sometimes get me down. You taught me to stop wasting energy worrying about things that are out of my control. Your presence was calming, your laugh was contagious, and your smile lit up every room you entered. Without intending to or even realizing it, you had an immediate and lasting impact on everyone you met. You were always honest, even when you knew someone wasn’t going to like what you had to say. You didn’t get everything right the first time, but you never gave up until you were satisfied. You tolerated baseball because you knew how much it means to me. You challenged me to see the complexities in myself and the world and you introduced many new things to my life, including two more amazing sisters. You were one of the kindest, funniest, most caring, and most supportive people I have ever known. You made my mom happier than I have ever seen.
ReplyDeleteWilliam, you will always hold a special place in my heart and forever be a guiding force in my life. I love you dearly.
When William came into our lives he was an instructor in the BCA department at San Francisco State and I was a graduate student in the theatre department who was doing a lot of work with BCA. It was odd having one of my professors suddenly become my uncle, but it was also wonderful.
ReplyDeleteLike William, I had the "Step" appellation to my name, but that never mattered. Being a Harman means being pert of one of the most loving, supportive and accepting families in the world, and we folded William into our lives as they had folded me into theirs years ago. William was a great uncle. He always took an interest in whatever we were doing. His advice was sage and the example he set of kindness, humor, and above all grace was inspiring. I was one of the more distant members of the family. Over the past ten years I haven't seen my west-coast loved ones nearly enough. But whenever I came back to the West Coast or went on a family gathering, William always made me feel special. He took an interest in my film projects and offered advice, he asked about my grad school work and teaching. We were family, and I am proud to have had him as an uncle.
Susan, I just learned of Bill's death, and I am so, so sorry. What a huge loss for you and for the community. His contribution to my mother's video made it the treasure that it is. She lives on, in part, because of his sensitivity, his hard work, and his wise counsel. Bill was a caring man, a very big presence and, I know, there is a huge hole left behind. My love and thoughts are with you and the rest of the family.
ReplyDeleteDear Susan and Family,
ReplyDeleteI was so very saddened to learn of William's death. I worked with William on a number of video productions for the California Department of Education, for which William was the floor director and producer. I learned so much from William during those productions, and his ever-present calmness and direction kept our entire crew and staff on task and reassured. To this day, his respectful demeanor and calm bearing are the standards to which I hold myself when on set. From my limited experiences with him, it was so clear that he was an extraordinarily kind, thoughtful, and passionate soul. I was a joy and privilege to know and work with him. All my thoughts are with you all, Sincerely, Sara Webb-Schmitz
He was Bill when I knew him early in my TV career in San Francisco. Later, I sat next to him in a control room at KQED every night for nearly four years. I have never met a kinder, gentler soul. He taught me patience and helped me put work in a whole-life perspective that I have never forgotten. I am unable to attend his memorial but will be there in spirit. The world is worse for his loss.
ReplyDeleteI knew and worked with him as Bill and William. I had the honor of stage managing my first local show for him in 1978 at KQED and associate directed his last multicamera show this year in January. He was a mentor and a fun guy to be around, and I will miss his smile and laugh. He left us to early.
ReplyDeleteWilliam was a HUGE influence on my career and my life. When we first met I was one of only 2 girls in a BECA class of about 10 at San Francisco State. What started as a last minute class add to my schedule turned out to be the best decision I ever made in my college life. He was hugely intimidating at first because of his choice few words and large presence, but also patient and wise. He was always more than happy to impart his wisdom (and humor) if you were lucky enough to have him believe in you. I will always be grateful for his belief in me. It helped shape me and it was a wonderful gift that I will never be able to repay. Thank you William. I was honored to have you as a mentor as well as a friend.
ReplyDeleteDear Susan (and family),
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you for the loss of such a great person as William. When we worked together at KPIX-TV in the early 70’s I enjoyed the “New England” in William since I was raised in New England. We found ourselves together in the control room of the 6:00 o’clock weekend edition of Eyewitness News … he directing the script I had prepared and produced. He had an amazing and rare ability to inspire confidence in the crew with his calmness, control and serenity, even when the show looked like it was going down the tubes.
Over the years we bumped into each other, I like to believe, out of respect for each other’s professionalism and mutual interest and love for television production. Later I got to know a different, deeper and warmer side of him when you had me for dinner and I got to know you too Susan. Science of Mind also emerged as a common bond. And wasn’t it only about three weeks ago that he stopped by my office to see a new software video switcher I had downloaded? We were always looking forward to working together again.
When William couldn’t attend the Reel Recovery retreat several years ago, he offered his space to me where I shared cancer recovery and flyfishing with eleven other guys in a weekend retreat that meant so much to me and continues to feed me. And Williams’s kindness in sharing that with me allowed me to create a video that Reel Recovery uses for fund raising … that healing for others came directly from William’s generous heart. He then followed me the next year and I was always eagerly looking forward to casting our fly lines together sometime.
I will dearly miss his presence in my life. My life is richer for it.
Love and Blessings,
Ed Dudkowski
Bill’s death sent a wave of shock and sadness through a rather tightly knit group of friends from Cambridge, MA. Although he became “one of the world”, we will always regard him as one of us, and his passing leaves a palpable empty space. We also reveled in his many accomplishments; his continued success was no surprise. Bill was one of the most popular students at Cambridge High and Latin School, where we were classmates. He was Secretary of the Class of 1965, and voted Best Dancer – oh yes, he was smooth! He was so talented, athletic, intellectual without being pompous, wise, and funny – an all round great guy. He was a “guy’s guy”, but also a gentleman. I regret not being able to attend Saturday’s memorial, so I offer my sincerest condolences to you, his immediate and extended family, whom he cherished. I hope that there will be some comfort in the wonderful memories you created together. It is certainly comforting to know that Bill spent his final hours on earth surrounded by love.
ReplyDelete“...And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.” (Lennon/McCartney, 1969)
Peace,
Paula Paris
I only had the opportunity and pleasure to work with William twice the past two years, but I'm sure what I learned about him was the same for many of you who have known him for a long time. He was intelligent, witty, had an easy smile...creative, thoughtful, respectful of others. He was a gentle soul, dignified and serene. We talked about a book that he wanted to begin writing. His passion for storytelling was obvious. I work with several great people who all loved Bill and it's easy to see why. Until your joyful reunion, may God bless all of his family and loved ones with neverending cherished memories and echoes of his calm voice to comfort their temporary loss.
ReplyDeleteKind regards,
Todd Erickson
It was in a Men’s Group in the late 90s that I was first introduced to a big, dashing gentleman named William. We met every few months with a three or four other guys, over lunch or dinner, telling our stories, checking in with each other, celebrating good news and supporting each other (in manly fashion—namely, with sarcasm, insults and needling) through tough times. It was one thing that helped us all make it through the W years: a small band of smart guys with a lot of heart.
ReplyDeleteWilliam’s fame in our group was for his emotional openness, his artistry in conversation, his sense of humor. (And the best-dressed by many yards.) I don’t remember once seeing William in a sour mood. The man did not know how to kvetch. When William was listening, you felt your words more intelligent, your jokes were funnier; maybe everything was going to be okay after all. I realize now that he probably had this effect on everybody who came into his circle, but I would like to go on thinking it was really just the pleasure of the shared company of our group.
Whenever William talked about his family, his face lit up with pride. I was (as he had been) a single dad of two daughters, and I came to be very grateful for William’s advice and commiseration in the tricky work of raising strong, self-confident girls. It was a privilege to watch the way he and Susan integrated their lives and kids into a complex, nourishing new family.
On February 25th, Albert, David, William and I met up in my kitchen for pizza and conversation. It was a warm afternoon and we left the windows open to catch the sun and breezes. William looked healthy, relaxed, happy. There was a nice bottle of wine and I was pleased that William enjoyed it enough to take a second glass. We laughed and laughed that afternoon, like a bunch of kids. All the spiderwebs of the world, all the stupidities and injustices and worries, just dropped away; not forever, but not very relevant either in the one eternal moment of laughter and sun and friendship.
I loved Jim Spencer’s story, above, about William calling a racist to order at a basketball game: “THOSE DAYS ARE OVER!” Such a beautiful illustration the way William faced down human wrongness in general and racism in particular: a gentle strength, but definitive, fearless and unhesitating. Still that story cuts kinda sharply when I think of the friendship I was lucky enough to have with William, of William’s days on this earth, with his family and with all of us, to think that in all the days of passing those days too must now be over, the good along with the bad.
May his name be for a blessing.
--Josh Senyak
I only knew William for maybe 11 years, but I will miss him for the rest of my life. We first met as neighbors. He seemed so serious, striding through the neighborhood, but little did we know!
ReplyDeleteWe used to have pet guinea pigs running in the yard, and one day William came over and started playing with them and making jokes about them. We became a close friend - sharing meals, having extra copies of each other's house keys (like for when Kai would lock herself out.)
We would talk about creativity and business ideas, parenting and surviving. He showed me how to fly kites. He always pushed me to do more with my work.
Many have mentioned his great sense of humor. I was always struck by his grace under fire. No matter how threatening or unpleasant some situation was, he never lost control and rarely even raised his voice. I'm afraid all that self-control may not have been that healthy for him, but maybe that's the price of being African-American and successful. He did everything he could to take care of himself - Tai Chi, kite flying, healthy eating, marrying Susan.
William was an inspiration and a support to me. I will not forget him.
William, big, gracious
ReplyDeleteBeing while being
Being while Black
Safe travels.
William was a big and gracious man.who, as I knew him, lived “being while being” and “being while Black”.
Being while being. He was present and aware and watching in whatever he was doing and.especially when you talked with him. He listened like you knew truth and physics - made you feel wise and right and good and the only one who knew; and even better, had you thinking you did the same for him..
Being while Black. He was always aware. For us, it would show up when we’d come across one or another outrageous racial thing about Chinese- or African-Americans and, then solemnly assure that we would get back to each other about its validity after either I polled “my people” (all the Chinese and most of the rest of Asia and possibly India), or he, “his people” (presumably, all Blacks in America, Africa and the Caribbean). Meanwhile, we would be sharing his latest tai-chi finding or my bootlegged Miles Davis cut, knowing full well that he and I were of the same people.
Just differently big and gracious.
Safe travels.
William was a constant joy of a man. Working with him every year for about 15 years, he was the leader, the rock, of this huge project run by a tribe of good people who gathered every year. He was like summer. Made you happy to know William would be there. You could count on him always gently reminding you the first hundred times that you really still needed to give him a script even if he could fly by the seat of his pants and be a better director than anyone could put on paper. It makes me sad to think he's not here now, but he'll always be there in the best memories of life, the ones that bring joy around again and again. Bye William and I'll give you a script when I get there. Karen
ReplyDeleteDear Susan and family,
ReplyDeleteYesterday's memorial service was a wonderful tribute to a special man. Thank you for organizing it and for giving those of us who attended a greater insight into William's life. I knew William across the years in the BECA Department. I admired him as a friend and colleague, and I valued his influence on students. When I invited William into my classroom to do critiques of "pitches," he pulled no punches when he delivered criticism - but he was always willing to praise, as well. The students knew that when Mr. Hazelwood was in the classroom, they had better deliver!
I remember with compassion the difficulties he kept very private during the years he lived at Parkmerced. What was clear, however, was his devotion to his daughters. Making sure they were secure, in a stable and wholesome environment, was his priority.
We have missed William in the department in the last few years - he left a huge hole. But it was always wonderful to see him at social gatherings, looking relaxed and happy. Thank you all for nurturing that happiness.
Best,
Betsy Blosser