Dear friends, I want to let you know about William’s passing on March 6th. We were in Mexico in a small town up the coast from Puerto Vallarta called 'San Pancho' (San Francisco, officially) where we’re building a home. The morning after we arrived, William died from a DVT/blood clot in his leg which led to a pulmonary embolism. Unlike two years ago, there was very little warning and it progressed so quickly that there was no time to reverse it.
When William woke up he complained of some achiness in his leg but was otherwise feeling fine. After breakfast he got up and started to walk around the gardens of the bungalows where we were staying. He said that the leg achiness suddenly felt better, but a few minutes later he couldn’t catch his breath, and then he collapsed. Apparently, a large blood clot had broken free and had gone swiftly to his lungs. Friends and I rushed to his aid and someone else ran to the hospital 2 blocks away to get the ambulance which came quickly.
The doctors and nurses at San Pancho hospital were medically thorough and also very warm and caring in their treatment of both William and me. I got to stay with him, holding his hand, stroking his hair, and talking to him as he went in and out of consciousness that last hour or two. He said he didn't have any pain but he was clearly uncomfortable, scared and not able to breathe well...they had him on IV blood thinners and oxygen, but as I understand it, there was no way to quickly clear out the clots and there wasn't enough oxygenated blood that was able to get to his lungs, brain and eventually his heart.
They made him as comfortable as possible, letting me participate in his care. When his heart stopped, they tried long and hard to restart it. When that failed, they let me stay with his body for an hour or so after he’d passed. I think it could have been a very different experience in a more impersonal large hospital, so I’m very grateful that if this had to happen that we were in our wonderful village and that we got to share those last hours together. Doctors, nurses, relatives of other patients, people in the courtyard waiting room, our contractor and painter who rushed over from the building site, everyone was very warm and loving...I remember many, many helpful and kind gestures. That caring and warmth continued over the next few days as I worked with the morticians, filled out many forms in Spanish, dealt with the consulate, the airlines…and after I got his ashes home. Family and friends have been amazingly loving, helpful and supportive.
William's family members have been warmed by the outpouring of love and respect, and the many heartfelt cards and stories about how William touched peoples' lives. We invite you to share your stories and memories of William and to join us at his memorial on April 18th.
William's wife, Susan Harman
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Susan
ReplyDeleteDon't know you, but worked with Bill at KPIX many eons ago. He was a thinker, an innovator, and a good guy in a business that is not too full of good guys. Saw him again at "State" when I lectured there and kidded him about how he became "William" when he became an educator. I have nothing but good memories. He will be missed and thought of often. All Best...Barry Tompkins
Susan, your attitude is the most beautiful I have ever seen in the context of personal loss in the extreme. My hat is tipped to you. Richard von Sternberg
ReplyDeleteSusan,
ReplyDeleteI was so saddened to hear about William's death as well as the dying experience you shared with him. I am so glad you were able to be at his side as he entered into his next grand adventure.
My memories of William are of a graceful giant. His personal warmth and soft but strong voice I shall never forget. His smile was captivating.It was an honor to have him join one of our Reel Recovery retreats.
William was so enthusiastic and he seemed really energized by his new found experiences with fly fishing.
He was an inspiration to the other men at the retreat in '06 as well as all the staff.
Thanks for sharing him with us. It was such a pleasure meeting him.
Be Well, Fish On!
Coy Theobalt
National Program Director, Reel Recovery
Dear Susan,
ReplyDeleteAmidst the sadness of losing William so suddenly, there is gratitude that both he and you were given so much attentiuon and comfort by our Mexican neighbors. There are some human events that are understood by our hearts immediately, transcending all barriers of language, culture and unfamiliarity. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Susan -
ReplyDeleteSO sorry to just learn of your loss. Bill and I attended Emerson way back in 1970. I only have good memories of Bill.. He was a big man with a big heart....and that's a very nice way to be remembered. I'm very sorry....john goodman
Dear Susan,
ReplyDeleteI have just found out about Prof Hazelwood's passing and am deeply saddened but also inspured. Whilst I only studied under him at SFSU for a short period of time, he was a man who quickly became my mentor. You don't meet many people in life quite like the Professor, it was definitely an honour to be one of his many students, and it was a privelege to have had that opportunity. Even more so was the opportunity he gave me and two other students to attend a party hosted at your lovely home where I met you and your family.
Professor was an incredibly gifted man, who personified peace and caring and was very integrous and honest. He was and is always held in high esteem amongst those that knew him. I will always remember him as he taught me a great deal, not only about TV, but also life skills, humility and believing in things not yet seen but to be achieved.
Again, it was with utmost honour that I had a little glimps into Professor's life and will was blessed that I was given that opportunity in life to be taught under him.
Thank you for sharing your experience of his last moments.
I pray that peace, comfort and joy be yours and your family's.
Magdalene Phillips