A Very Special Lady

Following a talk Bill gave at a local church, a woman who had lived in Seattle for 20+ years with no family in this country, but had attended this same church since she arrived, thanked Bill with a warm embrace. She then stated to Bill, with a very strong Vietnamese accent, “I don’t speak very good English; but I understood your message on how to live a fulfilled life!” A few weeks later Bill received a call from the Pastor that that lady had passed away 3 days after that picture was taken. Bill was the last person to speak into her life and it has had a profound impact on him. He’d always thought about what it was like if he was the first person to speak deep into someone’s life; but never had thought about ‘what if I’m the last person to speak into someone’s life!’ Now he thinks about it with every person he comes into contact with!

(Photo courtesy of St. Paul’s of Shorewood Lutheran.)

Fellow motivational speaker - Gabe Murfitt

Gabe speaks all over the nation to today’s youth in schools, and all ages through conferences and clubs – inspiring everyone to reach for success in their own lives. Here Bill is with Gabe as they both were presenters at the ‘Missions Fest Seattle-2018’ event in Bellevue. Bill helped him check off one of his ultimate bucket list items by getting Gabe an opportunity to visit the University of Washington Football team and speak to them. Anytime Bill has a chance to ‘lift’ someone else; even those who ‘lift’ others, he will do such.

From Bill: “Gabe is one of the most motivating speakers I have ever listened to and it takes a lot to move my emotions, being a motivational speaker myself. But he definitely did that for me at this event!”

(Photo courtesy of Jeremy Dawson.)

Dressed for Success

Last Home Game Head Coach

This picture was taken during the final game Bill coached, with his son Luke (who was the ball boy) right next him. Bill never coached his own son in youth sports choosing to ‘just be a dad’. He assumed he would get to coach him in high school but that wasn’t meant to be and Bill is content with that now. He know’s God had a better plan for both him, and his son Luke.

(Photo courtesy of Rick May Photography.)

Bill’s Last Prayer With His Team

Bill had not been able to be at any of his team’s practices to begin the 2016 season. However, he garnered enough strength (with the help of family) to dress up in his customary game-day sweater vest & tie. Then, aided by Cedar Park Christian parents, Bill walked into the locker room where he surprised his team. They responded with an outpouring of cheers that quickly turned to hugs. He simply asked them to join him while he led them in a brief prayer. Neither Bill, nor his team, knew that this would be the last prayer he would lead as a head coach.

(Photo Courtesy of Fred Green; CPC Dad & lead ‘Prayer Warrior’ behind Bill’s recovery.)

Cedar Park Christian Junior Football ‘Family Night’

One of Bill’s most enjoyable talks will always be the night he returned to the Cedar Park Christian Football field to talk to the over 200 players, cheerleaders, coaches & their families. Bill’s last football experience before he became ill was on the very same spot he stood on this night, two years earlier, when he was helping with the Cedar Park Christian Junior Football pre-season football camp. The very next day he became ill.

While Bill has been doing motivational speaking since 2007; this one ranks near the very top because it was not only for kids, but the significance as well!

(Photo courtesy of Emily Ihrig.)

‘Officiating’ A Special Day

Bill is an ordained minister and loves presiding over weddings! One of the first things he did in his ‘return to normalcy’ was preside at the wedding of his very close friend who also was a long-time former head coach and athletic director. Bill loves the process of working with couples to help ensure their day is truly special. He always adds his own element of ‘flavor’ to make sure each wedding he does is uniquely different and First-Class from start to finish.

(Photo Courtesy of Emily Ihrig.)

“Team Up”

Coach Marsh with his staff before heading into the locker room for a pre-game talk.

(Photo Credit: Rick May Photography)

INSERT PICTURE

With son following his team’s upset of cedarcrest high school while ill.