Sr. Bill Byrnes

[jesm]

Some of you that find benefit from using Gtolist may not recognize the name.
Others will not know him as the creator of this useful forum.
Fewer will understand the importance of the short term apartment compound he operated here for nearly 20 years and the fact that many of us owe our Guanajuato adventure and lives to our stays there and his advice and counsel on all things GTO.
My wife and I are among the lucky ones that score on all of the above.
Bill relocated to Thailand with his family three years ago this month. He visited our home on his final day here and we both cried unashamedly at his leaving. He loved this place and gave us so much, but as age was gaining he felt best to take his Thai wife and young twins to her home country to secure their lives and futures.
Bill is now battling Parkinson’s disease with the same courage that made him a decorated Marine in Vietnam, twice severely wounded in combat.
I got to talk to my good friend today and we swapped a few lies and tales of fun and challenge in living in Guanajuato. He continues to manage this site even from 12,000 miles away, indicative of the place Guanajuato still holds in his heart.
I have no other purpose in this post other than to recognize and thank a very good man for all he did for me and for the many others that have been fortunate to know him.

[doncoulter]

Great post, jesm. I've known Bill for twenty years, and I had the good fortune to live practically next door to him for the last dozen or so years of his time in Guanajuato. I did him occasional favors over the years, but they were no match for all the help he gave me and my wife. To mention just one instance, our house was broken into while we were traveling in the States one year. Before we were even notified of the break-in, Bill had taken charge -- watching the house till the cops arrived, watching the cops after they did arrive (to make sure they didn't add to the crime), and finally rigging up a padlock for the damaged front door. When we returned from the States, I brought him a bottle of Wild Turkey, and asked what I owed him for his trouble. "This'll do fine," he said.

As you know, jesm, Guanajuato has had more than its share of colorful and fascinating expats. But I've never met anyone quite like Bill Byrnes.

[kasugie]

We miss you, Bill !

[Barbara]

Bill, I have found memories of going to Splash with you and Alan 20 years ago. We were so excited when it opened! And you had such a lovely place on the Presa, where several friends lived.
You are missed and in many hearts and memories here. So sorry to hear you have Parkinsons. I'm sending you abrazos via this forum and wishing you and your family the best.

[roberb7]

Regardless of all the other things you have accomplished in your life, your performance of El Padrino in "The Ultimate Rally" was brilliant.

[colleen]

I second those Emotions. You have given alot of help over many years. I value your friendship. Enjoy the family and your life.