June 15, 2022

Wow, this is late, but I only just found out about my cousin Bill’s recent passing, which seems to have also escaped the attention of many or all of my fellow cousins, as far as I can tell. I’m sorry to say that I was not privy to many of the details of Bill’s life since the early 1990s or so, and wish now that I had made more of an effort to keep up with him and his now-late mother (my aunt Madeleine). What I have left are mostly 45 to 50-year-old memories of our families visiting each others’ homes, and myself being the recipient of many articles of hand-me-down clothing from him — which unfortunately were somewhat ill-fitting (as I recall, I was a little taller than Bill, even though he had a few years on me) but still appreciated. If there is anyone to receive these condolences beyond my other cousins, I hope you can accept them, and forgive my being oblivious for so long. I would also like very much to hear from you.— André Eckenrode

May 16, 2022

Dear Family–
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of Bill. I was very early in my music-teaching career, but definitely remember Bill as a dedicated and very good musician. Our time together was short, but my memories came back to me very quickly about what a good musician and team player Bill was. Although I am sure things are painful for you at this time, thank you for positng this sad news, but please know that Bill left an extremely favorable impression and memory in my mind during our brief time together.
Sincerely,
Ken Husler, Manheim Township Band Director, retired