Bill Haithcoat's Health Condition

[Shanghai]

Thanks Jeb. I'm certain your visit was a happy occasion for Bill.

 

[J-1 3235]

An update on our friend Bill:

Bill's health is not improving as well as we all wished it would. He is being transferred from the rehab facility to a nursing home.

Please continue to keep Bill in your thoughts and prayers.

Mike

 

[AmtrakBlue]

 

[Bob Dylan]

Thanks Mike! Everyone who knows and loves Bill will have him in their thoughts and prayers!

 

[J-1 3235]

A bit of good news-according to Bill's sister Peggy, for the moment he will remain at the rehab facility. I gather it will be a day by day decision.

Thank you all.

Mike

 

[AmtrakBlue]

 

[Everydaymatters]

Bill's sister updated me this morning. About a week ago,Bill took a turn for the worse. Please pray for Bill and for his family. The next couple of days will be very hard time for them.

 

[Bob Dylan]

Thanks Betty! Well be thinking about our friend Bill and sending good thoughts to him and his family!

 

[Ryan]

Well heck. That doesn't sound so good. We'll keep him in the family in our thoughts and prayers.

 

[KayBee]

Prayers going out to Bill!

Hang in there buddy.

 

[Palmland]

Bill, praying for your speedy recovery. We need you back on the forum. I thouroughly enjoyed talking with you in Atlanta about one of our favorite trains, L&N/NC&StL Dixie Flyer.

 

[GBNorman]

Bill, if you are able to read this Forum, I havent forgotten you. I still come down to Atlanta each year during April, stay at Crowne Plaza Ravinia, go to the Atlanta Symphony , and visit my several friends in the area. I have checked your Church's bulletin for any updates on your condition; they ask for prayers, and even if my religion is other than Roman Catholic, I hope mine are welcome.

I look forward to the day when we can meet again at MARTA Dunwoody and have a Breakfast together; GBN

 

[pennyk]

I recently received an update from Bill's sister regarding Bill's condition. He is still in a nursing home in Atlanta and has been in hospice for 10 months. He is thin, but his face "looks good.. no wrinkles," according to his sister.

He can barely speak above a whisper, so he is unable to speak on the phone.

He welcomes Railfan visitors. The nursing home may be reached by MARTA, which makes visiting fairly easy. If anyone that knows Bill will be in Atlanta and would like to visit him, please either contact me or Bill's sister, if you know her. Thank you.

I know we are all thinking about Bill and sending our warm thoughts to him.

Namaste

 

[Bob Dylan]

Thanks Penny! Hopefully some of Bill's train friends will get to visit with him!

Those of us that know Bill know what a Prince of a fellow he is!

 

[saxman]

Just got word that Bill has passed away earlier this evening.

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[the_traveler]

Sorry to hear that!

 

[SarahZ]

Just got word that Bill has passed away earlier this evening.

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Oh no.

 

[Acela150]

Just got word that Bill has passed away earlier this evening.

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One of the most knowledgeable men this forum has ever had. I recall meeting him at the 2012 Gathering and was a great person to talk with. Also a great friend to us ALL!

We'll see you on the other side of the tracks Bill.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

Bill was a friendly man and a great resource on the history of passenger rail who will be missed by many, but it's honestly rather comforting to think he no longer has to worry about his capabilities or the nature of his future. I understand that each person has a different reaction to death, but having watched a family member cling to a perpetually confused and seemingly meaningless existence I'm actually calmed and heartened to hear that Bill has passed away. Hopefully his family had the opportunity to make peace with his loss.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

DA, I agree. I felt it was a blessing when my husband died after all he had gone through.

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[Everydaymatters]

So sorry to hear of his passing. I have fond memories of him. As said before, he had an amazing knowledge of every facet of the railroad. Goodby, Bill. We'll see you on the other side. Much love to his sister, Peggy.

 

[Railroad Bill]

Very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I enjoyed our discussions on rail history and meeting him at a couple of Gatherings. Hope he is riding the rails at peace now.

 

[jis]

So sorry to learn about Bill's passing away. Brings back memories of many hours we spent together talking about various things railroad. He was a treasure trove of knowledge. He will be missed by all whose life he touched. He was a good man. May he rest in peace and may he see Green signals ahead of him all the way....

 

[Bob Dylan]

Agree with Chris and Betty.Happy Rails Bill.

I too will always have fond memories of the times I visited with Bill @ Gatherings

and rode the Crescent with hin and discussed his knowledge about the Southern RR and looking @ his vast collection of timetables.

He was a true Southern Gentleman.

 

[Dovecote]

Sorry to hear about this sad news as well. I had the pleasure of meeting up with Bill on two occasions when my Amtrak itinerary began at the Atlanta station. He was enthusiastically waiting for me at the station. We had informative discussions while waiting for the train to arrive. Farewell my friend.