Typically‚ when one hears others talking about a hero‚ the discussion routinely centers on an individual who for an isolated instant was a hero. What we don’t typically hear of is someone who lived his entire life as a hero. The type of person who never looked for the spotlight‚ even when the crowds had gathered‚ or no one had summoned his assistance‚ yet he was always there ready to lend a hand. A ‘True Hero’ is an individual who‚ when we look at them in the sometimes harsh light of real life situations‚ continues to represent those things that are good and right and true. Bill Ellison was just such a person‚ ‘A True Hero.’

Bill was a True Hero because above all else and before all else‚ Bill’s family was his first and foremost pride and joy. Not a day passed that Bill wasn’t talking about his wife Vicky and their two daughters‚ Maryssa and Michaela. Bill would reflect upon the accomplishments and sometimes the challenges of his family. Yet‚ regardless of the situation‚ the admiration and love he felt for his wife and daughters has always left an indelible impression with them.

Bill was also a True Hero to those he worked with. Bill’s keen insight and exceptional abilities as a paramedic and firefighter earned him the highest respect from his peers. Bill would spend many an hour sitting quietly reading books‚ articles and journals of all sorts so as to expand his paramedic and firefighting knowledge‚ leading to Bill earning the nickname of ‘doc.’ Without consciously attempting to do so‚ everyone recalls how Bill was a teacher and motivator‚ but most of all a true friend. Among other accomplishments‚ Bill designed a unique curriculum at a local community college as well as developing an advanced rescue device.

Despite these serious facets of Bill’s personality‚ there was the side of Bill as a practical joker that was a constant source of amusement to those who knew him. Any discussion with anyone who had spent any amount of time with Bill eventually lead to a story or two of how Bill had played a practical joke on them or someone else. You never knew what to expect next from Bill‚ but you were sure that whatever it was‚ it was going to be entertaining.

It is truly a tragedy that such a hero was taken from us at such an early time in his life. They say time heals all wounds; however the passage of time will not let us forget our husband‚ father‚ friend and hero.

Victoria Ellison