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LETTERS:   A tragic loss for Kansas years ago

When I heard of Bill Meyer's death I was stunned into silence. I had meant to stop by and visit Joan and Bill while in Marion for Old Settler's Day, but got too busy.

So for all of you reading this letter, here is yet another lesson learned the hard way — it is never too early, or late, to tell someone how much they have meant to you throughout the years.

I want to share with you a side of Bill you may not have known. When my father, Wharton Hoch, died I was only nine years old and Bill became one of the major father figures in my life (along with my grandfather Claude Noll and neighbor Ira Newcomer).

When I think back, Bill was always there to support me. He and Ira traded off being my "dad" at various functions, which I never really appreciated as much as I should have at the time.

Bill also was instrumental in piquing my interest in computer science and in guiding me to the University of Kansas. Being a computer scientist has been my lifelong career so I owe a debt of gratitude for those discussions and his guidance on this career path. I think he knew, or suspected early on, I was not cut out for the life of a country editor — as my father, grandfather, and great-grandfather had been.

We also counted on Bill to run the family newspaper, which was a monumental undertaking — the hours he spent in the pursuit of all things Marion were absolutely phenomenal.

Bill, thank you for everything you did for our family and me, and may God bless your soul. I will never forget you!

A grateful Jim Hoch

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