This is not a eulogy or an obituary for my friend Billy. This is more of a note of thanks to him and all the people, family, friends, loved ones, etc. that touched him. It was all his experiences that made him the loving, compassionate, romantic and pleasantly twisted man that he was.

His untimely death was a devastating wake-up call to an entire community. It is a costly reminder that all I love and hold dear are on loan to me for an indeterminate period of time. I see now, in retrospect, as much as I like to think my feelings are known to the people I love, that is not always the case. Fortunately, for my piece of mind, Billy was one person that I did communicate my feelings with on a regular basis.

His passing has left a hole in the hearts of many. For those of you reading this who never knew Billy, I believe you missed out on something very special. And if Billy has a subscription to this magazine where he is, I write this to him:

Billy,
I’ve known you for 13 years. We worked together, we played together, we shared many a laugh at other’s expense. I believe I am truly blessed and am a richer man for having had you in my life. You live in my memory for as long as I live. God knows I stole enough of your material! I love you my brother.
Forever 502– Jay Smay

[ I miss you too, Billy. I’m glad I was able to see you enjoy your last birthday at Sassy’s... Carnal Knowledge will return next month – FF ]