The Man You Should’ve Known. A Tribute to Billy Poole.
When you follow your heart life takes you to unique places, and you find yourself in situations spending time with people who share the same joys and admirations. When you travel to a dangerous place, reach a level of laughter that your heart stops, or find yourself in a situation with no outside explanation you know you’re doing something right. For me this has happened on many occasions, however, now that I sit here and think about these experiences, the common factor in them is that for me the majority include Billy Poole. Billy was many things to different people, but one common memory that will join those who shared his laughter is that Billy is a person, however you put, who took life to the boundaries. With a gregarious laugh which is only rivaled by Rachel Berks, he could light up a room like a fire on Christmas (Excuse the pun). His zest for life was invigorating with a uniqueness that created happiness among those around him. If you shared a night on the town or a day in the hills, skiing or riding Mt. Bikes, you found his competitive drive and incredible athletic ability to be tantamount to his personality. Billy fit his life like no one else I have ever known. His robot-like fingers could lift three sheets of plywood onto his back, while his sometimes encouraging, usually discouraging, tactics would have him turning around to heckle you just as you pick up one sheet behind him. Billy is a person that could not be mistaken. Built like a brick-shit-house it would take a lot to phase his effusive drive. Anyone who knew him understands that what made him fall was a blow only Mother Nature could muster. Billy was a tough kid with the heart of a panda. He came across as the construction-working hard ass on the outside, but could come down to any level and carry on about the simple things in life. No matter what situation you were in there was always a song in his head or he was saying, “bu-e-n-o” as he moved from one thought to another. With sui generis piercing blue eyes and red hair, Billy had an inquisitive appeal that left you wanting more or made you run at first sight. Billy was the person you could always find by following the sound of his laughter, while his impervious character would allude anyone not ready for his incessant assertions and humor. Needless to say Billy was a good person who left a mark on all of those who he affected. From Montana, to Aspen, to Vail, to SLC Billy’s legacy of just being Billy will live on. “Miss you already.” ~Tyson
You write very well.