My condolences to all of Bill's friends as mentioned above.
I first met Bill on one very brief occasion when he was at the peak of his arm development. If I recall correctly it was at the Venice Beach Pit (do they still even call it the Pit any longer?).
And then just about every time I had the opportunity to visit The Pit, I'd see him sitting on one of the benches and simply say something like, "Howdy, Bill!" and he would 'Howdy' me back with a simple nod of his head.
Something is compelling to write the following ....
When people I know pass away, I always regret that I did not communicate with them on a more friendly basis, but I have been somewhat fortunate in making amends with individuals I often argued with before they passed away.
We'd shake hands while laughing at our past grievances and within a week or two a permanent departure would take place.
My past military experiences have taught me that people are basically good people regardless of what I think of them when they cause me a lot of grief and it's always good to let by-gones be by-gones before they move out to greener pastures.
I wish I had sat down beside Bill the last time I saw him sitting on that bench and shared some old time stories about the lifting game.
RIP, Bill Pettis
