Dave has told you that Bill was a wonderful teacher. And I know why, because I was Bill's best friend. He never told me that I was his best friend and many of you may feel that you were his best friend. But that's probably because he made each of us feel that way. Bill and I talked extensively about life and we shared some views about what was important and what was not. He believed, as I do, that a scientist has two main responsibilities. The first is to generate new knowledge and the second is to disseminate existing knowledge. He accomplished the first objective by carrying out original research and developing new statistical concepts. He accomplished the second objective by teaching, not only students, but also friends and colleagues. He enjoyed learning new things and solving problems. Many of you can recall how enthusiastic he was about a project. He might have helped you with one of your projects or involved you in one of his. The thing that always amazed me about those occasions was that I always came away with some unexpected skill or perspective or insight. One of the saddest things about his abrupt death was that he could not complete all of the projects he had undertaken. But he had certainly accomplished an impressive body of work throughout his life.

Bill understood that memorial services such as these are for the living and not the dead. When someone who was important to us has died, we feel an urge to have some formal remembrance of that individual. And we fear that as time passes, we will loose our vivid memories of that person. But Bill knew what few of us realize. He knew that every time we use the knowledge that he gave us.......by applying a skill, or taking a unique perspective, or using one of his famous satirical remarks, or even cooking one of his recipes, he lives on. He understood that to discover and to educate was to make the most substantial contribution to the living. And that is why he lived his life as he did. For my part, I can say that I learned more about life from Bill, than from any philosopher. He taught me more about science than any of my professors. He taught me more about ethics and morality than any theologian ----, And he taught me more about love than any lover.

But he is gone. So how shall we remember him. I suggest that we try to live our lives as he lived his. I can remember numerous occasions when he would say "Do you know who taught me this?". So let's emulate him that way. Let's pass on the knowledge that he gave us. I think he would want it that way. I don't know if I was his best friend, but I know with all certainty, that he was my best friend. Thanks for everything Bill.