When Bill wrote my letter of recommendation for Interior Design school, I had no idea how privileged I was. I was young and oblivious. Bill had always been supportive of my hopes and dreams. I was only a part time receptionist at IDEO but he always took an interest in my latest and greatest. When I told him I had been a theatre major, he directed and starred me in his latest TIVO video (one of the most embarrassing and horrible representations of myself on screen EVER). We decided maybe voice over was the way to go…
He always asked. He always noticed and smiled in that knowing way. He DID twinkle! When I married Christopher Cowart — a fellow IDEO-er, he told me “now you two are part of the IDEO legacy.” This still feels true.
IDEO is where I grew up and became an adult. It is where I learned that people CAN live creative lives.Bill always tried to give me the tools to follow my dreams. I was perplexed as to why Bill hadn’t responded to my latest and greatest last year. I had sent him a present wrapped oh so prettily and received no reply. I thought he was too busy for me. Now my questions are answered and I am left feeling blind sided.
I counted on that twinkle more than I knew. I was really looking forward to the next conversation and the next hug. Thank you Bill. I will miss you very much.