Monday, July 7, 2025
To the Family; My Name is Bill snow. I am writing this because "Wild Bill" and I have a close friend. Please just bear with me. Dan Wafer and myself lived in Erieville our entire young life. Dan and myself were as close as any young boys could be. After graduating from Cazenovia Central the Vietnam War was going full strength. I went into Morrisville Collage and Dan went right into the service. Dan went into the NAVY, and so did "Wild Bill"! They met and became very good friends. Dan used to tell me stories when he was home from boot camp. I believe that is where he first met Bill. As far as I know Dan stayed in touch with Bill over the years while in the Navy and just maybe a few years after that. Dan became a God loving man and a friend for life. I could not remember all the stories but there were a number. Also, another of Bills friends was Joseph DeBottis. And yes, Joe went into the Navy as well and he also knew Bill. I am still in touch with Joe. Joe, Dan and myself became friends for life.
Now, please do not ask me why they called him "Wild Bill" it is funny that I do not remember that. Something that maybe happened while in the Navy? My good friend Dan Wafer has not been good for a number of years now. He has moved out of the area and his oldest daughter now takes care of him, as well as her mother. My prayers go out to Dan and his family and now as well to Bill Dowling and his family. Dan, Bill and Joe are true Americans they did their duty and served America. I went in a different direction, The Army was my direction. So all of us are veterans, we all love our country. Knowing that I can say Bill was and still is a true American, a good father and husband. So please allow me to send these thoughts. I never knew Bill but because he spent time with my two best friends Bill had to have been good man himself. May the family cherish their thoughts and his love.
Thank you again, from a friend of a friend. May God accept "Will Bill Dowling" into his kingdom. This will put a smile on his face.
Bill snow
