I just recently learned that a former co-worker and long time friend of mine Bill Sears passed away suddenly last week. I'm truly shocked and saddened by this. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Bill from our Cascade Mountain Tee days to the years we worked together at Sun Sportswear, almost 30 years on and off. Bill was a good friend to me years ago when I was going through some difficult times in my life, he listened endlessly to my troubles and was there for me as a friend. I have many fond memories of hanging out with Bill at his home with his lovely wife Glenda, at work, sitting in his crazy cubicle listening to his weird music, watching him fly his kites in those farmers fields in Redmond, the rocket car races at Sun Sportswear (who could forget "Old Blackie"?), visiting with him at his booth with his really cool, unique spaceship and alien sculptures at Cornocopia Days in Kent. The camping trips to Raven's Roost and rain camping at Gifford Pinchot National Forest and sitting in various dark bars knocking back whiskies with him and listening to his crazy stories told in his hilarious, self deprecating way and laughing! It seemed like whenever Bill and I got together, all I did was laugh, so much that my stomach would hurt sometimes. I've always said that if I were ever to make a list of the most interesting and memorable people I've ever known in my life, Bill Sears would be at the top of that list! There will never be another one like him and I am sad and numb and shocked right now. My love and condolences go out to Glenda and the rest of Bill's family. Rest in Peace Bill, I'll miss you. Your old friend, Rick Tuthill