Bill “Wild Bill” Simone

It was 1983 or 1984 when Bill first walked into my life. He wanted to order his first custom board and just like everybody else, he wanted that one board that was the “PERFECT” board for every condition.

Luckily we did a pretty good job with the board and pretty soon Bill became a regular fixture around the Shop.

When I began working on Eastern Lines in 1986, Bill called me and asked if he could help me out in putting the Shop together. Besides becoming a better and better friend, he was a terrific help in the Shop, someone that I could always count on and totally trust.

Over time, Bill really became more like my brother, then my friend. We always helped each other. It seemed like we each had our own stronger traits that we used to compliment each other.

I was there the day that Bill met Carol. I got to enjoy watching their love blossom and was right there for their marriage.

For his part, Bill provided me with strength and honest opinions. One thing you could always count on was Bill telling you what he thought on any subject, like it or not! And truthfully he was often right.

Bill and Carol had some really good years together and before long, Dylan and Devon, their sons, arrived on the scene. Bill has two daughters, Jessie and Melissa, from his first marriage. Jessie was a fantastic daughter, always providing Bill with loving support.

Bill and I had many good days of Surfing together, laughing and enjoying each others company and our mutual love of the surf.

Then came the Summer of 2003 and the beginning of his struggle with cancer. Through it all he maintained a positive attitude and his “toughness” which he was well known and respected for.

I am very proud to call Bill my friend. We’ve shared many experiences and lots of fun together. Bill will never be forgotten, he’ll continue to live in our hearts, and I’m sure he’ll always be there to give us his toughness and a swift kick in the ass, if we need it!

Whenever I surf, Bill will always be there with me to enjoy the waves, and no doubt Bill’s in heaven right this second dropping in on Josh and TJ yelling “my wave”. Wild Bill Lives!

Don Tarrant 3/01/05