I was hired by Bill on the same day that he began managing BEMS - April Fools Day in 1986, a fact that may have been a precursor for what lay ahead in our relationship. Bill’s sense of humor was so dry that more often than not, I didn’t understand his jokes or jovial comments. And to make matters worse, Bill loved dogs - while I loved cats. This meant that when he would bark at me - I would hiss right back! We soon found out that we were two very driven, hard headed, perfectionists that seemed to be cut from the same cloth.

However, Bill and I quickly joined forces that April Fool’s Day as we faced a major challenge: we had a meeting to plan in Madison, Wisconsin, and we only 2 months to do it in. As each day moved forward, valuable lessons were being learned by both of us. New ideas and concepts were being formulated, tested, improved and put into practice. Three very chaotic months later we sat back, reevaluated and discovered that we made a great team. Our first BEMS meeting was a success and we were eager to get started planning the next event.

Bill filled my world with brilliant possibilities. He broadened my horizons and he constantly showed me how to dream, to think outside the box and to establish plans that would eventually lead me down a path towards accomplishing my goals. If I found that I was taking myself too seriously, Bill would often ask “who cares?” or “so what?” and bring me back down to earth. During stressful periods he would say things like “the world won’t fall off its axis if we don’t get to that today” or “we’re not medical physicians – they’re the only ones responsible for saving lives today” and would bring things back into perspective for me.

Bill was a lifelong learner, constantly asking questions, seeking guidance, and removing barriers to things that may have seemed impossible to overcome. He re-ignited that search for knowledge in me, encouraging me to go back to school. As I pursued my management degree part time over the next 8 years, Bill enrolled in courses too, studying archeology and photography. His generous corporate tuition reimbursement plan financed my entire college education.

Bill’s desire to travel also motivated me. As we journeyed all over the world, Bill would look at any new or difficult challenges and somehow transform them into valuable opportunities. As BEMS’ ambassador to new lands, Bill saw interacting with people of all backgrounds as a way to share their life experiences and he loved to hear about their passions, to find out what was important to them and what they loved about their lives.

Through trial and error, Bill became a very talented photographer. In this arena, his stubbornness truly was an asset, as he was always determined to master each new camera and lens in order to capture the best shot. Bill was passionate about photographing the remote areas of the world. His photographic web site states that he believes “it is not possible for us to live in isolation of other peoples and cultures.” He hoped that his “photography would be a small step towards bridging that gap.”

Bill worked tirelessly bridging the gap for the worldwide BEMS community, promoting positive and enriching values and over his 14 year tenure, he built a strong Society that has continued to sustain and promote those very qualities. Too often we can get bogged down with difficulties in life and forget to count our blessings. Bill’s jovial optimism would greet me each day with “Good morning Mary Sunshine.” His regular response on the telephone would be to say: “If I were any better I’d be twins.” Can you picture two Bill Wisecups? I can’t. He was a totally unique individual. His approach toward life created a different world for me, with more opportunities for joy and fulfillment than ever before.

Bill was my mentor, but even more than that he was my friend. In memory of his honor and integrity, I challenge each one of you to reach out and seek new opportunities, opening yourself up to new possibilities, learning and living each moment to its fullest. That’s what Bill would have wanted - for everyone.

Gloria Parsley BEMS Executive Director

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