Lake Powell Memories

W

Water Bill

Member
Just want to pass on some sad news to all of you C-Brats Sue and I have met and become friends with over the years at the many Lake Powell gatherings we were able to attend.

Sue passed away May the 2nd from long term complications from living with diabetes all her life. Sue was the one, as you may remember, who never seemed to leave the boat. With her mobility disabilities it was hard to get off and even harder to get back on. I am sure El and Bill may remember the time at Oak Canyon one evening, in the dark, they struggled with me to get Sue back on board C-Swell.

I stopped working 2 years ago and was fortunate enough to spend all of my retirement time with Sue. We were married for over 35 years. We made four different week long trips to Lake Powell last year and spent 31 days on board C-Swell at Bridge Bay Marina on Yellowstone Lake, another spectacular place last July. We met several old and new C-Brats while we were there. In September we took an eleven day Alaskan cruise out of Seattle with my brother Tom, another C-Brat, something she had always wanted to do.

Sue and I both thought Lake Powell was a very special place and I will always remember the cruises I took with her on Powell. Sue was a very special companion and crew mate. I know Sue would want me to continue boating for as long as I am able, so I am sure I will continue to see a lot of old faces and meet some new ones at Powell and other places in the future.

Thanks for keeping Sue and myself in your thoughts and prayers.

Bill Roche
 
Bill,
Marie and I send our condolences,and sympathy. Sue lived a very good life full of joy with you. It is so wonderful to have those memories to live on with you.

We agree that Powell is a very special place, and the C Brats are very special people. You are in our prayers.
 
It sounds like you had a wonderful 35 years together. I think it's great that you continued to boat together, despite some limitations. When I think of you two and C-Swell, I picture you puttering along checking out all the beauty right by the shoreline. Always gave me the feeling you were enjoying the river to the fullest.
 
I remember her having a hard time at the 2014 gathering and I felt very bad, but you've described her patience and strength of character working through a very difficult number of years. And, as they say in Australia, "good on ya mate" for being a loving care giver.
 
A fine lady with strong character. You have had the good fortune of many shared years. Our thoughts go out to you, such a caring and loving person. Keep up the boating experiences and times on Lake Powell - she will be with you in spirit. Our condolences and best wishes to you -- El and Bill
 
Bill,
Our first Lake Powell gathering was 2010 and we were late and ended up in the bushes next to you. I remember Sue could not get off the boat and both Penny and I wandered over and visited. At that time she had two broken ankles and I remember thinking about the strong will and fortitude needed to come on the trip when you can't get out of the boat. She was a strong person.

Hang in there and we hope to see you on the water this summer.
 
Bill,

Thanks for sharing and I know that is hard to look at going back to all those places and doing all those alone, but doing it can also bring back those good memories of good times.

My thoughts and prayers, and condolences to you in your loss. May you have peace and comfort going forward. Your C-Brat family is here and can be a huge support so take advantage of us. WE are here for you.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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Very sad to hear of your recent loss Bill. It was fortunate you left work and had two years of full time togetherness. And don't forget that Sue wants you to continue using your C-Dory. Will be watching for you in the future.
 
I want to thank everyone for your thoughts, prayers and especially your kind words. They meant a lot to me and have been very comforting during these first couple of weeks with out Sue. Sue was my constant companion and I will miss her.

I am hoping to get to Powell around mid June for a week and again in September and October, for sure during the fall Powell gathering, once the dates are set. I am also watching to see if any of you are going to try and make it up at Yellowstone Lake later this summer. I would like to make another trip back up there and would like to time it with when some of you are going to be there. Last year I just missed the mini gathering by a few days.

Once again thank you all for thinking of me and Sue, I really appreciate it. See you on the water.

Bill Roche
 
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