R.I.P. Bill Weir

kevinkan · Joined: 07 Jun 2001 Posts: 1661 Location: San Francisco

Sorry to report that local windsurfer Bill Weir passed away yesterday after a year long battle w/ cancer. A memorial service is scheduled for 2pm on Monday at Crissy.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/billweir/journal

I remember back to the 2004 US Nationals in SF, which Bill and JK organized. It was a huge event w/ a fenced in rigging area, scaffolded perch for judges and announcers, corporate sponsors. A show of what was possible for a windsurfing event and hopefully a precursor of bigger things to come. Bill talked of one day bringing a PWA event to SF.

The event even attracted some pros like Jimmy Diaz, Phil McGain, Sam Ireland... and I remember Bill leading all of them from start to finish in the first slalom race in 25knots. The whole crowd was cheering on the locals, and Bill and JK were #1 and #2 around the first mark.

The man also had the sweetest jibe.

Farewell, Bill!

MrFish · Joined: 04 Sep 2009 Posts: 248

That's very sad news.

DanWeiss · Joined: 24 Jun 2008 Posts: 2296 Location: Connecticut, USA

Indeed, Bill. We will miss you. Rest in peace.

windspike · Joined: 15 Apr 2000 Posts: 16

I'm very familiar with Bill's M9 sails hauling about all points on the bay. Another sad day for Crissy Sailors.

No doubt, he's on a new shore launching with Paul and Brett. And we all sail on because it reminds us we are alive and in doing so, we honor their memory.

swchandler · Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588

It's really tough when someone close dies, especially if it's before their time. While I didn't know Bill, I know that he was a very well respected guy, in the SF Bay area, and well beyond.

At times like this, I thought it's important to highlight something I've found to be of value in my life. A couple of very close friends, and my father, have passed away. The upside is that you remember them regularly in your dreams. To me, that says something special, and it stays with you.

diannesf · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 74 Location: San Francisco

The memorial service for Bill Weir was moved to the St. Francis Yacht Club at 3:30 today. There will be a short service followed by a celebration of his life by family and friends.

We'll get to share stories of this amazing guy who touched all of so profoundly in a place that he loved so much.

h2oshots · Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2009 11:55 am Post subject:

That sucks....Bill was one of the best guys and best sailors out there. A family man who also knew how to have a good time. Always willing to lend a hand....

Spoke to him just a couple months ago, he never mentioned his condition, but indicated he just just got back from Baja, where he had an enjoyable stay...

Sad

Fair winds and big sets brother...

h2oshots · Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2009 5:11 pm Post subject:

mattwaverat · Joined: 01 Jun 2001 Posts: 48

Thanks for the photos Erik. Brings back a lot of memories with Bill. This is a total shock. I haven't seen him in years and he was such a young, fit, and wild guy. Always had that crazy gleam in his eye. Billy, we're going to miss you.
Matt S.

streetsailing · Joined: 10 Apr 2000 Posts: 245 Location: San Francisco

Thanks for those great shots. I don't think we've ever seen some of those. What else do you have hidden in that computer of yours. And those were pre-digital era.