ph: (714) 731-0885
June 6, 2010
Dear Friends of Billy,
As many of you know, Billy was not just my husband but my best friend for 30 years. Even if you had only known him for a short amount of time, I’m sure you know that Billy had more love in his heart than anyone I have ever known.
Billy told me that after his passing, he wanted to have a party and he wanted me to give everyone some of his ashes. I really wish I could have granted that wish, but I think he severely underestimated how many people loved him. For as long as I have known Billy, he has wanted to make a CD so I decided to take on that task for him. Unfortunately, there was not enough time for me to transfer all the music he had in different formats or to get the quality that he would have wanted, but I wanted you to have something that would help you keep him in your heart forever. I apologize in advance for the poor quality of some of the songs, but I found them on cassette tapes from the ‘80s and just couldn’t get them cleaned up in time. But, they were such classics that I just had to include them.
Thank you for your support and friendship and please stay in touch. I will do my best to update www.billydeeonline.com with more music, pictures, and videos so check it out once in a while.
Sincerely,
Mary Coons-Swavely
Immortality
by George D. Prentice
It cannot be that earth is man's only abiding place. It cannot be that our life is a bubble, cast up by the ocean of eternity, to float another moment upon its surface, and then sink into nothingness and darkness forever. Else why is it that the high and glorious aspirations which leap like angels from the temples of our hearts, are forever wandering abroad, satisfied? Why is it that the rainbow and the cloud come over us with a beauty that is not of earth, and then pass off and leave us to muse on their faded loveliness?
Why is it that the stars which hold their festival around the midnight throne are set above the grasp of our limited faculties, and are forever mocking us with their unapproachable glory?
Finally, why is it that bright forms of human beauty are presented to the view, and then taken from us, leaving the thousand streams of the affections to flow back in an Alpine torrent upon our hearts?
We are born for a higher destiny than that of earth. There is a realm where the rainbow never fades; where the stars will be spread out before us like the islands that slumber on the ocean; and where the beautiful beings that here pass before us like visions will stay in our presence forever.
"For as long as I can remember in our days at JDE, you were in love with Billy and he was in love with you. Sometimes the title soulmate gets used so casually, but for the relationship that is you and Billy, there is nothing casual about it. Your love is the only true expression of soulmate that I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing."Catherine Sheehan
Voice Actor
Colorado
"Mary, I am so, so sorry to hear about your loss. I am also so glad that he had you as a wonderful and loving wife and friend - you surely helped him through, and made his life better during, what must have been, some horrible months at the end of his life.
My deepest condolences.
Sending you loving thoughts...
Monica Lilja
Sweden
"I have just heard the very sad news about Billy. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this moment in time. It must be incredibly hard for you. There is truly nothing that anyone can ever say that makes it better."Mark Petty
UK
"I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I can't imagine your grief. When I think of Billy I smile. I remember crazy times when you and I would go to hear him play at a bar. Good times.
I also remember feeling this bond between the two of you. I know this time is unbelievably difficult. I pray (and know) that in time you will look back at the wonderful time you had with him. Treasure his memory.
I know you've been strong throughout his illness, take some time now to heal yourself.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do... unfortunately distance prohibits me from visiting you, at least right now.
I'll try to call you in a couple of weeks, once things have settled for you abit.
I know you are surrounded by people who love and support you. Take comfort my friend!"
Barbara & Al Brown
Texas
"My heart is broken to know you have lost your beloved Billy. I know how much he meant to you. I can't imagine your life without him.
I'm sorry I'm not good with words. Just know that I love you and want to hug and hold you.
I am doing my best to arrange some time off so I can be there.
All my love and prayers.Larry Roush
London, England
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family! He was truly a great friend and fellow musician, we had some fantastic times together from the time I met him until the last time we had lunch together at the little Mexican place he enjoyed coming to, by the store. I will miss him, but will always cherish our times together."
All our love and prayers
Rob and Connie Joly
Jim's Music Center
Tustin, Ca. 92780
Copyright 2009 Billy Dee. All rights reserved.
ph: (714) 731-0885