Monday, March 14, 2016
Dear Sue and members of the Tryon family,
Jim Rogers kindly informed me of Bill's passing, and I was deeply saddened by the news. Please accept Luda's and my sincere condolences.
Although I have been away from Elmira for many years, I regarded Bill as my best friend back home. Luda, our daughter Julie, and I visited Elmira several times each year while my parents were alive. When visiting during the warm seasons, I almost always played golf with Bill at the Elmira Country Club. His game was considerably better than mine, but that didn't matter because I always enjoyed his fellowship.
Bill was a great sportsman. Winner of the Elmira Country Club's Strathmont Cup countless number of times, winner several times of the ECC's Best Ball (with Gerry Dimmick, his partner), and most importantly, three-time winner of the New York State amateur golf championship, Bill had a fabulous golf record in which he could take great pride. But he did not boast about his achievements, for he was a modest guy.
I last talked to Bill about two months ago. I could tell that he was failing, but he did not complain. Indeed, he sounded cheerful.
It is fitting, I think, that he will be reunited with his beloved Mary Lou so soon after her passing. What a love affair they had and still have!
Although I have not seen Bill in several years, we would have telephone conversations fairly regularly. I shall miss him, but will always cherish our friendship.
May he rest in peace and may God bless you and everyone in his family and extended family.
Very truly yours,
Dick Murphy
Silver Spring, MD
