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The disaster of terrorist attacks of 9-11 affected a nation. Most of the world mourned America’s loss. Two weeks later, friends and family of Bill Bennett (Iceman_77) suffered more loss. A dear friend and loved one passed from this earth. Cancer claimed this man so dear to us all. His struggle to survive was a hard fought battle, courage and inner strength surfaced many times in his lifetime.
Iceman_77 as he was known in chats was a dear friend to many. He mentored many people who aspired to be computer techs, he gave of his knowledge freely and he also encouraged them with words when discouraging events happened.
His baritone voice could be heard in chats giving information, or rebuking someone for treating another person badly. He did not tolerate abuse of others, especially if they wanted to learn.
His sense of humor was infectious to others, when he laughed others joined in. He found humor in many things which would have made most cry. His inner strength and the ability to laugh at himself brought many to laugh right along with him.
Friends in his hometown had known him for a long time. Tears were in their eyes as they hugged him, after the cancer verdict was given. He faced the reality of what the doctors told him, but he would not give up the struggle to survive. He had suffered a heart attack a few months before the cancer was diagnosed. Doctors did not think he would survive the heart attack, but his will to live pulled him through. Stomach cancer was the next struggle to deal with.
Bill Bennett died September, 2001, with his daughter at his side. Many still mourn the loss of a good man.
This is a small tribute to the man I came to know.
They call him the Iceman, his name rings not true,
Inside he’s warm hearted, not many see through,
The barrier he shows is protection from hurt,
To stop life’s great trials, throwing him in the dirt.
Pain has been known since he was a child,
The beatings he took was never real mild,
He broke all the traits that his father did show,
This gentle kind man, you might get to know.
He keeps to himself, unless you break through,
The inner most shell he shows it to few,
Look in his eyes, his soul shines so bright,
You see the pain, but goodness comes to light.
This man is a rainbow when looked at just right,
He displays all his colors almost blinding the sight,
Look close at his cover, know it is a shell,
Go even deeper, you will see him quite well.
Hard hearted he thinks is the image he gives,
Many have saw the true way, he lives,
His life is a book to be read very well,
It tells of a man at times, living in hell.
His spirit could be shaken, but never did fail,
The strength of his character never strayed from the trail.
Goodness to many is shown though his life,
Burdens of memories is his only strife.
