What Bill Arbogast's life had become, until now, was unknown to me. It doesn't surprise me that he became involved in a creative pursuit like sculpture, becasue he was a totally imaginative fellow. He lived behind Ross Road School, three minutes from my house. In elementary school days he rode around on his Stingray bike (which I always envied). I can still hear his voice, which, from time to time, uttered the most hilarious comments you could imagine. In Spanish lessons he would always reverse-prounounce the words as English, so that the word "el pie" (the foot) became "el pie" (in your face). Gales of laughter would roll through the classroom. Do you remember the TV show 'Fractured Flickers' with host Hans Conried? They took some old Dracula film and dubbed a silly voice over it, singing " the last time I saw Vampy, the blood was on the floor, the blood was all around. Around, around, around, around, around, around, around! " We sang along and Bill would imitate Dracula and we rolled on the floor with laughter. Rest in Peace, Bill!
Bill was a quick one. He had a sharp wit About 1990 Lindholm and I went to a CSNY concert at Shoreline I was looking for my seat when I heard a booming voice from 20 seats behind and it was Arbogast yelling “Hey Graeber… When did they let you out of school prison?” I hadn’t seen Bill since around 1969 He was a really good guy. I wish he had been able to go to Cubberely George Graeber “ -“”
My condolences go out to Bill's family and friends. We played on the same Little League team, Charleston Center, along with Donnie and Dale Miller, Dick Hodge and Billy Overton. Bill was a great hitter and catcher and would send the ball out of the park with a home run blast from time to time. He will be missed. He was a good man and I feel fortunate to have known him through school and sports. Rest in Peace.
Bill, it wasn't supposed to happen this way. I was hoping to see you again where we would talk and reminisce. Did you know that my mom thought you were a little wild? I didn't care though. Hey, do you remember when we rode our bikes out to the baylands and caught those little frogs? I bet we caught a 100 of them. Came home all smelly and muddy. Our moms sure weren't too happy. Nor were the frogs. Of course they were nothing compared to that mail order alligator you bought. The one you kept in the bathtub. It sure grew fast. And big. It's a good thing the Childrens Museum agreed to take it. Or how about the hot air balloons we made with dry cleaning bags, straws and a candle. They were so cool until the night you made one and it drifted into that tall tree in front of your house and it caught fire. When I heard the sirens I rode my bike on over just as the fire was put out. Everyone frowned but we just smiled. I bet most people didn't know that at Wilbur you were a formidable wrestler or that you could really crank on the drums. I could go on about Boy Scouts and baseball but I think I'll end this here and say goodbye. Bill you made growing up fun and adventurous and I just wish I could see you now and tell you face to face. Rest in peace my friend. Ron.
Thank you to those of you who are relighting Bill's candle with great stories. I never knew him but the events you've shared of him help me realize what I missed. Rest in peace, Bill.
Jeffrey Day
What Bill Arbogast's life had become, until now, was unknown to me. It doesn't surprise me that he became involved in a creative pursuit like sculpture, becasue he was a totally imaginative fellow. He lived behind Ross Road School, three minutes from my house. In elementary school days he rode around on his Stingray bike (which I always envied). I can still hear his voice, which, from time to time, uttered the most hilarious comments you could imagine. In Spanish lessons he would always reverse-prounounce the words as English, so that the word "el pie" (the foot) became "el pie" (in your face). Gales of laughter would roll through the classroom. Do you remember the TV show 'Fractured Flickers' with host Hans Conried? They took some old Dracula film and dubbed a silly voice over it, singing " the last time I saw Vampy, the blood was on the floor, the blood was all around. Around, around, around, around, around, around, around! " We sang along and Bill would imitate Dracula and we rolled on the floor with laughter. Rest in Peace, Bill!
Louanne Freese (Freese-Trummel)
What lovely memories. Thanks for sharing.
George Graeber
Bill was a quick one. He had a sharp wit About 1990 Lindholm and I went to a CSNY concert at Shoreline I was looking for my seat when I heard a booming voice from 20 seats behind and it was Arbogast yelling “Hey Graeber… When did they let you out of school prison?” I hadn’t seen Bill since around 1969 He was a really good guy. I wish he had been able to go to Cubberely George Graeber “ -“”
Chris Fleming
My condolences go out to Bill's family and friends. We played on the same Little League team, Charleston Center, along with Donnie and Dale Miller, Dick Hodge and Billy Overton. Bill was a great hitter and catcher and would send the ball out of the park with a home run blast from time to time. He will be missed. He was a good man and I feel fortunate to have known him through school and sports. Rest in Peace.
Ronald Hlavka
Bill, it wasn't supposed to happen this way. I was hoping to see you again where we would talk and reminisce. Did you know that my mom thought you were a little wild? I didn't care though. Hey, do you remember when we rode our bikes out to the baylands and caught those little frogs? I bet we caught a 100 of them. Came home all smelly and muddy. Our moms sure weren't too happy. Nor were the frogs. Of course they were nothing compared to that mail order alligator you bought. The one you kept in the bathtub. It sure grew fast. And big. It's a good thing the Childrens Museum agreed to take it. Or how about the hot air balloons we made with dry cleaning bags, straws and a candle. They were so cool until the night you made one and it drifted into that tall tree in front of your house and it caught fire. When I heard the sirens I rode my bike on over just as the fire was put out. Everyone frowned but we just smiled. I bet most people didn't know that at Wilbur you were a formidable wrestler or that you could really crank on the drums. I could go on about Boy Scouts and baseball but I think I'll end this here and say goodbye. Bill you made growing up fun and adventurous and I just wish I could see you now and tell you face to face. Rest in peace my friend. Ron.
Craig Marshall
Thank you to those of you who are relighting Bill's candle with great stories. I never knew him but the events you've shared of him help me realize what I missed. Rest in peace, Bill.
Pat Hite
I didn't know Bill personally, but I have enjoyed reading your stories. Rest In Heaven, Bill ❤