Our friend and supporter of all things good and positive, Bill Wells, passed away four years ago last weekend…and true to our pledge then, and now, he will not be forgotten.
I smiled at his memory this past weekend, January 24, as it marked the date of friend Bill Wells’ passing in 2022.
And to those of you who knew him, who remember his life and legacy, and miss the same, you’ll join me in regretting his absence in our lives.
“There’s no monopoly on helping people.” – Bill Wells
I once wrote that Bill was the patron saint of Ohio State baseball, and that’s irrefutable! He was the program’s chief benefactor…because he chose to be. But moreover, Bill was appreciated, and now remembered, because in the words of former coach Greg Beals (now coach at Marshall University)…”Bill Wells just gave a damn about people.”
For many years Bill was the president of the Columbus Foundation, and delighted in finding those people and projects that benefited in receiving not a handout, but a helping hand – enough to put them on their way. He rarely made a mistake in his judgment, and from personal experience.
“I would have loved to have played college baseball,” he would say with a laugh. “But look at me. Do I look like a college baseball player? So the best I can do is help make the experience as good as it can be for those who do play.”
Bill touched a lot of projects and people at Ohio State, but it was the baseball program, in particular, that most benefited from Bill’s time and oversight. And in his absence there’s yet to be another individual so moved as to support baseball and the kids who play in the manner of higher priority sports like football and basketball. Say what you will.
“Many could,” Bill would laugh, and say. “There’s no monopoly on helping people.”
Our hearts go out to those who remember him for being a friend and one of life’s great listeners. Bill, we miss you still.
We always will!