Silent Engines......William "Bill" Coleman

[eekern]

Hello All,
I searched and did not see any notice about Bill, so I thought I would take a few minutes.

The RC world lost a great one recently. Bill Coleman passed away back on March 23rd. I was unable to attend his visitation, so I thought I would pay my respects here.
I first met Bill in the late '80s. I was about 12 years old and there was a summer school program about Radio Control offered at UWL, the local WI university branch here in La Crosse. Bill was the teacher. I attended and was hooked ever since.

In the '90s, Bill was the president of the La Crosse RC Model boat club. With a huge personality, and as a former pro football player, he was larger than life, figuratively and literally.

Bill was a teacher by trade and it suited him. I have talked to many people over the years that had him as such, and to a person, they said he was one of the best/favorite teachers they ever had. He was an art teacher and artist himself who often brought 1/8th scale RC hydros and large reptiles to school. I doubt too many teachers ever did that!

I could go on and on about Bill. There are plenty of stories to share about him.
If you have one, I would would love to hear it. He always put a smile on my face.

My condolences to his wife, Sarah, and the rest of his family.

Godspeed Bill.

 

[HTV Boats]

Very sad news. He was one of the nicest guys and a true host for model boat racing in Lacrosse. Good memories from Pettibone Island;
RIP

 

[rctinman]

Sad to hear. I remember Bill very well. He really enjoyed 1/8th scale boats. I always enjoyed talking with him. Rest in peace Bill!

Steve Ball

 

[Grimracer]

I am very saddened.. I will post some pictures when i can.. he was a FANTASTIC guy. O man.. (thanks Eric for posting this)

 

[eekern]

I am very saddened.. I will post some pictures when i can.. he was a FANTASTIC guy. O man.. (thanks Eric for posting this)

That’s right….you did always walk around with a camera.

Please do! I would love to see them!

 

[Grimracer]

 

[eekern]

Thanks for the pictures Mike. I think I was at the event pictured. I remember those suspenders.

 

[Grimracer]

When he got ahold of you.. you WERE going in the drink!

 

[Grimracer]

Bill next to Larry at the CWMBC spring race.. LOL, Larry might have one the race but Bill had him COVERED in the stair down look.. Man Bill laughed about that one.

 

[Jerry T]

I remember Bill, he was a great guy
Rest in Peace Bill

 

[Ron Zaker Jr]

Hello All,
I searched and did not see any notice about Bill, so I thought I would take a few minutes.

The RC world lost a great one recently. Bill Coleman passed away back on March 23rd. I was unable to attend his visitation, so I thought I would pay my respects here.
I first met Bill in the late '80s. I was about 12 years old and there was a summer school program about Radio Control offered at UWL, the local WI university branch here in La Crosse. Bill was the teacher. I attended and was hooked ever since.

In the '90s, Bill was the president of the La Crosse RC Model boat club. With a huge personality, and as a former pro football player, he was larger than life, figuratively and literally.

Bill was a teacher by trade and it suited him. I have talked to many people over the years that had him as such, and to a person, they said he was one of the best/favorite teachers they ever had. He was an art teacher and artist himself who often brought 1/8th scale RC hydros and large reptiles to school. I doubt too many teachers ever did that!

I could go on and on about Bill. There are plenty of stories to share about him.
If you have one, I would would love to hear it. He always put a smile on my face.

My condolences to his wife, Sarah, and the rest of his family.

Godspeed Bill.

Thanks for posting ,we has a kewl dude!

 

[Joe Warren]

Marty Davis Boated with Billy Coleman I met him at the Evansville Pond Many years ago.. RIP my Brother.

 

[Grimracer]

Bill was raised by his grandmother not far from the Indianapolis motor speedway. He loved that race and was large part of his love for motor sports.. He would talk about his football career and how when he was training he would try to pick gofers out of the holes in the field by his house. (LOL) He said he was fast.. but not that fast!

Its my understanding he had a short career with the Detroit Lions but never said what happen with that.

He was a MOUNTAN of a man.. with a heart of GOLD!

Miss this dude... for sure.

Grim

 

[Speed Jr.]

Oh man.....Not many know this, but Bill started calling my Dad "Speed" when after he built his first Eagle Sport 40. So by default he called me "Speed Jr." The name I carry with me in full size boat racing, 30 years later. That's where my screen name comes from. He was one of the nicest guys in in the world. I am blessed to grow up knowing him. My dad brought me to his house one year in the LaCrosse area. Never seen so many 1/8 Scale boats in my life. God speed Bill.

Jr.