Of all the things I could say to Bill Fawley, I will simply say this: I will miss you
Sen. Shane Wilkin
By Sen. Shane Wilkin
R-Hillsboro
Guest Column
As I sit here having just read Bill Fawley's obituary, my mind is flooded with memories – memories that reach back long before I was elected Highland County Commissioner.
I first came to know Bill as a member of the GOP Central Committee here in Highland County. I watched the effort he poured into elections – not his own, as he was usually unopposed, but the elections of others. Republicans, of course. And he wanted to make sure we won. Even newcomers to politics who knew very little, like me. Bill was dedicated.
His dedication didn’t end once you were elected. Bill’s institutional knowledge was unmatched and wide-ranging.
Federal, state, local. He understood government at every level. And he shared that knowledge freely. He explained the "why" behind things, and he made government easier for everyone around him.
From the White House to Congress to the Statehouse to the County Administration Building, Bill could talk about it – and help you understand it – a little better. And yes, he had more than a story or two about all of it.
Bill was an enormous help to me as a commissioner. He walked me through tough issues and explained, sometimes very frankly, what we could and could not do in our roles. Because of my experience with Bill, I’ve told many other commissioners at association meetings that the best friend a commissioner can have in local government is their Auditor. I was fortunate not only to have a great Auditor, but an even better friend and mentor.
Did Bill and I always agree? Absolutely not. But it was never personal, and a grudge was never held. We simply disagreed and moved on.
More than once, I can still picture him leaning forward in his chair and telling me, “You can’t do that,” or “You can’t do it that way,” always followed by, “Here’s how it has to be done.” Always teaching. And I remain grateful for those lessons.
As many of you know, Bill was quite the storyteller – and he had some great ones. Notice I didn’t say "quick stories," but great ones.
When I’d tell the office staff I was going to run down to Bill Fawley’s office and be right back, they would just chuckle. I was never “right back.”
I treasure those stories, and the ones we shared during my time in office. I’d be glad to share some of them, but they’re probably best saved for an in-person conversation.
Was Bill’s time in office perfect? No. But whose is? (Mine included.)
Will I miss Bill? Without question.
I’ve been waiting and hoping he’d feel well enough for us to sit down over lunch so he could walk me through some of the issues facing the state. The last time I spoke with him, he answered from the hospital. He didn’t know it, but I was calling for advice. It just wasn’t the right time to ask – or maybe, in its own way – it was.
Bill lived his life doing what he loved: Serving the public. He did it well, and he helped many of us along the way. If you knew Bill, you know how much he loved being County Auditor. And if you really knew him, you know how deeply he loved his family. Dianne, Will, and Kara – and oh, did he love those grandkids. They brought him more joy than anything else, and it showed.
To Bill’s family, I can only say that I am so deeply sorry for your loss. But selfishly, I’m also grateful that you shared him with all of us who had the honor of knowing and working with him. Thank you.
And to Bill, of all the things I could say, I will simply say this: I will miss you.
Sen. Shane Wilkin is a current state senator, former state representative and former Highland County commissioner.