YESTERDAY'S TOWNS

HOWDY, MY NAME IS BILL STRONG, I'LL BE YOUR "24 HOUR MAN", ROUTING YOU INTO THE PAST TO SEE WHAT THE CIRCUS WAS IN DAYS GONE BY. IF YOU'RE LIKE ME, AND MISS WHAT IT USED TO BE, THEN COME ON ALONG AS WE GO DOWN THE ROAD FOLLOWING THE ARROWS BACKWARDS, TO "YESTERDAY'S TOWNS"! IF YOU HAVE CIRCUS RELATED PICTURES YOU WOULD LIKE POSTED, SEND THEM TO,,,,yesterday1@verizon.net,,,,AND WE WILL TRY TO FIT THEM IN. "24 HOUR MAN" WILL HAVE THE FINAL DECISION ON POSTING.

My Photo
Name:
Location: GIBSONTON, FLORIDA, United States

Three years at CWM made me a real traditionalist, and I keep remembering Bob Parkinson saying, "I want the people to see what the circus used to be, not what it is today. That's what this site is about!

Monday, October 19, 2009

Passing


Dear friends and family,
At 9:20 pm, October 18, William Neil Strong passed away in his sleep. It is what he wanted, what he wished for. Wishes do come true. He was surrounded by love. His wife of 50 years, Trudy and his son David and five dogs, were at his bedside. He was 75. Many of his friends and family have been visiting since his return from the hospital including his younger son Steven who flew in from LA. He mentioned how he enjoyed all the good words and prayers. He will be missed by many and was a great force in the Circus community. The fasinating history that he shared with us all, performer and gaujo alike, will stay with us forever. This blog was a passion for Bill and he was checking it as recently as Saturday. "Buckles, will have to pick up the slack", said Bill.
The 24 hour man sets the route to the next lot. Please follow the arrows Bill. You will find your way home. You will be missed.

In loving memory

26 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

So long Bill, Godspeed . . .

Bruce the Clown

10/19/2009 3:36 PM  
Blogger Down the Road by Jim said...

To soon , Bill --- you left us way to soon --- use lots of arrows , 24 hour man , so the rest of us can find the way --- down the road

10/19/2009 6:55 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is truly too sad for words. It will mark the end of an era for me. Trudy, David, Steven... you will be in my prayers.

10/19/2009 8:09 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sorry, I didn't mean to be anonymous (last comment). it truly is the end of an era for me.
We'll see you down the road, Bill.

Ron Perry

10/19/2009 8:13 PM  
Anonymous Bryan Donaldson said...

Our thoughts are with Bill's family and friends, respect to a real circus man.

10/19/2009 8:29 PM  
Anonymous Mireille. said...

Trudy Cherie;
It was a very sad news this morning, to know that your so beloved husband for a life time has gone to a mush more lovely place....here on earth we all want to keep our love one with us for ever....it will be done...
in your mine you will always have him right by you, and he will be there.,,,!!!!!
he will be miss by so many friend that he had. truly a great man,,,
sincerely Mireille...

10/19/2009 10:44 PM  
Blogger Bob Cline said...

My deepest sympathies to you all. Bill was a truly remarkable man.
Bob

10/19/2009 10:48 PM  
Anonymous Warren Adams Bacon said...

And the world of the circus grows yet another bit smaller with Bill's passing. I know that God has lifted Bill up and will cherish and protect him and heal him. From all of us here at Circus Harmony, prayers will go out in many forms and in several languages not only for Bill but for Trudy and the entire family.

Warren Adams

10/19/2009 11:49 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I will truly miss you Bill! You were an inspiration to me and our days at the museum will always be a major memory in my life! (Rick Percy)

10/20/2009 2:58 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We are so sad to hear about Bill, but Im glad that his suffering is over and he has moved on to a better place. Bill was a great guy and he will be missed by all who knew him...Gibsonton wont be the same...God bless you and your family...call if you need anything...
Lauren Fairchild

10/20/2009 9:09 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We will miss his smile and his good humor, a great circus performer who we were lucky enough to have spent time and helped keep circus history alive here in Baraboo, our thoughts and prays are with you,
Ralph & Joan Pierce

10/20/2009 9:57 AM  
Blogger Marco said...

My sincerest condolences to Mrs. Strong and the Strong/Wilson family.

10/20/2009 10:56 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I so enjoyed the blog and the emails with Bill and am so sorry we weren't able to get together in recent years. We'll miss him; we won't forget him. Wishing Trudy and family peace and comfort.

Paul G.

10/20/2009 2:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Trudi
We are so sorry for your loss and the incredible difficulty Bill has had these past months.
I hope he knew what joy he gave to all the folks who followed his blog.
carol chapman

10/20/2009 5:41 PM  
Anonymous BOB said...

IT IS A SAD TIME FOR ALOT OF US, THAT BILL EDUCATED AND CAUGHT US UP ON DURING HIS LIFE. BY HIS BLOG OR SITTING ON A BALE OF HAY, OUTSIDE THE TENT. BILL NEVER KNEW A STRANGER. SO THANKK,S FOR EVERYTHING
ON BEHALOF THE
F CIRCUS MODEL BUILDERS INC.
BOB PHEBUS--PRESIDENT
AND PERSONNAL FRIEND

10/20/2009 5:48 PM  
Anonymous Henry Penndorf said...

Mrs. Strong,

It was with great sadness yesterday that I read of Bill’s passing.

I wish to express our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family on your loss.

I never had the pleasure of meeting Bill, but over the past few years I had spoken to him on numerous occasions via e-mail. Bill was always gracious, and very patient, never tiring of answering my endless questions about the circus. I feel that I have lost a good friend. Bill will be missed.

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. I know that Bill is at peace.

May God give you and your family strength. May your memories of the good times give you comfort during this difficult time.

With our love,

Henry and Phylis Penndorf

10/20/2009 6:56 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

My condolences to the Strong and Wilson Families. It was always a pleasure to work with Bill when he and Trudy would play the Shrine Circus dates. He will be remembered as "a performers performer" in all that he did. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Bill Galloway, Rochester, NY

10/21/2009 3:28 PM  
Anonymous Ruthie & Frank said...

I remember the first time I saw Bill & Trudys' BEAUTIFUL aerial act many years ago--I thought to myself,"If only I could meet someone I could do such a gorgeous act together with"! I met Frank Clark,and the act "Francarro & Estreleta" happened! Bill & Trudy were an inspiration to me, personally and professionally--You will be greatly missed, Bill--and, Trudy, our hearts go out to you for your loss--
Sincere love and appreciation for all the years we have known you.

Ruthie & Frank Clark

10/22/2009 8:47 PM  
Anonymous Ruthie & Frank said...

Photos of "Tom & Tiny", I believe are Tom & Tiny Twist? Very nice people-- worked with them in the late 1950's, when I was still performing with my mon & dad's handbalancing act "The Engfords".

10/22/2009 9:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

today is the first day I looked at Bill's blog.....we so enjoyed his writing and his thoughts.

He is now at peace....and he will be remembered always...
fatima, Moulay & Mina

10/23/2009 4:42 PM  
Anonymous Rod & Pat Wainwright said...

From one 24 hour man to another...
see you down the road !
Trudy and family...our deepest
condolences.

10/24/2009 7:06 AM  
Anonymous John Goodall said...

The end of a great run. Not only a talented circus performer but an accomplished blog. master. I have really enjoyed Bill's presentations on Yesterday's Towns.
My sincere sympathy goes out to you, Trudy and the family. God Bless.

10/24/2009 6:43 PM  
Anonymous Frank Curry said...

Dear Trudy and the Bill Strong Family,
My deepest sympathy at your GREAT LOSS.
Bill was a joy to work with and to play with! He will be missed by all who knew him.
Love and prayers.

10/24/2009 7:51 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Love to Trudy and the rest of the family from the other side of The Pond.
John Cooper.

10/30/2009 6:12 AM  
Anonymous Jack Ryan said...

Trudy and family,

Bill's blog was on my daily list of "must reads." I already miss it.

My thoughts are with all of you in this difficult time.

Jack

10/30/2009 11:04 AM  
Anonymous Adaline said...

Bill never knew a stranger-just someone he hadn't met, yet.

His generous, strong and loving spirit continues to touch many of us. Inspiring (sometimes prompting) us to write and document the circus we know and love.

Thank you, Bill.

In grace and peace,

Adaline

10/30/2009 10:55 PM  

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