Former educator Bill Betts was a treasured asset of the community, along with his wonderful wife, Jane. After passing from ALS, the legacy he left behind continues to make an impact on friends and family.
For those who knew Bill well, you likely received a one-of-a-kind handmade wooden box customized with a wood-burned image and a special message. Bill taught many people how to make woodworking projects in the shop, and his specialty was what he called Memory Boxes. Bill made boxes for all his grandchildren, friends, and family. It was his way of sharing his love and gifting something special that could be kept for always.
Since the passing of Bill, Sandy Michael and Lori Mooney have continued to work in his woodshop creating special boxes, some of which are their own creations, and some have used bits and pieces of projects that Bill started but never finished. The woodshop was intended to go to his daughter-in-law after he died, but it was decided to pass it on to friends who would utilize the shop most. He had a passion for woodworking, and it was one of his greatest pleasures to teach his craft to others. He taught so many people the tricks of the trade and formed many lasting memories. Sandy and Lori were dear friends to Bill, and they knew they could make him proud.
Many others have helped in the woodshop over the years: Clarence Stark, John Aegerter, Petra McDaniels, Jan Gross, and others who have dedicated their time. Back when Bill was declining in health, people would take one day of the week to help him out. Even when he couldn’t talk anymore, Bill continued to teach his woodworking skills. Sandy shared that he never complained. He found so much joy in being with friends and family. “Everything is fixable,” was one of his sayings as a teacher. Those who follow in his footsteps create boxes and other items in his tradition.
Bill donated his wooden memory boxes to many different organizations and events as a way to give back. His donated boxes would sell for hundreds of dollars at auctions, and one selling for nearly $1,000 at a past crab feed! Sandy and Lori are excited to announce that they will be donating one of Bill’s boxes to the crab feed auction this year. In a previous year, it was thought that they had auctioned the last box, but Sandy still has tricks up her sleeve. Folks will be excited to find out that they still have a chance to bid on one of these incredible creations.
The Weiser Chamber of Commerce Crab Feed is April 2nd. They have completely SOLD OUT of tickets for this event. For those attending, be ready to place your bids on Bill’s Memory Box and many other fun items up for auction. This is a fundraiser event for the Weiser Chamber of Commerce.
