It is a bit odd but for the life of me I cannot remember the first time I visited the McIntyre Ranch. It seems now as if I had always known Billy, and had accepted the ranch as causally and easily as I accepted him. He was so unassuming and generous, and from the moment I met him more than twenty years ago he and I were friends. It was like staying with my own people to visit them – Billy and Miriam and Phoebe, and, of course, wise, resourceful Tom Stephenson.

The last letter I had from Billy was dated June 8th, 1947, and he and the family were just leaving Salt Lake City for the ranch. I shall always remember one line towards the end: “We often think of you all and would surely love to have another reunion or two before we make our last stand”.

We shall never have that reunion now. But Billy will always live on for me – and for all those who had the good fortune to have been within the aura of his gentle friendship.

I imagine Billy had about as much formal religion as I have. But I am sure of his immortality. He will remain green and enduring in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him. The kindly things he did; his smile and warm chuckle; his sense of justice and fairness; his deep, quiet friendship; these will never die. And they and their influence shall pass on from one generation to another. Like the sun and rain they have helped mark life and time.

And that is immortality.

Frazier Hunt