08/20/2021
I'd like to take a minute to talk about my recent experience with Clearwater City Manager Bill Horne in honor of his passing.
Mayor Hibbard referred me to Bill and his office was eventually able to find a few minutes for him and I to talk on the phone. We ended up speaking for much longer than expected because he was a gracious man who shared a full life of interesting experiences with me.
When he arrived for his session, he was completely accommodating to my direction. Afterward, I interviewed him and he again recounted his amazing experiences abroad while in the Air Force and up to the current day. This time for the camera.
Bill Horne was a full bird Colonel in the Air Force and even held the duties of a City Manager for them while stationed overseas. He was a man of faith, genuine and unassuming.
To most, this will just look like a guy standing there with his hands sticking out.
Here's the story behind it - I asked Bill what mannerisms he had that I might miss in our short time together. Something I could capture that would be relevant for him. He thought for a moment and said, "My hands!" I asked, "Your hands?" He smiled and said, "I talk with my hands." With that, we went through a few different series with his hands. laughing at some of them, but eventually got one that he really liked. The one used here in the final composite. The motion was added later, intended to be a surprise.
I decided to honor Bill's Air Force service as well as his work with the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). Each background element was digitally painted to make everything extra unique.
Sadly, Bill never got to see the completed piece but I bet he would've appreciated it. I'm certain he would've gotten a kick out of those moving hands.
I tip my hat to you Bill. You were as warm as they come.
