Tuesday, July 26, 2011
We first met Willis almost 6 years ago when he made the effort to look up his old WWII buddies. He didn't find his CO, Major Harold Golden, who had passed away in 1979, but he did find me, Harold's son, and my wife Margie. Soon afterwards, Willis traveled through Alexandria and we began our friendship, which included several visits to Ocala, where we got to meet Pam and Tripp, and many regular phone calls.
Willis knew that I was working on a book based on my father's letters to my mother during the War. He generously shared his memories of the war, which weren't always easy memories. He and my father shared experiences that he hadn't spoken of in years, if ever. We have since valued his friendship, his service to our Country, and his close relationship and support of my father during the War. In our meetings and conversations, we have shared his life with with Lucy from the time they first met. He allowed us to chronicle his war service in a self-published photo book, a copy of which we gave to him on his 90th birthday.
Willis was a war hero though he would never describe himself that way. More than that, he was a close and caring friend, who loved his family. We will miss him.
Our sympathies go out to Pam, Tripp and family. He most certainly is now reunited with Lucy, and hopefully with my father.
Michael and Margie Golden
Alexandria, VA
Ocala (352) 414-4206 | The Villages (352) 561-8048 
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