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A tribute to and in memory of 'Billybuddy' ~ William Ward Boylston III

Blog Last Activity 8 years ago 1.3K views 34 comments


William Ward Boylston III, known by most of those here that were close to him as Billybuddy (his GBT user name), or “B3″, passed away suddenly two years ago today in the late hours of Friday, March 28, 2014.

Billy had aspurgers syndrome or aspie for short. It is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). He was diagnosed as an 'HFA' or high functioning autistic. He was also considered an 'NT' or 'neurotypical'. He was savant-like in many ways and a brilliant, charming, and caring young man.

Because his name was William III, they called him B3 for short. It was also a fiting nickname because his favorite cartoon when he was little was Bananas and Pajamas. The cartoon characters were B1 and B2, thus Billy was B3. Billy was always warmly, and often comically greeted by his cat whom he named Max Potential. Billy kept us all laughing and giggling with his amazing sense of humor, which permeated most everything he said and did.

Although the family is wealthy, love and kindness toward the homeless and those who have little has always been their focus. They ran a boarding home for the poor which Billy helped to manage atop the building in his so called 'roost'. He would awake early to bake the boarders fresh, warm muffins with jam, earning him the nickname 'Muffin Man'. Billy loved to cook and, like most things he undertook, was quite good at, as the tenants and his relatives would atest to. With joy and love he would hover over his large batches of stew and other comfort foods for the boarding home tenants. He never stopped thinking how he could help the less fortunate and did so all year long, not only at the boarding home, but all over the city of Boston and beyond.

Billy was an accomplished organist and often played for his church. He loved watching Gert van Hoef play: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2p7cejND70#t=48

Billy was always thinking and had many brilliant ideas. He had a theory that dancing could help autistic people and set out to prove it. He convinced local doctors and college notables to help him do so via ballet. Billy always dreamed of 'flying' like Billy elliot, the young ballet prodogy. So the medical professionals hooked Billy up to various sensors connected to an array of medical devices to read his brain and body activity while he was taught ballet. Unfortunately, several weeks into the training he seriously injured his leg preventing him from continuing. He was heartbroken but brainstormed on other ways to help autistic people.

Billy was so bright that he was accepted at Harvard University. Sadly, Billy passed away before he was able to begin classes. That day the world lost a wonderful person....but another world gained one.

Billy, you brought so much to our lives. You touched us all like no other, with your kindness, thoughtfulness, brilliance, charm, love, joy, and humor. I miss you so much my sweet friend. I'm sure you are much happier where you are. I only hope that some day we will meet again. I love you B3. ~ from your 'Unster Dennis' and from all here that knew and loved you.

Help shine a light on autism spectrum disorders ~ autism speaks ~ world autism awareness day, April 2, 2016. Learn more at http://www.lightitupblue.org

This is Billy's Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/billyboylston

One of Billy's many favorite poems:

It Couldn't Be Done by Edgar A. Guest

Somebody said that it couldn't be done,
But he with a chuckle replied
That "maybe it couldn't," but he would be one
Who wouldn't say so till he'd tried.
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.

Somebody scoffed: "Oh, you'll never do that;
At least no one ever has done it";
But he took off his coat and he took off his hat,
And the first thing we knew he'd begun it.
With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,
Without any doubting or quiddit,
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.

There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,
There are thousands to prophesy failure;
There are thousands to point out to you one by one,
The dangers that wait to assail you.
But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,
Just take off your coat and go to it;
Just start to sing as you tackle the thing
That "cannot be done," and you'll do it.


Billy often spoke this famous quote:
"When the power of love conquers the love of power, the world will know peace."


We will never forget you Billy because you still live in our hearts.

Comments

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gm4yngr
8 years ago

Beautiful tribute Dennis, thanks for posting this.

rps1106
8 years ago

I'll never forget Billie's dry sense of humour - it used to make me roll up laughing some of the things he said. He was due to come over to the UK too, which of course he never made.
I saw Billie Elliott last night at the theatre. I could imagine Billy playing the lead role! I also remember being told off by him for calling him Bills - that was reserved for only our Toby who we often still talk about on here.

8 years ago

that is a wonderful tribute. thank you for sharing!

8 years ago

What a beautiful tribute. Wish I had know. Him.

8 years ago

The world is a much sadder place but at least he made many friends and touched many lives with his generous work

Flyboi937
8 years ago

Dennis, thanks for posting this again....I was so touched by it the first time I saw it I posted it to my notes to save forever...re-read it just the other day and thought of how I have come to appreciate Gert van Hoef's pipe organ music as a result of it! Much appreciated and I wish I had known him!

hairbear
8 years ago

██ It is very sad to lose a (younger) friend...(....)....DAVE™....███

8 years ago

Ill never forget our chats on yahoo and all the things we shared with each other.... you touch my heart in so many ways..... you knew my pain and I knew yours..... im so proud to call you my friend..... you will always be a part of my life..... keep dancing my sweet sweet friend

8 years ago

I know he is in heaven teaching my father to dance. For my father had two left feet when it came to dancing. You will never be forgotten.

8 years ago

RIP Billy....now you can dance

8 years ago

You touched my heart Billy, will never forget you ..

8 years ago

We will never forget you Billy because you still live in our hearts. Luv and (((BIG HUGS))) to you.

9 years ago

only the good die young....

nate88
9 years ago

Billy's LIGHT has not gone out but is bright in my heart and mind. Billy and I had a close brotherly connection from my first day at GBT. His life and light will remain with me always. I LOVE him still as my little brother along with his Uncle and Husband along with Mom, Dad and Granny. What the world might have been if Billy were here to lead the charge. A heart and a love so BIG to Hug and help[ EVERYONE. So much more I could say - all the times we chatted and talked - even the first time he was in intensive care by way of Liam (his uncle). I look forward to seeing him again and watch him dance among the heavens. Dance Billy - DANCE.........Your BUBBA

letsGO
9 years ago

if I'm out at night, I always look for the brightest star, it's billy looking down and watching over us all

9 years ago

Not much more I can say about him, that hasn't been said. He was a good friend of mine. I miss him dearly.

GayBoytubes
9 years ago

He was my trusted friend. I think about billybuddy a lot, love and miss him so much.

9 years ago

How old was he? Just wondering, surprisedly how young he was before he has died. I am sure that all his buddies loved him so dear. I am sure he is more happy now in heaven with his good friends. I know he will watch over you guys. I know you guys loves him lots. I respect and like the way he was respect the same to you guys. ????

9 years ago

I totally agree with sumpterz in that I also never knew billybuddy. my loss is someone else's gain This site needs more people like B3 Caring Loving
Could I also highlight a point to all which was made in the tribute about World Autism Awareness Day ( pleeeease) Great tribute

9 years ago

First time I meet him here I posted on his wall..... nice name :) we were close friends since then.... I chated with him a couple days before his passing..... I'll miss our chats together

9 years ago

Billy was one of a kind. Opinionated, funny, sometimes outrageous...and always deeply caring. A light gone out too soon.