Gazette Loses a Valued Colleague, Bill Lopez Bill Lopez We at the Clearwater Gazette are mourning the loss of one of our own, Bill Lopez, who passed away on February 24th. Bill joined us in the summer of 2008, enthusiastically covering news in the cities of Largo, Belleair Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Belleair Bluffs and Clearwater. A highlight was his 3-part series on Mike Huckabee, published by the Gazette in December, 2008. Born in Northbrook IL, he shared his journey with us through his love of family and friends. His leadership and adventure in the great outdoors was prevalent in many civic, community and church activities, (member of Highland Lakes Men’s Tennis Club and Boat Association, founded Unity Hiking at: Unity Church of Palm Harbor, Unity Chapel of Hemet, CA.) His career in marketing and freelance writing took him to Chicago, Dallas, Gulfport, Tunica, Hemet and Palm Harbor. Sailing adventures took him even further. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia, of 25 years; brother, Robert Lopez of Glen Ellen, CA; 4 children, Juliana Sproles of Ojai, CA; Grant Lopez, of Pensacola; Sabrina Shaper of Sydney, Australia; Derek Lopez of Mobile, AL; their mother, Jane Phillips; and 6 grandchildren, Delaney and Achilles Sproles, Garrett & Hunter Schaper, Lauren & Allison Lopez. A Memorial was held Sunday, March 1st at Unity Church of Palm Harbor, Burial/Celebration of Life Saturday, March 21 in Phoenix. AZ.
|