Bill Drown made our community a much better place and he made those who knew him better people, simply by the example that he set.
Bill founded the Nevada County Law and Fire Enforcement Council in 1999. He also served on more than two-dozen nonprofit boards, and volunteered thousands of hours with the Grass Valley Police Department. Bill and his wife Susan received many awards for their service to our community. Bill was unstoppable— then he received his cancer diagnosis in November of 2019.
According to Susan, his wife of 42 years, “The morning of November 11, Bill and I attended a presentation from Hospice of the Foothills at our Rotary Club. That evening, Bill’s doctor called with results of a recent exam—Bill had Stage 4 esophageal cancer. He was told that any treatments would only prolong his life by about a month. Bill decided that he’d rather spend that time with family and friends and help others for as long as he could.” They decided to call Hospice of the Foothills to get support as they faced his illness together.
“Bill never wanted to talk about death, but after his diagnosis, his attitude changed,” said Susan. “He wanted to talk about it, to make sure everything was in order.”
Susan shared that the support they received from Hospice of the Foothills was amazing. “Bill’s needs were met, but so were mine, by the caring staff who understood what we were going through every step of the way.”
They were able to experience the full range of services provided: the medical team, social workers, hospice aides, respite volunteers and spiritual care. “Having this support was awesome. Knowing what to expect along the way helped get us through this,” added Susan.
Bill was able to continue living his best life; visiting friends and continuing his volunteer work until the end.
Bill was determined not to die on March 24, Susan’s birthday. Just three days later, he slipped into a coma and took his final breath. Hospice continues to be there to support Susan and her family as they adjust to life without Bill.
The Tuesday following his death, Susan’s doorbell rang. It was Grass Valley Florist with a beautiful bouquet of flowers that Bill had arranged to have delivered to Susan after his death with a message of love.
That’s the kind of man Bill Drown was.