We Lost a Wicked Good Friend

President Bobbi Cope at Friday’s dinner, rang the club bell for our friend Stephen Bither, who passed away last week after a brief illness. She told members:

Tonight is an especially sad night for the Woodfords Club.  As you must all know by now, our dear friend, Stephen Bither died this week.

It is hard to say those words and believe it.  Just a few short weeks ago he was here with us, playing this piano, baking brownies for our dessert, visiting with us, and enjoying the general camaraderie of the Woodfords Club.

It is challenging to distill Stephen Bither to a short eulogy.  Whatever words I do say will be wholly inadequate to describe this truly humble man.  Humble though he was, his accomplishments were many. His involvement in the community, beyond the Woodfords Club, was significant.

In addition to having a career in law, plus working on a variety of local boards, his musical and entertainment talents were myriad, reaching far and wide.  Being the leader of the Wicked Good Band, of course, gave him the outlet he thoroughly enjoyed which was entertaining everyone.

His quick wit was unmatched, and he routinely made me laugh with a funny comeback, a little chuckle, and a grin. He was genuinely a gentle man whose sparkling blue eyes, well, once again, just made you smile.

Despite experiencing unsurpassed tragedy in his life when his young son died, he  was not a bitter man.  I witnessed his kindness to children and his enjoyment of their company again and again.  This is an example of his big heart.  It is hard to believe that we will never have his “Christmas Sing-Along” again.

Stephen Bither was a giver.  He took so little from anyone.  Whether he contributed a buck or thousands of dollars, had a word of encouragement, or just gave a pat on the back, he gave and gave, asking for nothing.

Bonnie became his partner, and they were a perfect match.  I only knew them in the context of the Woodfords Club but whenever I saw them together, there was a sense of love and companionship that was comforting, and anyone could see it and take pleasure in their shared happiness.

He served us as president three times and was most recently the secretary.  In the Woodfords Club, he was everywhere, from the kitchen to the bowling alley to the boiler room and the boardroom.  I often told him “I know the Woodfords Club is more yours than mine” and truly believed it. Even though he has died, his presence here will remain forever.

I have here a small black ribbon which, as tradition dictates, I will place upon his portrait with all the other past presidents who are gone and are given this distinction.

In summary, Stephen Bither was Wicked Good.  May he rest in peace.