File:Custodian Bill Merriman.jpg

Summary

If you graduated in 1994 or before, you saw Bill Merriman standing against the windows at lunchtime. Bill graduated from the "old" BHS in 1954 and started working at the old school in 1963. The current BHS building opened in 1965. Bill was well known for his athletic skills in high school sports especially in baseball, and his graying crew cut head was often seen at home games. As Head Custodian it was Bill's job to be at athletic events but Bill also enjoyed supporting the "current crop" of athletes participating in high school just as he had. Depending on when you graduated you may have also seen Bill leaning against the radiators in the cafeteria. I became aware of Bill's athletic skills when he, Alan Lecalleet and I headed for the golf links. I started playing golf when I was 17 and like my age my handicap just continued upwards. The first time I saw Bill take a swing off the tee I waited for the sound of a sonic boom. I have never seen a golf ball hit that hard off the tee, and Bill's swing looked like it was effortless. I always liked Bill because although he looked liked a retired drill sergeant who if you pissed off would chew your ass out, he had a bright gleam of mischief in his eye. To me it also was a reflection of his wit and intelligence. After 30 years he retired at the end of the 93-94 school year. Like many I had the privilege to work with while at BHS, Bill was a unique treasure at the high school

Courtesy of Jon Evans