Posted by JackieTreehorn, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on Mar 30, 2012 at 2:41 am

I knew Bill, we were friends. RIP.

Posted by Craig Laughton, a resident of the College Terrace neighborhood, on Mar 30, 2012 at 5:31 pm

Keith,

Thank you for writing this story on Bill Green. I did not know him, personally, but I do know those who did.

Chariots of fire are as rare as bright comets. Bill Green was one of them. So was Hal Davis.

Posted by steve san jule, a resident of the Fairmeadow neighborhood, on Mar 31, 2012 at 9:34 am

keith...just read about bill green. as a cub. graduate...class of 64...it especially pains me to read of his passing. what a wonderful young man. memories of times gone by....cubberley closing in 79...

Posted by Raymond Threatt, a resident of another community, on Mar 31, 2012 at 9:43 am

The the Green family (Mr. Green) I'm so sorry to hear the news of Bill. I meet your son/brother in the spring of 1978 at a track meet. We became track rivals who had great respect for each other. We had one of the greatest battle of my high school career in January of 1979 at the old Cow palace beteen my self,Bill and Ted White of Richmond. I attended the U of Arizona and Bill U.S.C. we would speak at differant meets thru our college days. As much as I enjoy seeing Bill from time to time I always enjoyed speaking to you also Mr. Green. God bless you all.

Raymond Threat, Pittsburg High school. Pittsburg Ca./ U of Arizona

Posted by Amyk, a resident of the Downtown North neighborhood, on Apr 3, 2012 at 10:54 pm

Thanks Keith for the wonderful article. You just don't seem to have humble athletes anymore. Cubberley was a great school with some great people

Posted by Bret Michel, a member of the Palo Alto High School community, on Apr 14, 2012 at 11:50 am

I ran track at Cubberley High School, but quit due to painful shin-splints early 1979 season. I knew Bill, and his brother Rod. Bill especially had encouraging words for me---he was an amazing athlete no doubt,and we were transfixed on his abilities from the bleachers, but what I remember most, was his demeanor---just the nicest guy in the world who always gave you the time of day; that is, if he wasn't flyin' by at a high rate of speed.

I remember my conversations with Bill on the bleachers at Palo Alto High when he'd come visit in 1980, the year I graduated from Paly. He'd always have something interesting or funny to say, but was quiet and contemplative as well.

I am truly saddened by his passing, and regret not being able to chat with him after all these years, it would have been fun to catch up. My deepest sympathy to all his family and friends. -Bret Michel

Posted by Sarah, a resident of the South of Midtown neighborhood, on Apr 18, 2012 at 11:49 pm

That's the best photo ya got of Bill? Besides being smart, sweet, and funny, my friend was also extremely handsome.

Posted by Craig Laughton, a resident of the College Terrace neighborhood, on Apr 19, 2012 at 12:24 pm

Sarah, I don't mean to make too much of your statement, because there is no need to, for a variety of reasons. I would just say that the published picture showed Bill Green in action. Look at his explosive cut! From an athletic perspective, he is very awesome, if not exactly "handsome". Good enough for me!

Perhaps you were looking from a different perspective?

Cheers.

Posted by Rod Green, a resident of the Greenmeadow neighborhood, on Apr 22, 2012 at 7:39 pm

Keith,

Very nice article and thanks for coming to Bill's service. I remember our O.J. Conversation.

Raymond,

Thanks for the kind words about Bill. I remember you well and have a picture of you and Bill from a race here with me in Michigan.

Bret, Sarah, & Craig,

Thanks for the comments. I kind of like the picture. Bill often took a hat off before a race so his hair was a bit rough. His legacy lives on. His nephew Rod Jr. (14) ran in his first meet in a few years last week. He won the 200, 400 & 800. Bill and I never did that.

Regards,

Rod Green

Posted by Tom, a resident of the Greenmeadow neighborhood, on Jun 1, 2012 at 7:34 am

I just saw his bench over at the Cubberly track. The name on the plaque brought me here. They did a nice job--it has a few flower pots on the edges and is in a cool and shady redwood grove on the western end of the track.

You can access the track from the rear parking lot at Cubberly (near the ball fields) or the entrance on the Nelson Drive side. It's a nice spot to spend a few minutes remembering and watching all the activity going on at the various fields.