William John "Bill" Kochel

I could fill this page with stories as I have tons of them, however since I've been blowing up my own FB page with them, and I'm sure plenty of the folks reading this are friends, I'll keep this short and sweet.

Bill I love you and I'm going to miss you deeply.

Goodbye Kochel.

Dear Bill,

I told you the reason why God kept you around when all you wanted to do is move on. You were who you where, and as of late, you provided so many of us with words of encouragement and understanding in our time of pain. You did this selflessly in light of your own pain and suffering. You found happiness through your friends, and came to the understanding that God is good, and that everyday was a gift. I am happy for you that your suffering and wonderment of what happens, is finally answered. You leave behind a legacy full of memories that are bigger than you! I am so glad we found peace and shared so much before you crossed over. I hope your beloved Bruno greeted you & introduced you to our lord. Say hello and play with my little Pandie girl, and tell her we love and miss her horribly. God Speed Bill !

My thoughts and prayers go out to Bill's son Sam. Bill has tought a lot of people about the fire business including myself and I'm thankful for that. Bill could alway make you laugh. He could also make you mad ,but most of the time it was to help you. There are alot of memories I can think of about Bill but 1 sticks out the most. Its when we were out at a fire call and someone made him mad. I won't use his name but Bill would pick this person up and basiclly throw him against a van and the boy would just keep coming back for bill yo keep doing it over and over. That was one of the funniest moments. I can see it like it was just yestarday. I know there is a few people who can remember this also. But Bill you will really be miss by alot of people. Rest in peace Bill Kochel and may i never forget you were also a kind man when you were needed. Sam i am so sorry for your loose of not only your father but a really good man.

Chief,

I wish to thank you for sharing your life with me. It was an honor to both serve with you, and to know you. My life is better because of you. We may all be selfishly feeling sorrow now, but I am so happy that I know where you are. You lifted our sirits and made us smile. I love you brother!!! You will never be forgotten.

Thanks for ur service Billy. RIP

As I sit back and recall so many incidents that you where on I remember coming to a call were there was a newborn with some type of issues and recalling you being there first and you handing off the baby to me as we arrived on location and later on meeting up with the Medics just outside of town. That image will always be imprinted in my mind the sight of a guy bigger than a bear with this newborn. I cannot help but think of fat bastard on Austin Powers with the little guy Mini Me. "Get in my belly". Bill what a long strange trip it has been. Thank you for what have done for us and who you were.

Bill was a very helpful man when I first came to BWH, SFC and Medic 93. My first flight was with him and made the job enjoyable. Even with a very sarcastic remarks he made the job enjoyable. Was saddened when he left BWH but was glad when he became chief at Parksburg and the pleasure of again interacting with him on many accidents and fires. My prayers and thoughts are with his family and his many friends. He will be missed but always remembered.

Bill, you will be missed by many. Rest in peace and we'll always remember your smile and kindness.

Mike and Bev Donohue

i still can't believe...
I will miss our chats about stupid and searious things :)
look at us from the heaven!

Bill,
Thanks for your friendship and help for becoming a better EMT. RIP brother.

Bill, I will miss your comments making me laugh on Facebook, but also seeing you and having a laugh here and there. While we are all sad you have moved onto the afterlife, we rejoice in the good Lord ending your suffering away. Rest easy my friend. May the peace and grace of God be with your family.

~ Kriss

I am still in disbelief, after seeing posts on facebook. To your son and family, you will be in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you the strength and wrap his arms around you at this time for healing. Bill will be very missed by all. From the time I meet him working at Rocco's Pizza shop to working at Walmart with him and from him saving my son's life when I was a single mother, He was always so kind,dear,funny,courteous and has always had special place in my heart. I am so sorry for your loss! God Speed Bill, you got your wings until we meet again my friend!!

To the Family and Friends of Bill. I'm so very sorry for your loss. May God grant you the Peace you need in Bill's passing. Bill, I'm happy that you are healed and well in heaven!
God Bless.

Debbie (Lewis) Enos
Class of 1977

Many good memories of Billy over the years.. He will be missed.

So sad to hear of this but with the many talks we had at Wayne's shop I know for a fact you are in heaven and in no pain. You had touched so many people in so many ways that you will never know. Prayers and thoughts for your family and friends for the Lord's comforting arms in this time of our need. You will surely be missed by me. Your always were my "big gentle giant" Till me meet again, my friend I will think of you often.

Very disturbing and upsetting news...still in disbelief. I hadn't seen bill is years but we used to work at Walmart together and we talked a lot on Facebook. He was a good man who was maybe too good for this earth so god has taken him home. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and close friends. I'll always remember how cheerful he was and helpful he was.
Thanks bill, RIP bro!

Thoughts and prayers to the Kochel family during this difficult time.

My most sincere sympathies to Sam. Your Dad was always so very proud of you!! He was a big teddy bear with a heart of gold. He was a true friend. He will be terribly missed by me, and many others.

I was so surprised to hear of "Kochel"'s death. I'll always remember him from my teenage years as we would attend the firehouse dances in Parkesburg. Over the years, we would talk about this and that. Bill was always kind and was definitely a role model. You always knew where you stood with him. Not only was he involved with the fire house activities in our community, but Bill would help with the community cupboard, handing out tickets to the families as they came in. Even though he suffered his own health issues, he was always willing to help others. I will miss your smile and your friendly greetings, Kochel. Until we see each other again, Godspeed.

Wow Bill. I know I'm late finding about your departure from this 3D existence. May you have gentle journeys my friend <3