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You didn’t have to know Bill Croghan long to know that he would do anything for anybody. He was one of the kindest men I ever met.
The first time I ever talked to him was one evening when he was at a Cardinals’ game and I was home desperately trying to find a way to get Courtney Sims’ basement finished. She is a wonderful 23-year-old woman who bought her house through Habitat for Humanity. The mother of two toddlers, she is also raising her 17-year-old sister; she’s been her guardian since their mother died five years ago. As editor of St. Louis AT HOME, I had spearheaded a program to get five Habitat houses furnished and finished by designers. Regrettably, problems ensued on Courtney’s house and we needed to come in and redo. The basement had been ignored; aside from one small bedroom, the space was unfinished. She desperately wanted a place for the family to watch television, for her little ones to play and a space designated as a home office.
I asked Bill if it was possible to get the space dry-walled.
He didn’t hesitate.
But then he did so much more than I asked. He had his carpenters not only finish the space but construct three rooms: the family room, a playroom/office and storage area. He donated everything.
As shown here, one weekend he personally spent hours upon hours painting and hanging doors. He sent down electricians to wire the space and then professional painters to finish it off. The basement was perfect.
I was stunned. Courtney, her sister, Nicole, and children, Mykalah and Mekale, were over the moon.
I was not only struck by his generosity but by his kindness. He took time to praise Courtney for all her hard work and to talk to Nicole about her hopes and her dreams. He sent her an inspirational book to help her achieve them.
He hugged everybody. Frequently.
I saw Bill a few times after the project was completed. The last time it was clear that the economic downturn and competition for projects were wearing him down.
He struggled to remain upbeat. And he continued to offer to help when and where he could. And he wanted to stay involved with Habitat for Humanity. When we embark on this year’s community project to redo three of Habitat’s houses, we will do it in his honor.
We are so proud to have known Bill Croghan; he will be so sorely missed by so many people. Our sincerest condolences to his wonderful wife, Rhonda, and his great kids.
May he rest in peace.
