Clara Thomson: Bill Hillman's rose garden was featured in the first rose book I bought thirty years ago. There were photographs of hundreds of roses -- immaculate, lush and healthy -- growing in raised brick beds. It looked like an incredible place and I wished my garden could look the same. Years later, like so many other people you'll be hearing from, I got to know Bill through rose groups on the Internet. Alternatively funny, cantankerous, stubborn, and grouchy, he encouraged us to try new roses and advised about how to grow them well. He'd bluntly tell you which roses he likes and which ones he thinks are "dogs". Please, don't even think about mentioning blue roses. And be prepared to fall in love with 'Touch of Class', the rose over which he proposed to his partner in crime, Janie. There's a 'Touch of Class' in my garden -- it's immaculate, lush and healthy and it grows in a raised brick bed. Every time I look at it, I think of Bill. You know, he's a touch of class, too.

Suzanne Thompson: Sunny, I miss you and demand you get back home soon. If you don't, I can promise you I will be making a $50.00 donation in the name of Sunny Billy Hillman to the Opossum Rescue Fund. In addition, I will tell every single newbie who asks where they can find the black and blue rose...... that these roses can be ordered from the Bill & Janie Hillman's Alhambra Ranch. I saw 'Intrigue' in a nursery the other day and have to admit it did look like a dying eggplant..... but this was ONLY because it was an abused rose that hadn't been taken care of. Howz the weather in Alhambra today, Sunny? A violent thunderstorm is in progress here in Paradise.

Jim Delahanty: I have known Bill Hillman for about ten years. He is a totally straight shooter. He will give you his opinion -- mostly minus adjectives, adverbs or qualifying phrases -- whether you want it or not. He has spent the majority of his life in search of the perfect rose -- with some time out to find the perfect wife.

Mack Stephenson: What was, is, and always will be. I love the guy and I already told him once today.

Suzanne S. aka Silvirado:: I was just out watering tonight, in the midst of this miserable heat, and Sunny Bill kept popping into my head. I was looking at 'Singin' in the Rain', which fades terribly in this weather, and I remembered Sunny saying what a dog it was. And my Dahlias have gone insane, they are rioting all over the place and trying to work their wandering ways into the rose gardens... had to chuckle at the thought of Bill taking after those 6-foot 'weeds' with a machete! Hope that you are feeling better, Bill.

Dave Amorde: Bill, I was sitting around the house, bored stiff, trying to think of a nice way to let you know that I was thinking of you. So, I shovel pruned all of my neighbor's 'Intrigue's. Whatcha think of that?

Sam McGredy:: Bill, I'm literally in the sun in Honolulu! I heard from Suzanne that you
are in hospital. This is just to say I'm thinking of you - and trust you'll soon be back out where you belong - in the sun!

Judy Pineda: Bill, your endless source of straight shooting pluck has kept us all both entertained and in line all these years on rec.gardens.roses and now GrowRoses. Thanks for always fighting the good fight -- now just be sure you give this current one the best you've got!!! Love, Judy

Beverly Rose Hopper: There are times you come across as crusty and cranky, but I know that underneath it all is a sweetness. There have been some issues we do not agree on, but I admire your strength of conviction and courage to state your opinions. You have an impact - that cannot be denied. Thank you for sharing your knowledge gathered from a lifetime passion of roses with us all.

Joel Mattox: Bill, You've been a great influence on my roses and my web activities, both of which have become very special to me. Your willingness to give of your time and advice is and has been appreciated by many rose growers, along with your direct style, respect for the truth, and keen wit. The beauty of technology is that it can bring kindred spirits together across the miles. I'm pleased to count myself among your friends; the small detail that we may not have met face-to-face has not impeded that. And of course, as we both know, there really aren't any Blue Roses. :) Best wishes.

Donna Holmes: Dear Bill, You're a good man with a good heart who, I believe, knows how to follow his heart. This is a quality that is all too rare in this world. I am sure you are following your heart now more than ever, and I respect and honor that. Know that I am sending you my best wishes. I will keep you in my thoughts as you brave these difficult times. I've always wanted to say thank you for making me feel welcome on RGR when I first appeared. I'll never forget what you told me about 'Oranges 'n Lemons' and I think of you whenever I see that rose. When I have enough sun to have a real rose garden, I am going to plan one in my sunniest spot and think of you. Your friend, Donna