Bill Nieman is shown with the model trains he maintained as head of the model railroad club (above) and with son Bill II (below) on a recent camping trip. We all remember Bill Niemann and his valiant battle against a cancer that would not let go. His name was on prayer lists in churches throughout Wilkes County and beyond as his family, friends, and neighbors lent what support they could to Bill and Pat, his wife of 44 years.

Facing a challenge was not new to Bill. He had been a spirited, determined achiever all his life. He spent 45 years in scouting, beginning as a Cub Scout in Lincoln County and earning Eagle Scout status and induction into the Order of the Arrow. As an adult, he worked as a scout leader and member of the Boy Scout Council.

After high school, Bill enlisted in the military. In 1962, Pat, a Washington native, left college, traveled to Germany, and married Bill. After 21 years working in aircraft maintenance propulsion and weather equipment maintenance, Bill retired in 1981 and brought his family home to Georgia.

He and Pat enjoyed time with their family, son (Bill II), two daughters (Cynthia and Lynn), and six grandkids. Bill also stayed busy as a Master Mason, as president of the Railroad Club of Washington and Lincolnton, and in a wide range of church and community activities. He worked part-time at McDonald's, maintaining and repairing equipment, and was known for his friendly personality and his helpful ways.

In March 1999, life for the Niemanns took a shocking downturn when Bill was stricken with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck. The first symptom was a sore throat and an egg-size swelling on the left side of his neck, a condition that physicians first thought to be swollen glands. Later, a surgeon at Eisenhower Medical Center at Ft. Gordon would diagnose the cancer and perform surgery to remove it. The point of origin of his cancer, however, was never found. The shock was heightened because Bill was not a smoker and had not had prior health problems.

After surgery, he underwent 34 sessions of radiation, and although weakened by the treatments, Bill gradually regained his strength and returned to a normal life.

Then, in 2003, the cancer returned with a vengeance, this time at the base of the tongue and the larynx. In November of that year, the surgeon removed the cancerous tissue, followed by a third surgery in January 2004 to remove the larynx. He went home with a Cooper Rand speaking device and began speech therapy. Fourteen more sessions of radiation and nine chemotherapy treatments followed.

Because her employers allowed flexibility in taking Bill to medical appointments, Pat was able to continue working part time at McDonald's and at Wills Memorial Hospital. For both Bill and Pat, life's regular routines were reassuring and stress reducing. After completing his treatment protocol and after a period of recovery, Bill returned to work part time and continued participation in the many community activities that he enjoyed so much.

In the fall of 2006, the effects of Bill's disease worsened and his health begin to decline. In January of 2007 Bill, Pat, and his oncologist decided that caring for Bill at home would require help. He was able to stay at home under the care of Pat, a visiting hospice team, and a local volunteer. A chaplain and social worker also made regular visits, all part of the hospice service. Today Pat recalls with sincere gratitude the generous and caring assistance of the hospice staff without which she could not have managed. They offered emotional support for Bill and Pat in addition to the physical support to Bill.

Throughout these challenging times, Bill remained courageous and determined to get well, as did Pat, though she knew deep down how serious this illness was. Hope and a positive outlook are major components of caregivers, those persons who are so essential to the cancer patient. During this time, friends and family stayed close beside them, helping with trips to treatments, running errands and providing support. Randolph Lawrence, a neighbor and close friend, drove Bill to Mc- Donald's twice a day for coffee and "therapy," meaning conversation and fellowship with his buddies.

Thanks to his fighting spirit, Bill was able to keep up with some of his favorite activities nearly to the end of his life. He had been a regular member of the Friday night jam sessions with the Stan Coe family and the Distant Cousins Band. Bill played washboard.

He lost his courageously fought battle with cancer on April 5, 2007, surrounded by family and friends. Pat says, "There is no way I could have made it through this without my faith and all of our wonderful friends and family."

After many months of focusing on Bill and supporting him through his journey with cancer, Pat is beginning to put her own life in place. She continues to work at McDonald's and as Community Relations Coordinator at Wills Memorial Hospital. In her efforts to reach out to others, Pat has written a booklet offering guidelines to settling the estate when a loved one dies. In recognition of her dedication and service, Pat received the CSRA Caregiver of the Year Award for 2007. Now she is the Niemann family representative playing the washboard in the Distant Cousins Band in honor and memory of Bill. She has joined the Washington Little Theater and will be one of the townspeople in Fiddler on the Roof. All of this keeps her busy while still allowing her time to reflecton her wonderful 44 years with Bill.