On the day of Bill Schultz's funeral, February 25, 2023, storm "Piper," the first significant blizzard of the year, deposited five inches of snow on Salem, CT. Roads were treacherous. Temperatures were below freezing. Wind chill made conditions even worse. Mourners huddled together to stay warm during the outdoor service at the Salem Green Cemetery. Hardships aside, over 130 people attended. Even the presiding priest commented on the surprisingly large turnout on such a dreadful weather day. However, to those appreciating the impact Bill Schultz had on so many lives, they were not surprised at all.

Bill Schultz had long embraced the science of archaeology as a means of understanding the human past in eastern Connecticut. As one of several people to respond to June Cooke's call to develop a Friends organization to support the Office of State Archaeology, Bill was one of the founding members of FOSA. In addition, with his organizational strengths and energy, Bill served the Arthur Basto Archaeological Society (ABAS) as program director. Yearly, I would receive the call from Bill requesting a presentation for either ABAS, or the Salem Historical Society and each time, I was more than overjoyed to do so. Who could turn down Bill Schultz? Nor could we ignore Bill's concern for the preservation of archaeological and historical places in eastern Connecticut whenever he called our attention to an issue. He worked diligently with the Office of State Archaeology in the field and Salem Town Hall to preserve many archaeological sites, both Native American and Colonial, from economic development projects or vandalism.

His love of history had deep roots, so the next logical step for him was to embrace archaeology when the opportunity presented itself. One of my favorite remembrances of Bill Schultz involved lunches during one of our many excavations in eastern Connecticut. Field lunch for FOSA members is a sacred time where we sit around break bread, relax, and share stories. That's when Bill was most in his element, he could tell a great story! He would have us laughing, shaking our heads in amazement, and enjoying every tale about hunting, travelling, work, family, and friends; you name it, he kept us all spellbound and amused when he held court while sitting on an upside-down plastic bucket. His storytelling was often preceded by a laugh or a smile that prepared you for the amusing tale he was about to spin.

One such favorite story related by Ken Beatrice was that one day they were investigating a possible Native American campsite while working in a farm pasture. Everyone was quite engrossed in their digging when an unusual and unexpected noise caused them all to look up. They were surrounded by a heard of cows that started to chase them to the nearest barred fence. Bill and Dr. Nick Bellantoni, CT State Archaeologist emeritus, always ended the story with this friendly dispute: "Who had gotten to the Fence first?"

Along with his archaeological interests, Bill was an avid hunter/fisherman. The common denominator of these diverse endeavors was his love of the outdoors, treasuring the open air, the countryside, the environment. Even when diabetes impaired his vision, he would still come out on digs and travel on hunting/fishing trips. You just couldn't keep him down.

He served his country as a member of the U.S. Army (Counterintelligence) and attended UConn.

His occupation was in retail and with his outgoing personality, he was very successful working with customers and consumers.

Bill met and married Evelyn Duford, who would become his soulmate for 64 years. Together, they raised three children, Robert, William, Jr., and Barbara sharing many happy and a few sad times together as a closely knit family. Bill and Evelyn were blessed with 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Bill was the proud patriarch of the Schultz clan. They were the love of his life.

His volunteerism was extensive: Boy Scouts of America, Gardner Lake Fire Department, Colchester Fish and Game Club, Arthur Basto Archaeological Society, and, of course, the Friends of the Office of State Archaeology (FOSA). Shortly before he passed, Bill was rightfully recognized for his contributions to his hometown when he was presented with Salem's "Unsung Heroes Award" acknowledging his many years of community service. A well-deserved and appreciated tribute.

To say we will miss him is an understatement. Bill's voice, manner of storytelling, laugh, energy and commitment to archaeology, Salem history and his family are etched permanently in our memory. Our hearts go out to Evelyn and his children.

Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni, Emeritus CT State Archaeologist