Rest in Peace, Billz
It is astonishing how quickly good and bad/true and false statements came out about the untimely death of Sheriff Billy Merrifield, mostly on social media.
But I want all to know that Billy (Billz to those who knew him personally) was liked, loved and respected by many more than disrespected or disliked him.
He took his job seriously, he did what he had to do, thus he had rivals and made enemies. Why, because it’s not possible to please everyone who comes into our lives. Billy put his job responsibility ahead of almost everything else.
I loved Billz. He considered me his mother-in-law, but more so a friend. I was in incredible disbelief, sorrow, lots of tears and grief to learn he was gone — I could not believe it; our birthdays are days apart, we were supposed to have lunch together.
Contrarily, foes expressed mean, cruel, untrue, and made-up stories about him on social media — Facebook posts which would have never been displayed if Billy was alive. What cowards are those who “cast the first stone.” All you who think you are perfect, look in the mirror, I have!
I knew Billz personally from way back. He raised my two grandchildren, Markus and Rianna. We last talked on Good Friday, some about my grandkids. Then he excitedly spoke about his job. He was always enthusiastically bringing me up-to-date about what he’d already accomplished and the so many more things he wanted to do. He was totally committed to making Rio Arriba County drugfree and safe for everyone.
Billz was college-educated and a very empathetic individual. He had a special focus on our youth. As long as I knew him, coaching (T-ball, baseball, basketball, YAFL football) kids of all ages was highly important to him. I served as his photographer.
Billz, I will miss you forever and will pray for you daily. Know that I and so many other love you and think of you dearly
Rest in peace, Billz.
Guadalupe G. Martinez
Hernandez