Hearty Turnout for 'Wild Bill' Memorial

Members of the community and some family of turned out Sunday for a moving, public remembrance of the homeless man most around La Cañada knew as "Wild Bill.''

"It was a lovely mixture of family, friends from the park, frisbee golfers, townspeople, high school kids, people from JPL, and two officers from the Hope unit of Pasadena Police Department who knew Bill well,'' said Claudia Zentmyer, a hospital chaplain who, with other members of organized the memorial. 

Barrios died Oct. 13, his body found in the park he called home for many years. Cause of death is still pending with the L.A. County Department of Coroner. While arrested frequently by deputies and Pasadena Police, for alcohol-related charges, Barrios was known by many as a gentle man who enjoyed the outdoors.

Barrios brother, Erick Chavez, said although it but to sleep and live in the park, that was the way he wanted to live.

Zentmyer said Barrios' family was very touched by Sunday's turnout for the service. While she wasn't exactly sure how many people attended, Zentmyer had 60 programs--and they ran out.

Community members spoke, as did Chavez and two Frisbee golfers who knew Barrios, Zentmyer said. The group sang, said prayers and offered words of hope and remembrances.

The service was followed by a reception with food provided by the family, friends and people from La Canada Presbyterian Church.

"Bill was remembered and honored and new connections were made among those who attended,'' Zentmyer said.