Uncle Bill Dick with some of the many students whose lives he has impacted over the past 21 years at St. Theresa School. (Cour-tesy St. Theresa School)
By Wendy Souza
Special to the Herald
After over 21 years of devoted service, Uncle Bill Dick retired from St. Theresa School in Kekaha, Kauai, on June 30 — but the impact he has made will never leave our campus, our classrooms or our hearts.
Originally hired by Principal Sister Elizabeth Ann, Uncle Bill began his journey with us as the school’s campus maintenance man, but it quickly became clear that he was much more than that.
From the very start, he poured his heart into everything he did — cleaning classrooms, mowing lawns, trimming hedges and scrubbing bathrooms, all with quiet grace and humility.
As time passed, Uncle Bill’s role grew. He crawled through attic spaces to run network wires, and fixed nearly everything imaginable — doors, desks, fans, chalkboards, swings, chairs, brooms, mops and basketball hoops. There was no problem too big or too small that Uncle Bill couldn’t solve with a little elbow grease and a lot of heart.
He became our resident expert in setting up tents for every event imaginable. He mastered the sound system for assemblies, talent shows, May Days and picnics. He was always there — quietly working behind the scenes to make sure everything ran smoothly.
But it isn’t just what Uncle Bill does — it is who he is that leaves a lasting mark. He never missed a school Mass, sharing his beautiful gift of music and praise every chance he had. His voice has filled our chapel with joy, gratitude and faith more times than we can count.
He fiddled in classrooms, taught kids how to throw a Frisbee, put up Halloween decorations and adorned our Christmas tree with hearts. Each year on the feast of St. Theresa, every teacher received a single white rose from Uncle Bill, a simple but deeply meaningful gesture of love and appreciation.
Uncle Bill has touched the hearts of every child and teacher. Students write him letters of love each year, and eighth graders consistently honor him in their graduation speeches as someone who shaped their time at St. Theresa School. His daily commute from Kilauea to Kekaha (a 100-mile round trip) is a testament to his uncommon dedication and love.
Behind every day Bill gave to our school was his beloved wife, Michelle, an artist whose vibrant spirit and creativity matched his own. Together, they created a legacy on Kauai — Michelle’s unmistakable artwork and Bill’s constant, joyful music. Though Michelle has passed, her light continues to shine in the heart of everything Bill does.
As he steps away from his role at St. Theresa to honor Michelle’s memory and explore his musical path, we send him with all our love and good wishes. Uncle Bill has promised to come back and share his music whenever he can — and we know he will, because he is, and always will be, family.
Uncle Bill, there are no words big enough to thank you. You are woven into the soul of St. Theresa School. We love you, and we always will.