It all started with a letter I received on June 8th 2006. The letter read: My name is Brenda Eyman. I live in Chama New Mexico. My dad is (Billy Eyman) he is a die hard Broncos fan and recently they discovered that he had liver cancer. In November 2005 my dad fell off a roof during a regular work day and that was when he started feeling ill. After numerous doctors visits he was diagnosed with liver cancer in March of this year. On April 26th, 2006 the doctor in Albuquerque, New Mexico told us that the cancer had taken over ¾ of his liver and that my dad didn’t have long to live and there wasn’t anything more they could do and sent him home. We have taken him to Denver, Colorado for a second opinion at University of Colorado Hospital/Cancer Center and so far everything sounds better than here in New Mexico.
I was wondering if there would be any way that some of the Broncos team members or Alumni might be interested in meeting my dad while he is in Denver. He is receiving treatment through University of Colorado Hospital /Cancer Center on 9th street in Cherry Creek. He has gone to almost every home game for several years. He decorates his house with all the Broncos items for every game we watch at home. This would be greatly appreciated if there was something you could do. Meeting some of the players would make his dream come true…Family has always come first to our dad. Every year when the new schedule comes out he asks who wants to go see a game this year. Being there are four daughters, he tries to get us to go at different times. He has had a hard year and we just want the best for him. If we don’t get very much time with him we would like the time that we do have with him to be the best memories ever.
After reading Brenda’s letter I was sort of spellbound wanting to meet her dad. I could feel the love she had for her dad and was reaching out to do anything to make him happy. We get tons of letters requesting various things but this one just stayed with me. I had to call Brenda back and talk to her.
We played phone tag for a couple of days and finally we talked. She told me that her Mom and Dad would be in Denver and gave me a phone number that I could reach them at. She also told me that she didn’t tell them anything about this call because she didn’t want to disappoint them if no one was able to come. I told her I would see them when they came to Denver.
On Saturday June 29th, 2006 I decided I would give Billy Eyman from Chama New Mexico a call. It was late afternoon and I spoke to Burta, his wife. I told her who I was and that I heard about Billy and what a tremendous Broncos fan he was. At first she didn’t believe it was me and that I was calling them. I assured her it was me and I wanted to meet Billy. She told me he was resting because they had just returned from getting his treatments. I heard something in the background on the phone and it was Billy asking Burta who it was. She put him on the phone and I told him who I was and that I wanted to meet him. I could see him smiling through the phone. We set a time and day to meet. We met in Lochbuie, Colorado (25 miles northeast of Denver). Billy was a little weak from his treatments that day but he was the most upbeat and charming person you would ever meet. We saw one another on and off for most of 2006 and we exchanged Christmas cards.
On July 9th, 2007, I got a phone message from Brenda, Billy’s oldest daughter. Judging by her tone I could tell something was wrong. I called her back and she told me her dad had passed. I had known Billy for just over a year but it seemed like forever. I needed to go to Chama to celebrate Billy’s life. When arranging my travel plans I learned that there are no planes that fly directly into Chama. You have to fly to Albuquerque and drive three hours to Chama.
Generously, I received a ride from Abbie Martinez and her granddaughter Mikayla. They were on their way to Chama by way of Dallas, Texas, for the services for Billy. We arrived just in time to see the last remaining visitors leave Billy’s house. Burta was happy to see me and I was happy to make it. The services were the next day in a small but cozy Catholic Church that was full of Billy’s friends and family.
Father Daniels started the service with the reason he was there. Father Daniels was once the father for the church in Chama but he had moved to Albuquerque to take over a larger church. He said everyone should know him because his picture had been plastered all over the front page of the Albuquerque newspaper for some charges that he has since been cleared of. He said the first person that called him was Billy Eyman. He said Billy asked what he could do to help and he didn’t believe what the papers were saying. He said he had to be there to do the services and celebrate Billy’s life. I think that’s why everyone was there because Billy touched everyone he knew including me…plus today is Billy‘s birthday.
Happy Birthday, Billy.
So what Bronco visited Billy Eyman? Did any of them go?
What a great story. My father also died on July 9th, 2007 at Rose Medical center. His liver, among other things gave out as well. What a great feeling your dad must have had when the Bronco showed up to talk with him. I know how you feel with the loss of your dad. I am also feeling the same way.
If you look at the end it shows that it was posted by Billy Thompson.
Billy Thompson … classy player, classier human. On behalf of all fans; thanks for the inspiration. Billy Eyman, your story will always be a part of me.
If I hadn`t read it was Billy Thomson at the end and someone would have asked me to guess what Bronco had written this blog, I would have named about three or four Broncos and Billy Thomson would have been one of those choices.
This man has been nothing less than total class since he arrived in our city a few years ago. I want to say 1969 or so but it`s been a while and my memory is not as good as I`d like anymore.
Billy Thomson is a GREAT Bronco and a great human also. We were sooo lucky to add him to our city and our BRONCO TEAM. Thx Billy, your the best!
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I have know Billy most of my life. He was a wondeful man and it showed through his family. Brenda Eyeman is my sister-in-law and I know how close this family is. By seeing Billy with his family, you can see how much love was between all of them. He will be greatly missed!
I thought maybe some of the now Bronco’s would go. I know my dream is to meet one or maybe two if I am lucky!! Sorry, I just felt bad for Him and his family. So sad!
My dad had the biggest heart a person could have. He told everyone he talked to everyone of his love for the Broncos, and his “friend” who took the time to meet him, Billy Thompson. I am Belinda, Billy’s daughter. This loss has taken a toll on such a tight knit family, but we will get through it together. Billy Thompson not only took the time to come out and see our family and celebrate these services with us, but living in a small community he took time to give autographs to people, take pictures, and the biggest thrill to many, was pass his superbowl ring around. I appreciate the time you all have taken to read this story. Thank you all for you thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
I am the oldest daughter of Billy Eyman. My name is Brenda Eyman and I would like to extend a very special Thank You to Mr. Billy Thompson for being such a special person to my dad. Even though he was very excited to meet you for the first time last year June 2006, he had taken you in as a very special friend. He enjoyed every visit that you had either in Denver and over the phone. Thank you so much for including him in your life as more then a fan. This Blog that you have written I know comes from your heart. My dad was a very special person. He valued his family, his life, and the Broncos. He was a very happy and a pleasant person to talk to as well as very smart. He will be missed very much. Thank you all for the replies that you have posted. God Bless all of you each and every day.
Billy you are a good man to give your time to Mr Eyman before he died. I am sure the family appreciates what you did. I know I would! Sorry if I sounded unfeeling! It doesn’t hurt to take time out of your life, not you Billy, I mean anyone and have a dream come true! You are a good and kind human! God bless you, and Mr. Eyman’s family!
Donna, thank you. It is nice to read the comments made. We are a strong family, and God will see us through this hard time. I thank all that have taken the time to read this story; and especially those who can relate. I never thought I could live life without my father. Every day is a battle, but somehow I find the stregnth. When I look up to the clouds, I know my dad is there watching over his daughters, and especially his “hunny bunny”, my mother. Odd, but it is the clear days that somehow make me sad now. My only wish to all is cherish your parents, for they are very special people, who have a never-ending love for their children.
Well it is that time again. Football season and that was something that my dad (Billy Eyman) enjoyed the most. This is the time of the year that reminds me of my dad the most. He loved the game and enjoyed inviting people over for snacks to watch the game with him as well as decorating the house just for Bronco Season. I really miss him but I am glad that I was able to enjoy those times with him. I thank Billy Thompson every day when I pray for making my dad’s dream come true. Billy, you are truely an angel and I will never forget you for all you gave my dad.
Brenda
I am not sure if you remember me. I grew up in Chama and left for the Navy over 20 years ago. I do remember your dad. I am sorry to hear of your loss. I feel your pain as Jane just passed away from Breast Cancer. May your dad continue to “REST IN PEACE”.
Hi Cheo,
I sure do remember you and am glad that you got to read this story. I hope that you and your family are doing well. Keep in touch here is my e-mail bceyman@yahoo.com. I am sorry for your loss as well. Cancer is like a terrorist that you can’t capture but research is trying to find a cure. Well, it is July and now in August football season starts again. I feel sad that I can’t share this time with my dad but at the same time I remember all the good times we had during this time. Talk to you soon. Brenda
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