William Reis Obituary

Dear Family & Friends of Bill

I used to work for my father, Tony Izzo (RIP) at Edit/Chicago back in the day!

I was honored to be at his splicer working as an apprentice assistant on dozens of campaigns during my short time, and it was then I was to have the pleasure of knowing, Bill Reis.

One of those campaigns was the safety buckle awareness ones- "You could learn a lot from a Dummy"

I remember Dave Thomas and I each cut the audio for one of my father's two separate MOS film edits on what was 2, :60 spots.

We all headed over to Universal Recording for the mix. I was seated at Bill's right off the counsel and he opened up the tracks on my cut-- full tilt on that oldschool projection screen & he lit up the studio with sound and motion & color.

He gently glanced at me as we made eye smiles--and that smile he had with those eyes! He didn't even need to tell me how proud he was of my first 35 mm audio track edit.

I was hooked in the praise through his expression. Although he did simply ask- "did you did this?"

When I recently came across my first picture of Bill - here at my father's- while I have been sorting through the memories- I remembered hearing that we had all lost - Bill - all too soon as well.

I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was not only a kind & creative soul; he was an individual with a passion for his work- a person who brought persons together in the name of shared dreams & a lust for life - - I may not have gone too many places with my resume after those times- but, knowing that Bill Reis was one of my references was truly empowering and will always be.

My best,
Elizabeth Izzo

Hi Billy,

I stopped by to see you and Donna today. Sure hope you are both fishing with Dad and having a ball. Love you lots and am still crying, but time does heal and knowing you both are safe now gives me comfort.

Your loving sister Diane

To the wonderful family & friends of "Bill",

I came across this poem and thought of Bills family with such saddened hearts so heavy , and hope this will help you get through your troubled days.



As you read this, just think of Bill speaking these words to comfort you in his passing...





“I Am Free”



Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me.



I took His hand when I heard Him call, I turned my back and left it all.



I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work or play.



Tasks left undone must stay that way, I found that peace at the close of day.



If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy,



A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things I too will miss.



Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.



My life’s been full; I’ve savored much, Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.



Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.



Lift up your hearts and share with me; God wanted me now –

He Set Me Free!



Author Unknown

Bill,



I smile everytime I think about calling your house on a Saturday and hearing you say,



"Oh, you must have gotten your paper route done early huh?"



I hope all of us that knew you can continue your "paper route".



You bring smiles to our faces when we think of you, Thank you for the memories!!



Tracy

Dear Bill,

I only knew you for a short period when you were a teenager and another short while just before your passing. It certainly was nice to see how such a really "cool" teen turned into a truly wonderful man. You made such a great impression on so many persons, myself included. When I was in your presence, I could sense God smiling at me through you! No wonder you were so loved!

Hope to see you in paradise, buddy.

Chuck

Brother Bill,

I can't believe you are gone. Two pictures keep coming to mind: you as a little tike with your shaved summer haircut wearing dark blue Levis and striped shirt and always smiling and playing catch.

Second is you hanging up your jacket at the lodge, staying in it and hanging your head as if you'd already had a few too many. You could really pull that one off good. Thanks for loving me Bill, much Love from me always, Your Sister Carol.

DAD, I REALLY MISS YOU. DO YOU REMEMBER THIS NOTE THAT MOM HAD ON HER REFRIGE? IT GOES LIKE THIS- A BUTTERFLY LIGHTS BESIDE US LIKE A SUNBEAM. AND FOR A BRIEF MOMENT IT'S GLORY AND BEAUTY BELONG TO OUR WORLD. BUT THEN IT FLIES ON AGAIN. AND THOUGH WE WISH IT COLD HAVE STAYED . WE FEEL SO BLESSED TO HAVE SEEN IT. DAY, I FEEL BLESSED TO HAVE HAD YOU FOR A DAD AND WOULD NOT TRADE OUR TIME TOGETHER FOR ANYTHING. I LOVE YOU, DAD- BILLY

DEAREST ONE. ARE YOU READING ALL THE WONDERFUL THINGS THAT ARE BEING WRITTEN ABOUT YOU?. EVERY WORD IS TRUE. YOU ARE MY KNIGHT IN SHINNING ARMOR AND ALWAYS WILL BE. OUR SONGS WILL ALWAYS BE OUR

SONGS. OUR JOKES, OUR JOKES AND OUR MEMORIES, OUR MEMORIES. YOU HAVE BROUGHT SO MUCH JOY, LOVE, LAUGHTER, KINDNESS , AND MOST OF ALL YOUR FAITH IN JESUS TO ALL OF US. MY LIFE BEGAN WHEN I MET YOU, YOU SPOILED ME, I WAS SO FORTUNATE TO BE LOVED BY YOU AND TO HAVE YOU TO LOVE. YOU ARE AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT A REAL MAN SHOULD BE ,PASSIONATE AND DEVOTED TO EVERYTHING YOU TAKE ON AND EVERYONE , YOU ARE A PERFECTIONIST OF RELATIONSHIPS AND TREATED EVERYTONE YOU MET AS IF THEY WERE THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON IN YOUR LIFE. BUT I KNOW I WAS! EACH OF US IS SAYING THAT! EVERY BOY WE KNEW WANTED AS DAD LIKE BILLY'S.GREAT. CHILDREN SAW YOUR BEAUTY AND SHARED YOUR HUMOR. I HEAR YOU LAUGHING, SAYING "KRISTINE, DON'T CRY SILLY, I'M HERE FOR YOU AND I ALWAYS WILL BE HERE FOR YOU AND THE BOYS. THE LORD HAS PROMISED LIFE ETERNAL TO ALL WHO LOVE HIM. AND KRISTINE, IT'S TRUE." I LOVE YOU MY DARLING, K.

Dear Reis Family...I'm so sorry to hear about my cousin Billy..I haven't seen him in many years and I'm not sure if he would ever remember me being the youngest of 4 children to his mother's brother Tom. The only thing I can remember about him is his laugh..May God bless the Reis family at time time of healing and Billy, if you can hear me, give my dad a hug up there because now he is our angel and missed very much.

I'm so sorry, I would like to join me to your sadness.



The only moment that I lived with Bill were great and funny.

For me Bill, you'll be always represent the happyness and generosity of america.

I like You a lot ...



"j'espère que l'on se retrouvera ailleurs et je suis sur que d'un oeil bon, toujours tu veilleras sur les tiens..."



Cyrille

Son,

It eases my pain to read the great impact you had on peoples lives. God called you too soon buthad better plans.You're another star in the sky.Mylove&thoughts will

never fade away Dearest One,

Love,Mother xo,xo,xo.

GOOD-BYE BILLY



I LOVE YOU

Bill, I miss you and fondly remember you as a true friend through the years. We shared many thoughts, laughs, and serious matters and your take on the situation. I will always have a reminder of some of our time together in the past with the emails that we swapped. Your passing coupled with those serious times we shared underline the contrast between the fragileness of life on earth with the durable impressions that are left behind. That balance is real, real as the messages you left behind and the remembrances of others here in the guest book. I am glad for our times together on the web, at our meetings, and for the chance to see you at the end. I wish you serenity and peace in your everlasting rest. God bless you and your family.



Yours always, Tom

Dearest Bill,

I am so thankful and so lucky I had you as my brother-in-law. We miss you more than words can ever say. Wednesdays will never ever be the same without you. Remember YOU are the PINBALL WIZARD!! We know you are happy- and in the big boat in the sky with Donna in her spot and Uncle Harold in tow, all of you pulling in the big one.

I am trying to take good care of Ken, Kristine, and Momma. May you rest in peace our dear brother. Until we can laugh and hug again. I miss you so!

Love ya,

Ann

Bill was such a really great example of someone who lived a good life. He was so kind in so many little ways to everyone with whom he came into contact. No matter who they were, he treated them with genuine interest and kindness. It's a really uncommon and beautiful trait and one I really want to emulate after seeing Bill's great example. I am so blessed and thankful to have had time to know him. I will miss his booming laugh, his siren, and bad jokes very, very much.

Dearest Bill, All around me I feel the strength of your loving support. We had many plans of spending so many hours just being together and with our busy lives we never found all that free time. I never even went fishing with you, what a loss I feel about that. My heart now is filled with just the knowledge that we both loved each other no matter what. We did spend much time together in spirit and we will now continue to do exactly the same. I speak to you often and I can feel you sending me the strength to do the next right thing. I can not remember you ever being angry, you handled the problems we face in everyday life and put on a happy face for all the rest of us to count on. It was a great comfort to me that you did not hold impossible expectations of yourself or others, God loves us just the way we are today and you shared that loving acceptance. I never had to pretend to be anything but my true self around you, thanks. I'll always remember us being best friends as children even though you would disassemble all my bikes. One hugh thank you here for all you have done for me these past two years, above and beyond anything I could have ever asked for. I love you Bill, and I miss you so. I always tried to sit next to you at any gathering, your stories were just wonderful, you really could make me laugh. This is now how I think of you, all happy wonderful memories, be at peace now - your job here is complete. I am grateful for the time God blessed me with your presence. All my love and hugs, your sister Linda

I could hear your booming laugh through the sound-proof doors and walls, and it would just make me laugh. Your smile lit up a room like no one else. The wisdom you instilled in me will last forever. You were the first person in my career that listened and gave me useful advice. Thank you for being who you were and thank you for being a good friend.

My Big Brother Bill, Thank you for teaching me how to go on even when you feel you can't. You always told me you can do it little sister, "you are strong". I know you have already asked God all the questions and God has most likely made you laugh like you have made us laugh. Please give a hug to Daddy, Donna and Uncle Harold, Uncle Eddy, Uncle Tom, Auntie Helen for me. It seems our family is all moving up to the best place possible. Thanks for having Bible studies in your home,what a warm enviroment it was. I miss you so much my heart is simpy breadking, thanks for the daily e-mails, I miss WCRSR on line at 2 in the morning. I want you to know that I love you so much, I pray that you really knew that. I'm proud of all the collegues you had and all the wonderful words they shared with us. I remember when you would walk around the house when we were kids and you were making sound effects and driving everyone crazy. Especially when you'd record us going to the bathroom. I will miss your big bear hugs and you still own me the dance you promised and it's my turn to get a back rub. I will hold you forever in my heart until we can meet again. Love forever your little sister Susan "Goose"

Dear Billy, Just can't believe that my always happy, laughing & smiling cousin has gone. I will always remember you as that. We had a great time as kids. But, time does go on & does catch up to all of us. All of my thoughts & prayers are with you & your entire family on their loss. Much love to you & them.

Dear Kristine and family,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

I will remember Bill in my prayers as well as you and your family.

May he rest in peace and May God

give you the fortitude to carry on

in your journey of life.



Elaine Kalcsics

(retired Humana/ENH nurse)

Hi Bill. It's been a long time. Too long. I was lucky to meet you early in my career and have the opportunity to learn how to make things sound better than life...actually that was an easy one...just call Bill! I can hear you laughing. You always made our projects better with your work. You never let us down. We got your best work, 100% effort and excellence. Even with the smallest, low profile clients, You always made us feel like we were special. Everyone loved working with you. I wish you God's richest blessings. Peace. RT.

Dear Billy,

I sit here in tears not knowing how to express my feelings of loss and love. I know you are reading all the wonderful things your family and friends are saying about you. It's great isn't it. You lived a good life,brother and I'm sorry that I'll never catch another fish with you. Give Daddy and our dear sister Donna a big hug from me. I love you all very much. I'll be along soon enough so save my spot.



Thanks Tony for setting this up and many thanks to all Bills friends for the wonderful and heartfelt thoughts.

I had the pleasure of meeting Bill Reis when I moved to Chicago 2 years ago to work for Spots BME. I was having a hard time adjusting to a new city but Bill made it easier, he made me feel special. His hearty laugh, his bear hugs, his great sense of humor. Bill is true blue, salt of the earth, and one of a kind, not to mention a wonderful audio engineer. I can't believe you're gone!! I'm so lucky to have known you. You're the best!

I feel so very fortunate to have had the opportunity of knowing Bill Reis over the last ten years. Working with Bill during eight of those years was an absolute blessing. Especially the last two years when we had a chance to work at a much more intimate facility. Besides the obvious fact that he was the best sound desinger I have ever seen, he was an absolute joy to just be around. His daily "Good Morning" handshake and his nightly "God Bless and drive safe" will be missed tremendously along with all the in between sincere concern and interest in everything we discussed. It is rare to meet someone who instantly brings a smile to the room and Bill knew how to make everyone laugh. Work was home with Bill around. Seeing him walk the halls in his socks, his quick wit and timely one liners, his big roaring laugh that made you laugh no matter how grumpy you were that day and his big smile that just made you feel good inside. One day we were looking for laughing sound effects and we just sat for, what seemed like hours, belly laughing at each and every one. I just wanted to listen to him tell stories. There was never a dull moment knowing you Bill and I will cherish our time together and hopefully be able to pass along what you passed on to me. Concern for all, never judging anyone, and a love for every day and for those who cross our path. There is a special place in my heart set aside just for Bill Reis. Thanks for all the hugs and for being my buddy!

Bill, you lived a long life in too short of a time. We all will remember your generous heart and your resounding laugh. You made our profession fun. You are the best and will always be cherished.

His ear, easy way with people and generosity were of course his hallmarks but what I remember with great fondness was Billy's grace and absolute athleticism at the board. Sitting to his right, it was almost awe-inspiring and very often hysterical to see his hands dance around the board and put just the right amount of body english on the last fade. I've missed all the laughs, Billy, but I'll never forget you.

Billy, you made all of us look good.

God Bless You and Your beautiful Family.

He was a legend before I got to meet him. He was inspirational to me when I got to work beside him. His jokes, his laughter, those sound effects, the talking fish, the lunches, and oh yea .... the siren! The audio world has lost a great one.

Let's all bring our faders up to 11!!!!



Miss ya ..... Brian

He was man with an ear as big as his heart and he knew how to listen..and help all of us communicate all the messages we were intrusted with.....and the results worked. and it was a joy to work with him..he will be missed. David Szabo

“I can’t imagine anyone in this country who has not seen Bill Reis’ work”, said his son Michael Ryan, “His work was guaranteed to evoke an emotion, whether a smile, a laugh, a growl, or maybe it just signaled that it was time to check and see what was playing on another station.” As an award winning audio engineer for the last 22 years, Bill designed and created sounds and mixes for such well-known commercials as “Fly the Friendly Skies”, “Spud MacKenzie”, and “Frank and Louie” and “the Keibler Elves”.



William “Bill” C. Reis, who was known for his sense of humor, strong family values, and his trademark siren, died January 1. He was 50.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, to William and Virginia, Bill grew up near Wrigleyville, the fifth of seven children. Bill attended St. Benedicts High School in Chicago. He took an Apprentice position at the legendary Universal Recording Studio in Chicago after high school. One of Bill’s first projects was working on the Blue Brothers Movie. He often told stories of wild antics of John Belushi from those legendary sessions. It was during that time that Bill acquired his trademark siren that signaled the end of his audio and mixing sessions.

Bill was hired in 1980 as the Manager & Director of the Universal’s Audio Department. He worked there until 1991 when the studio closed. He went to work as the Manager & Director of the Audio Department at Skyview Audio until 1999. Bill worked at Spots B.M.E. as Manager & Director of the Audio Department since 1999.

Over the years, he worked on numerous commercials for companies such as McDonalds, Hallmark, Kraft, Sears, Kellogg’s, United Airlines, Budweiser, Miller Brewing, Glad, Heinz’s, and Maytag and such top advertising agencies as Leo Burnett, J. Walter Thompson, Foote, Cohn, & Belding, Euro/RSCG Tatham, and D.D.B. Bill worked with many talented actors, actresses, celebrities, and sports figures for voice over on these commercials such as Gene Hackman, James Earl Jones, Robert Duvall, Glen Close, Larry Moran, and Walter Payton to name a few. The commercials that Bill worked on won numerous Cleo awards for advertising excellence.

In 1983, Bill married Kristine Ryan and moved to Northbrook, Illinois. Bill is also survived by four sons, Michael, Mark (Jennifer), and Martin (Sacha) Ryan, and William Reis IV; two grandchildren Kristen and Kevin; his mother Virginia; his sisters Diane Reis, Carol (Terry) Hanson, Linda Reis, Susan (James) Bailey, and the late Donna Moore; his brother Kenneth (Ann); and his mother-in-law Wanda Kostia.

We miss you Billy.

Mixing was always where it all came together. It was nearly the last stop on a long train ride. Bill's prospective and humor and made everyone involved smile and enjoy the trip. Audio will never be as fulfilling with out him.



Jack Tohtz

To the Family of Bill Reis -



There are no words to make your hurt any less. There isn't enough money to buy life. No one has the power to turn back time, or change what God had in his plans. But, I can tell you that Bill Reis was one of God's best gifts to the world.

I can only say it has been an honor to have been able to be blessed enough to be able to have shared the same space as Bill on this earth. His humor and smile may be gone from our sight. But no one can take what he did leave behind " your memories and thoughts" of the good times shared and the happiness he has given you all.

He will be missed. You all will be in my thoughts.

I'll always remember that you always thought if the red light was on the spot would sound great. You were correct. You turned out the best sounding commercials ever. Sorry the world will now miss your talents. I hope your brought your siren along to heaven. You will wake those folks up.

I will always remember your great sense of humor and BIG laugh. I wish there was an "undo" button in life. Sound that siren Bill!

We will miss you dearly Bill. The years I knew you and worked with you I will treasure. You always brought a smile to my face and all the others you touched. Thank you.



Anthony