Do you know Willie?

It is with a heavy heart that I pass along the news of the loss of longtime local William (Willie) Heimlich. He apparently died peacefully in his sleep on Fri., March 27, at his home at the “Hotel Royale” on North Main Avenue in Durango. I think he was around 77 years old.

 The residents at the Royale only know a few details about Willie, and I was hoping that some of his friends in the area would reach out and help to fill in the blanks.

 Willie was a fiddle player who, up until recently, still enjoyed a street session with like-minded musicians. Back in the day, he performed as backup fiddle player for the likes of Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. He spent years down in Austin, Texas, and was a regular with the music scene there.

 He’s got a friend, Ryan, who lives in Bayfield who I hope might be in touch, who might know more about him. We’re mainly interested in reaching out to the next of kin so he can have a decent internment.

 My cell number is 970-760-8122.  If you can help us track down his relatives, then we can work on putting together a little musical memorial service for him.

 I think that would be nice.

– Pete Vance, Durango