Ladies, Gents, and 'others' (that would be me), this is William "Willy" "Bad Mutha" McDonald. I have been stalking Willy for over four years. I live in a tiny town in the foothills of Colorado where Willy 'hangs'. I was drawn to this man from the first time I saw him. I inquired about him with many towns people and the only answer I got was, "He's just the town drunk." Well, not to me, I saw an old man of amazing character. I finally caught him out yesterday sitting on his barrel next to the trailer park dumpster. Finally!! I had my camera with me!!! I pulled up and introduced myself and told him how much I admired his character and may I take a picture. He was thrilled and found me amusing--go figure! After our brief photo shots we talked. I didn't find out a lot about his past, but I saw such amazing charm in this older gentleman. And wouldn't ya know, he is a retired fellow biker from the 'Hell's Angels'. Now that's my kind of man! I left Willy vowing to return with results of our brief encounter. I have many questions for Willy and intend to get some answers from this charmer!

Artist Notes For my buds that missed the beginning of this story, you can read it from my portfolio, 'Introducing Willy'. This saga slowly continues to unfold. Myrna, pictured, runs a tiny cafe located to welcome all into Larkspur. Returning from a shootin' adventure, I stopped to have a coke and chat with her since the cafe is never busy because it seems no one eats in town. I asked Myrna how long she had lived in Larkspur. She answered, "Twenty-eight years." I told her about my brief encounter with Willy. She responded, "Do you know the story about him?" Well, Myrna was more than willing to 'spill the beans'. Willy rented a room from her for three years. Not only was Willy a Hell's Angel, he was a top executive at a plaster manufacturing plant earning a six figure income. He led a large group of employees and was highly regarded by all. Today he is 73 years old and an active alcoholic. I asked Myrna what went so wrong in his life. She said. "Eighteen years ago he was hit in the head with a pipe at a bar, the attacker was never identified. He spent four months in a coma. Since emerging from his coma he was unable to 'find' himself again. He spends his time now keeping the only street going through downtown Larkspur clean as a whistle by picking up any and all trash spread along the path. Once that task is complete, he spends the majority of his awaken hours at the trailer park dump collecting and smashing cans to recycle and then saves the money he gets for his granddaughter's college education. He has Social Security coming in every month, which is sufficient for him to live on." Well, now I was really sad. I told Myrna that he probably doesn't even remember me stopping to chat. She said, "Oh yes he does because he told me all about you and he was all smiles. So when you see him again, stop and have a chat. You made him very happy." So Willy hasn't seen the last of me yet! He is a most welcome icon in Larkspur, Colorado to me.