Coincidences on the anniversary of Bill Langbehn's death

My father-in-law, Bill Langbehn, died one year ago yesterday. I surmise when he was little, Bill wanted to be a firefighter. My wife remembers her dad leaving their house to watch the firefighters battle the fire when Sutro Baths burned down in 1966, and his always wanting to chase the fire trucks whenever he heard sirens.

It was as if Bill was making sure we remembered him on this anniversary of his passing. Yesterday afternoon Caitlen smelled gas at our house. We could not find the source, and I called 9-1-1. Three fire trucks and an ambulance were sent. Two of our neighbors to the west also stated they smelled gas. The lead firefighter assumes a valve on the pipeline to our north released some gas. The firefighters gave the all-clear after a thorough search.

My wife, Donna, is in California with her family in remembrance of Bill. Last evening, she answered the telephone and Pacific Gas and Electric told her there was a gas leak in the area. Soon sirens were heard. The all-clear was given, and as far as we know, everyone in the area was safe.

Then Donna's brother called, distraught, saying the Cobb Mountain fire in Lake County has burned the family vacation home. My understanding is no one is allowed in the area yet, but the entire community is likely destroyed. News reports show the fire is still out of control. Maybe Bill did not want to have the vacation home split from the rest of the estate. If so, it is poetic fire would be the reason for the change in plans.

Yes, Bill Langbehn, we remember you.