On November 22nd, STI lost a very important member of our team. William (Bill) Jones was taken suddenly from the STI family and his loss has been a shock to us all.
You see, Bill founded STI in 1995 from his experience in the contracting field providing services of surface preparation and concrete polishing. Over the next 15 years he pioneered the industry with the introduction of the Prep/Master machines, dedicated his time and experience to improving the industry of surface prep and polishing and surrounded himself with like minded individuals to further the performance and value of the diamond tools used by his machines. Because of Bill's pioneering ways and his dedication to the industry, the STI family is blessed to have a legacy to carry on in memory of him and his core values.
From his beginnings in 1991 at his garage at home, to his final day at STI's manufacturing facility, Bill always preached about consistency in value, quality and customer service. These ideals were his basis for success and something he instilled in all that preceded our current STI team and those in place now.
With such a valuable member now gone from the team, most might think that our company would be recovering quite slowly. This would be true if not for Bill preparing us to always provide value, quality and customer service while he was away. He believed, as we all do now, that the only product any successful company sells is service. As such we are back in full swing as a testament to him having prepared us to carry on his memory through consistency in value, quality and customer service.
Though there is a huge hole in all of our hearts we all are happy to have had the privilege to know and work with the man who prepared STI to be versatile and flexible during changing times.
Because of Bill's efforts to prepare us for a life without him it seems all the more appropriate to use 'Prep/Master' to describe the man who created the name.
Below is a sampling of the many messages and kind words that we have received since the passing of Bill. Thank you for your thoughts and condolences.
Article written by
Greg Schwietz of
L&M Construction Chemicals
for Polishing Contractor.
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Cindy,
I’m so sorry that it has taken me this long to be able to say how sorry I am for your loss. I have been out of the office for the past six weeks and today is my first day back. Bill was a very sweet and caring man. He will be greatly missed. Again, I am so sorry!
Josh and Holly,
Alex and I are truly and deeply saddened to hear about your dad ( we just found out today). We know how close you and him where. We will truly miss seeing him at the WOC. That is the one thing we looked forward to the most. His warm smile and his ability to someone make you seem like the most important customer at the WOC. We will fondly remember your father for taking a chance on our little company and always letting us take equipment “ in payments”, no credit check, no questions, just simple trust and handshake with a big smile. He will be truly be missed and always remembered.
To The Jones Family,
I wanted to extend my deepest sympathies on the recent loss of Bill. I apologize for the late correspondence but I just found out about his passing.
I thoroughly enjoyed the visits and hospitality that we shared over the past years. Unfortunately my work schedule has not allowed me to come to the Chicago area very often. I always looked forward to seeing Bill and the family. Know that I have always had the deepest admiration and respect for Bill both as a business associate and friend. My dad always said “when you touch someone...touch them hard!”.....Bill had that way about him with his kindness and generosity and he certainly “touched” Sue and I. The world is diminished with his passing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Josh,
I found out just this morning about Bill’s passing. First, let me offer my deepest condolences to you and your family. There is no “good” time to lose a loved one; we simply have to believe that the person is in a better place. I never met Bill face-to-face but through our phone conversations and emails I felt that he was a man who was not only a good businessman, but a man who genuinely loved life. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lynn,
I didn't know Bill had passed away. Your email didn't reach me. I can't tell you how saddened I am by the news, and the knowledge that I won't have the opportunity to meet him. I enjoyed our conversations immensely, and his intelligence and decency were evident despite his efforts to conceal them. He always seemed to keep legal issues in perspective and maintain a sense of humor regardless of developments, and my sense was that he appreciated what he had. That's a rare quality. I'm sure it's some comfort for you to know that despite the number of years you spent together, to Bill, at least when he was speaking with me, you remained always his bride. My thoughts are with you.
Hi Josh,
I am shocked to hear such terrible news, everyone at professional floor finishers is shocked and able to help out anyway possible.
Hi Josh,
Good to hear from you. I still have a hard time to comprehend that Bill is gone. As soon as I would enter your place always he was the first person to greet with a warm smile! I sure will miss him when I visit your place next time.
Josh,
Very few people enjoyed life as much as your dad. I always enjoyed our talks though they were fewer in recent years. I hope all is well with you and your family. He will be sorely missed by us all.
Hi Josh,
I’ve just learned today about your loss and I want to extend my sympathy to you and your family. I only had a few opportunities to meet your father, but he made an immediate impression on me as a passionate entrepreneur. A real American success story.
Dear Mr. Josh,
I heard from Mr. Ly about your sadness that your father was died.
I am really so sad too when heard like that.
I wish you and your family all the best wish.
I hope you get better soon. Have a nice day!
Hi Josh,
Hope this email find you well.
My family and i would like to send you condolence for your lost.
Let me know if I can be any help.
Dear Friend.
Words alone cannot express our sympathy on the untimely death of your beloved father. To say that his time with us was far too short is an understatement. The reality is that all who loved and knew him will sorely miss him.
No doubt the outpouring of sympathy you have received since his parting has been of some consolation. Hopefully it will serve as a reminder to you of how well-loved and liked he was.
I hope that you and your family will find peace and comfort in knowing that his legacy stays alive with his company and every time a prepmaster is used on jobs he will be remember with respect.
May God bless you and your wonderful family.
Josh,
I am very sorry about your Dad. He treated me like family. May he rest in peace.
He was my #1 must visit guy when @ WOC.
Josh,
I know that over the years you and I never got real close. Your Father was a different story for me. For some reason he and I clicked. I don't know if you know this or not, but I think that I have had contact (a drink or a meal) with your father at every trade show or function that I have been to for at least the last 8 years. I don't know if you remember or not, but right after we invented Ameripolish I came to your shop and taught a class for L&M on dye. Afterward we went upstairs and drank until late in the night. Since then I have made it a point to track down Mr. Jones (I could never call him Bill) every opportunity that I got. Your dad was a good guy who effected all of us with his personality and Chicago charm. He was always strait forward and I have respected his council since we first met. I wanted you to know that I am sincerely sorry for your loss. If there is anything that I can do, please do not hesitate to ask. You guys are in my and my families prayers.
I was just informed that your dad had passed away last week. Please accept our condolences from everyone here at Ruwac. We are very sorry for your loss and will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Josh,
I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I want you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I had always heard such good things about your family, and I consider it a tremendous privilege to have met you all this past summer. Any words seem inadequate, but all I can do is offer my most sincere condolences, and my prayers.
Dear Julie,
Dear Josh,
I was very sorry to hear that Bill passed away all the sudden.
Although no words of sympathy can ease the loss you bear, may you find comfort in the thought that others care.
We will always remember him as a wonderful man and hope that strength and willingness will help you to get through the days and months ahead.
Josh,
Our deepest sympathies to you and the family of Bill Jones.
Trusting that he is now in the house of the lord forever.
Josh,
Be strong and optimistic. Everything have start and finish. your Dad was Real Man. Be proud and look ahead.
See You
Hi Josh,
Your father was a good man that will be missed. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Josh,
Sorry I was out at meetings and missed your call.
I did get your SMS but could not reply.
Mum and I are shocked with the bad news. I know you said your dad had some heart problems but did not realise how bad they must have been, he was still so active with you in the business and travelling.
We are both very sorry for your family's great loss and would like to express our most sincerest condolences. Please give our best regards to Holly and your mum.
I do not know what to say, especially at Thanksgiving, when you are meant to having fun with the family. That is really a shock, I remember what a terrible time Mum and me went through when my dad died, I hope that you all stand together and be strong.
Sincerest Commiseration from your friends in Dubai, Mum and I are lighting a candle in memory of your dad.
Dear Josh and family,
I’m are sorry to hear this sad news. I wish to express my deepest sympathy over the death of Bill.
In this difficult time I wish you and your family courage and strength.
I’m thinking of you.
Josh,
It is with a heavy heart to write you this message. Words cannot or should not try explain the sadness I have for you, Holly, Becky and your Mom. I truly am sorry for the loss of your Dad. I know how much you loved him and I also know how proud of you he was. He was tuff, generous and fair. I would not be in the position I am today and not be able to provide for my family today if it was not for your Dad taking a chance on a guy from Peoria so many years ago. I respected your father and for a period of my life considered him a second Dad. He taught me a lot about this goofy industry we are in and for all of those reasons he will be sorely missed. I have not been as close to you and your father as much as I would want to be, but life takes us all on a journey we can never predict. Please give my condolences to your family and especially your Mom. She will need you more than ever. I also wanted to say thank you again to you and Holly for helping me with the loss of my Mom in 2005 for just being you. Please let me know if I can ever do anything for you in the future Josh. My thoughts are with you my friend.
Hi Julie,
I'm so sorry to heard this sadness,and i can understand how difficult this time must be for your family.
I console with you on loss of William Jones, and keep my thoughts and prayers in this difficult time.
Julie,
I still can't even grasp the fact that Bill is gone and I think its probably because he was such was such a great man. I enjoyed every single conversation I ever had with him on the phone or in person. I know personally am going to miss him more than I could ever put into words. I think I have known Bill for around 18 years and as everyone already knows after meeting Bill for the very first time was enough to know that you wanted to be friends for with a man of his character for life.
I have been trying to put the words together to call Josh and Holly and offer my condolences, but I have been struggling to find the right words and even more be able to deliver them.
My heart and prayers goes out to your entire family Jones family and every one at STI and the world suffered a great loss, but it was an honor knowing Bill Jones and I will never forget him or what his friendship has meant to me personally.
Please send me Bill's funeral arrangements as I will certainly be there for a final good bye to a great man.
I am so incredibly sorry to hear this. I just wanted to let you all know that everyone here at Onyx is thinking and praying for you all and the Jones family.
From Everyone Here at Onyx
Your in Our Prayers!!!
Josh, and all there, so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Just wanted you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if we can help in any way. We will all miss Bill very much.
To the Jones’ Family,
I just want to say I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of sorrow.
I just wanted to send you a message to let you know that I heard the very sad news about Bill. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers. I know nothing can replace the loss. He left a kind impression and a cheerful spirit in my family's heart. My parents and I would like to show our condolences if there will be services for the public to attend.
Again I will be thinking of you and hope and pray for strength for you guys.
Love and Prayers.
What we heard this morning made us very sad, it made us speechless, we will miss Bill very much.
Our best wishes will always accompany Him and he will remain unforgotten with us.
In hope for a reunion, with sad greetings to all relatives and friends.
Hello Josh,
I try to find my words to you, even in my native language I am not good with this kind of letters, but for my it is very important to give you and your lady’s in the family Jones our participation.
My Wife mentioned to me to phone you, but I am even worse in phoning in English.
Josh, we all, in our family and the members of the IMPACTS team are hardly hidden by the information we got. As we yesterday was joking by the planning’s for next year Carnival, so hard we was hidden.
Bill was an excellent partner, adviser and so many else, but above all, a friend, to lose a friend is hard and we still in some kind motionlessness with all our thoughts about him. Even to lose a father, husband, father in law, member of the family is much harder, so our thoughts are also with you and your family. Please give them a hug in love from us and feel our condolence from a big way, but very close distance from feelings, we still have problems to realize the news.
Hi Josh,
I just receive the news . I am so sorry.
I want you know we are with you and your family.
Friendly
Josh,
I'm really sorry to hear this terrible news. Please accept Vani and my sincere condolences at your this enormous loss. I remember Bill very well.
Don't worry about trip to India. We will figure out later.
Best of Regards.
Josh,
I am very sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Please know that we understand your sadness and loss and will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything Concrete Decor can do recognize your dad in an upcoming issue please know that we will part the seas for him. Again, our thoughts are with you.
Josh,
Hey Buddy,
I'm sorry Josh.
I'm sending you and your family a huge long big hug. I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss......
Our industry has just lost a pioneer, and my good buddy just lost his dad....
I really looked up to your dad... He's forever an icon.
Hang in there man....we love you from Canada!
If you need me for anything... Just ask and I'll be there.
Josh,
I was truly shocked and saddened to hear of your dad's passing yesterday. My thoughts and prayers go to you and your family, as well as the entire STI staff. Bill was like everyone's father. I will never forget the hospitality he displayed when we came down for training a few years back during the ice storm in December and of course during the " autoscrubber/office chair rodeo" event. I will always remember him for his room filling voice and laugh, his infectious smile and the trademark cigar. Please let me know if there is ANYTHING I can do to be of assistance to you and your family.
Take Care
Josh,
I’m sorry to hear about your lose. My dealings with your pops was always good. My prayers go out to you and your family.
God Bless
Dear Julie and Josh,
My sincerest condolences for this tragic loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you in this hard time.
Dear Josh,
I was deeply saddened to hear about the pass of your father, Bill. I understand how difficult this must be for you. Your family is in our thoughts.
I appreciate the time I had with Bill and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of our collaboration. I will remember him as a kind and generous man.
Please do not hesitate to let me know should there be anything I could do for you!
Wishing you peace.
Josh,
I was sorry to hear about the passing of your Father, Bill. I am keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. We all thought the world of your Father, he always made us feel welcome. I n the future when you think of your Father, no doubt his memory will bring a smile to your heart .
I am confident you are a comfort to your Mother ,now as well.
Dear Josh, Molly, and Lynn,
I want to write on behalf of Jennifer, my dad, Blake, and everyone else in BQL who is fortunate enough to know your dad and tell you how terribly sorry we are for your loss. While there is nothing I can say that will ease your loss, I want you to know that we are thinking of and praying for you and your family. Bill is an amazingly kind and big-hearted soul, and it has been our greatest honor to know him throughout the years, as a partner and a friend. Bill brought happiness and joy into other people's lives and will be missed tremendously. If there is anything we can do to help you during this difficult time, please let us know. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
With our deepest sympathy.
Josh:
I traveled to Bozeman for the Thanksgiving weekend by car and regretfully, I cannot make it to Illinois for the services.
I wanted you and your family to know how deeply saddened I was over the loss of a great man, a great friend, a mentor and a pillar of our business. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Your Dad was truly an inspiration to me.
Julie,
I heard about this last night and was saddened - I have known Bill for quite a few years. Please pass along my condolences to Lynn, Josh and Becky.
Josh,
I received the tragic news about your father yesterday afternoon.
Our thoughts goes to you and your family. I know the emptiness of loosing someone close and feel for you in this tragic time.
If there is anything we can do for you and for the company don’t hesitate to contact me.
Josh,
I learned last night from Webster Ryan that your father passed away yesterday. I wanted to extend my most heartfelt condolences to you and your family and all of the STI family as well.
Losing someone as close as your father is one of the most emotionally difficult moments in life. For me Josh, it was the first time I can recall crying from my heart. As painful emotionally and business-wise the situation is right now, know that time is a great healer. I know that we don’t really know each other all that well, except through some interaction through the CPAA, but when I got the news I felt compelled to reach out to you and let you know I have been praying for you and your family since I was informed. God’s plan doesn’t always make since to us in this life, but we have to trust that He will reveal it to us someday. I will continue to pray for healing for you and your family.
Josh & Family,
Please accept our deepest heartfelt sympathies in your time of grief, Our heart goes out to you in your time of deepest mourning, Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
I felt sad to hear the news. May his soul rest in peace.
Dear Josh Jones and Family,
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
• Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow.
• He will never be forgotten
• May your heart and soul find peace and comfort.
• Fondest remembrances
• We write you with heartfelt condolences at this sad time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
• Someone so special can never be forgotten
• Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear.
Josh,
Its really a sad news. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Please let me know if I can handle anything for you in your absence in India.
Dear Josh,
I just know from Greg and Ly the news for your Father. Please receive my condolences. God bless him. We all pray for you.
Josh,
Ken just called and informed me of the tragic news regarding your father. Please know you and your family are in our prayers. Your dad was an icon and his loss will be felt throughout our industry. Please let us know if there’s anything we can do to help out during this difficult time.
Dear Lynne and Josh,
I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Bill passing. On behalf of Blastrac and myself, I would like to express our sincere condolences to the entire Jones family.
Although I didn't know your father that well on a personal level, it was thru doing business and working with him, I came to realize his great kindness and compassion towards his friends and family. As of late, I highly respected him as a friendly competitor and considered him a friend in the industry. I as well as the entire surface preparation community will miss him.
Oh very sorry for your lost and please take your time.
We can always talk later.
Hey bud, I am so sorry. Please let me know arrangements. I loved him too.
Josh, Holly, Kristen,
We are extremely sorry for your loss. Our family sends it condolences. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Again, we apologize for this tragic loss and send our condolences. This grievance will extend to many.
Josh,
I would like to express my condolences and deepest regret for the death of your Father. I have enjoyed many years of banter with him. This will not only be a loss for your family but an entire industry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Dear Family,
We are shocked to hear about your unexpected loss. Jeff and I have many fond memories of Bill and the good man he was which will help us in our grief.
Please accept our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you!
Josh,
I am sorry for your loss in tour family. If there is anything I can do personally or from my company contact me. Again I enjoyed the friendship I shared with your dad.
Hi Josh,
That is horrible news. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Josh,
So sorry to learn of your Dad's passing. He was a wonderful man.
Please let me know if there is ANYTHING I can do to help you in any way.
--
"You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor. "
~Aristotle
I am very sorry about your DAD he's a great guy. Josh you and the family are in our prayers. Now having my son in the buisness I can see how much fun you and BILL had together and I wish you the best.
Dear Josh,
I think you have mastered the last days very well. We will miss Bill as
a great man. I wish you and your family all the best.
I have to say, I was (and am) very sorry to hear about your Dad passing on. Prayers are with you and your family and I hope all is going okay. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to meet him; he was really a cool guy. If there is anything that I can do on my end, just let me know.
Josh,
Although I do not believe we have actually met (have seen you at ICPSC and WOC), I did know your father, Bill, and while I have only known Bill for a few years, I was most fond of him. Bill always told it the way he saw it and you could believe whatever Bill said. Never did I doubt his integrity. His word was good and he was a credit to our industry. My heart goes out to you and your family for your loss. Bill will be missed by many, no doubt, none more so than his own family. My best wishes for you and your family and the challenges the future will bring.
Dear Josh,
I am writing to you because I can not find the right words to write to Lynn.
I was extremely shocked , when you told me what happened to Bill.
I still can not believe that he will never again be sitting in his chair on the desk in his company.
I lost a friend who helped me a lot in the last years and I was very proud to have him as a friend.
I will always keep him in my thoughts.
I feel with Lynn , Holly, you and the whole family about this big loss.
I am missing the words to say more.
Please keep me informed when the funeral will take place.
Josh,
I can't put into words how sad I am about your dad. He was the finest man I ever knew, and I was priveledged to have known him. I know I was a little stand-offish yesterday when you came in and delivered the news, it wasn’t because I didn’t care, it was because I couldn’t look you in the eye.
Ever since I started working here, Bill took an interest in me, most members of my own family don’t want anything to do with me, but he did, and I will never forget what he did for me. I just wish that I had more time with him because there were so many questions that I still have, not just about work, but about life in general. My sister and I looked up to Bill like a surrogate father and he embraced us and treated us like we were his own kids.
Josh,
It is the very least we could do. Again, we are very sorry for your families loss. Anything that we can do to help either on the business side or personal side do not hesitate to ask.
Bill played a large role in many peoples lives and has helped many to become very successful, I myself am lucky to be one of those people. I truly appreciate the time I was able to spend with him.
You guys were very lucky.
I will talk with you soon.
Nick,
This is a terrible loss for the industry. Please let Josh and Holly know we are with you guys in our prayers.
Let me know I there is anything we can do. Also please let me know the arrangements as soon as possible so that we may convey our condolences.
In prayer.
Josh,
I always liked your Dad. My mind still cannot accept the facts of reality...
The least we could do is pay our respects at this moment.
Please let me know if I can be of any assistance!
Hi Josh,
I still could not get over the news of Bill passing away so early. I know how close you were to your Dad. Once again please accept my condolences. I am certain God will guide you to get through such a challenging time.
Dear Julie,
It's unbelievable and very saddest to hear this.
We are with you in our thoughts at the difficult time for you.
Josh,
I am still not sure there are words to say after a day like yesterday. In the short time that I did get to spend with Bill, I learned so many important things that I will carry with me everyday and throughout my working career. Bill not only taught me about respect, integrity and discipline but he also showed me what can be accomplished with hard work and a never ending passion for one's dream. Our daily talks regarding customers taught me not only how to handle difficult situations but helped me develop the mindset to always do what is best for the company. Bill taught me that tough skin is a mindset and was always there to talk with me so I could bounce ideas off of him.
Although I wish we all could've had more time to learn from Bill, I am forever grateful for the opportunity to learn from him firsthand on a daily basis. I will cherish the memories and the lesson that I learned for the rest of my life.
I am so sorry for your loss and if you need anything at all please do not hesitate to ask.
Dear all Jones' Family,
I’m so sorry to hear that William Jones passed away. I can’t believe that and I hope that is not true.
This pain is unbearable. Your family must be in great sadness. I am worried about Mrs. Jones( Josh’s mother). I can't imagine how she feels now. I am also as sad as your family. But life must go on. If we are always in sorrow, nothing can be done. After all, the dead are gone but the living must live. So why not put them in our deep heart and make it be our motive power? I sincerely hope you all soon through this difficult time.
William Jones is courteous and accessible, generous others, positive, enthusiastic about life, loves his family, working unremittingly, he impressed me deeply. He will be live in my memory forever.
Josh,
Please remember, his teachings and love will always be by your side, your mind will often show his smiling face, please take care of your family for more positive and happy life, let him in paradise for you proudly smile squint kind eyes.
Please allow me to pray for your family soon through this difficult time.
Becky -
I am very sorry to hear about your dad. I have not known him long, but over the past year plus, really enjoyed talking to him and helping him with whatever he was doing. He was a great guy. He would stop what he was doing to ask my kids how they were then give them a ride. He made their day. I am sure that you have many great memories of him which is something you will always have. If there is anything that I can do for you or your mom please let me know. You are all great people and I would like to do whatever I could to help. Kim and myself have you, your mom and family in our thoughts and prayers.
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