Bill Southerton jokingly refers to himself as the “wealthiest man in all of Honesdale.”

Sitting in his living room on a brilliant fall afternoon recently, I found it hard to argue the point with him.

Bill was surrounded by family and friends...a twinkle in his eye and a broad smile dancing across his face. He was nattily attired, resplendent in a white oxford dress shirt, checked tie and suspenders.

The reason for Bill’s happy demeanor...and the excitement in his Maple City residence...was a small party organized to help celebrate his 100th birthday.

There were presents and refreshments...laughter and even a tear or two. Everyone roared when Bill related an anecdote and paid rapt attention when he reflected on a fulfilling life.

“I feel pretty good,” Bill told TWI Sports while rocking in a favorite chair. “I really don’t feel like I’m 100.”

Looking Back
William Charles Southerton was born October 29th, 1909 in Honesdale, PA. He was the eldest of six children born to the late George & Kathryn (Myers) Southerton.

Bill attended local schools, but his formal education came to an end after two years of high school. He was always a hard worker and quick-study...two traits that led to a lifetime of achievement both in the workplace and in the great outdoors.

Mike Schmit was on hand to help honor Bill on this important day. Mike is the PA Game Commission’s Deputy Executive Director. He’s also a longtime friend and admirer.

“Bill Southerton is a pretty significant part of Pennsylvania Game Commission history,” said Schmit. “He’s one of the men I definitely looked to for guidance. when I was younger. You can’t put a price tag on all the experience he has.”

Mike came bearing gifts on this day. He presented Bill with a PA Game Commission calendar, specially-engraved knife and a birthday card.

The two men then proceeded to stroll down memory lane, happily recalling simpler days long past. After all, Bill is now 30 years past the mandatory retirement age of 70.

“You could set your watch by Bill and his buddies,” Mike said with a chuckle. “They were up early for breakfast and out there 365 days a year.”

Life of Service
Bill Southerton served as a Deputy Game Protector for 27 years. He began his volunteer career with the Game Commission in 1953 and didn’t call it quits until 1980.

“Things were alot different back then,” he said of his time in the woods. “It was a little bit like the Wild West sometimes.”

Back in Bill Southerton’s hey-day, there were nearly 1,500 deputies patrolling Penn’s Woods. Now, there are only about 400.

Deputy Game Protectors did everything they could to assist the Game Commission officials. They volunteered their time to help preserve the state’s natural splendor. That goal entailed being ever-vigilant in the pursuit of those who would pillage the environment for personal gain.

Bill would make the “arrest” and his wife, Alberta, processed all the paperwork.

“We were a good team,” Bill said of his dearly-departed wife. “We did a pretty good job.”

Mike Schmit agrees.

“I was absolutely delighted when I got the phone call,” he said. “I love coming to up Wayne County. It’s a beautiful place and I wouldn’t have missed the chance to help celebrate Bill’s 100th birthday.”