The definition of friend that I like best is: "One before

whom one can think out loud." For that reason, this is a

choice opportunity. You see, Bill Marriott is my best

friend. I challenge any man to know another better than I

know "Montana" Marriott. I saddled him with this nick-

name when we were horseback riding twenty years ago--

in self-defense he calls me "Wyoming." What makes this

ridiculous is that the roots of both of us sprang from a

valley in the majestic Wasatch Mountains of northern

Utah where our fathers once herded sheep.

Knowing "Montana s" faults as well as his virtues is

both a help and a hindrance in writing objectively a

foreword to this brilliant account of his productive life.

The late Bing Crosby once answered the question re-

garding his success, saying, "The average guy hears me

sing and feels he can do as well." To know Bill" Marriott"

and realize his immense success makes the average person

i~.~. feel he could have done as well under similar circum-

[ "~i~! tg ~~ai yn:!nrf~g!nt~ei~t: ! !i~!!eSr Veet!~~ eP~~iiie~e i

[: too can succeed by emulating the life and principles of

~< :this twentieth century Horatio Alger.

~ Evidencing that he is also very human, Bill is a bundle

~:~of contradictions--both gentle and tough; devoutly re-

~!igious, and yet fun-loving; demanding, yet tolerant; half

~simistic, half optimistic; penurious, yet philanthropic.

iAll he wants of family, employes, and friends is perfec-

tion. Though he is a worrier, he knows no fear. He has no

e for laziness, dirtiness, dishonesty, social climbing, or

F~wasting time.