In Loving Memory of Bill Esbensen
November 6th, 1965 - April 22nd, 2024
If you've ever bought Cannabis from a legal dispensary in Ontario, Oregon - you can thank Bill Esbensen for helping to make that possible!
Volunteer, friend, and earthly steward, William "Billy Dawg" Esbensen sadly ended his journey in this realm due to a tragic car accident on April 22, 2024. It is a monumental loss to everyone who loves this amazingly wonderful human.
Bill was one of the dedicated few who has given of themselves to help progress Cannabis reform in the Treasure Valley, and the State of Idaho. Bill worked tirelessly on citizen initiatives to reform Idaho's archaic Cannabis laws, protesting legislation, lobbying politicians, and was an essential player in ending the moratorium on recreational marijuana dispensaries in Ontario, Oregon.
Beginning as the owner/operator of the The 45th Parallel - a medical marijuana dispensary located (and raided) in Ontario in the years before recreational legalization occurred, Bill quickly became a key figure in the local Cannabis Community.
He spent the better part of 2 decades helping to push the Cannabis movement forward.
He became a valued leader in numerous local grassroots activism groups; including Compassionate Idaho, Idaho H.O.P.E. Fest, New Approach Idaho, the Idaho Medical Marijuana Association, Legalize Idaho, and the Idaho Cannabis Coalition. Bill was also a committed Hard Core Crew member of Boise Hempfest, and was co-owner of Boise Hemp World.
As an Idaho native, Bill was passionate about bringing this wrongfully prohibited medicine, which he had seen save so many people's lives, to his sick and disabled neighbors. Bill was a veteran of the War on Drugs, who humbly accepted the price he was forced to pay for his service, by spending part of his life behind bars, in order to help other people benefit from what he considered a miracle plant. Bill selflessly dedicated his life, time, and resources to the goal of making Cannabis available to all Idahoans. He believed, "Cannabis will be good for Idaho and good for all of us." His departure has left the Idaho Cannabis Community at a loss.
Bill was always welcoming. Always accommodating. Always there with a big smile and a warm hug.
Bill stood for his convictions and acted out of love, compassion and common sense. He helped all he encountered. Such a genuine good guy in a world where "good guys" are few and far between.
He was truly One of a Kind - a truth teller - a kind rare soul. Bill was a very humble and down to earth dude and the world was better with him in it!
Until we meet again, our dear friend... Rest in Paradise.
Fly High, Bill. We miss you so much.
Gone too soon but never forgotten.
