This is a portrait of an old and dear friend of mine named Bill Zechel. I met Bill at an exhibit I did in conjunction with a Wine Tasting at the Portsmouth New Hampshire Sheraton. The elegant event was sponsored by the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce which he was a member and I was a new member. We had a great time at the event. Bill said; “I have a free coupon for Bob’s Chicken would you like to meet me there for lunch”. I did and we have been great friends ever since.
Joe Filipowski, Bill Zechel w/ portrait, Bill Osmundsen
Bill owned 7 businesses in New Hampshire, one of the largest print shops that printed NH’s first lottery tickets. He built two restaurants on the NH Seacoast. Saunders at Rye Harbor is now owned by his son Doug. Also pictured is Bill's former 58 foot Hinckley "Audacious".
I created the portrait from a picture about 5 years old. Bill had just shaved his beard off. Wooden boat Builder Joe Filipowski joined me on the trip north to New Hampshire and is pictured in the presentation.
We enjoyed a wonderful Lobster Dinner.