Originally Posted by
WMJ1012 
Bill died of emphysema, which as we know is a disease that basically steals ones capacity to breathe. It's an awful illness. When someone can't breathe or get enough oxygen that interferes with the whole body including brain function. The last several days of his life he really suffered in that way.
There's no way I believe that Bill would have all the wisdom he did and want to go back to his maker drunk.
Apparently the nurse on duty (James Dannenberg) kept a meticulous logbook.. There was no mention of BW having been delirious when he demanded a drink on several occasions. The man was on his deathbed and knew it. Like it or not what he wanted at the end was a drink. Not the way I hope to go out but it is what it is.
So does this make him a failure or anyway diminish what he accomplished? Of course not.
He helped to start AA and millions of people are forever grateful.