the news that ‘snipe’ died almost immediately after a massive stroke Thursday night. I just learned from his wife Maureen, that he was placed on life support so that he could be flown to a regional hospital where his family could gather to say goodbye and then a surgical team could harvest several of his organs for transplantations.
I don’t want to make this into a eulogy other than to say that Bill was a good friend, fishing companion and a generous man(as evidenced by his final gesture).
I’m sure his wife would value hearing from the many FAOL people who’ve shared posts and chats with him. A card or a short note may be sent to:
Mrs. William Lavris
95 Demarest Parkway
Elmira, NY 14905
Allan,
Very sorry to hear that Snipe has passed. He will be missed. His family is in my prayers and so are you, Allan. Take comfort in the fact that Snipe is in a great paradise and he will be with you always.
Allan;
So sorry to hear of your,and our,loss.
Snipe was on my list of members to meet “Face to Face” as well as you sir. Someday we can wet a line togather and you can share your experiance’s with Snipe with me.
With heavy hearts we pray for Ol’ Bill’s family and friends, including those here who, like me, never met him in person but considered him a fishin’ buddy. I regret that we weren’t able to wet a line together, but we can certainly thank God for granting us a wonderful human companion in a world that bares its teeth at us daily.
Bill, may eternity be as peaceful as you may have imagined, and the fish large and plentiful. Keep an eye on the rest of down here!!!
I remember fondly not only the correspondence I have had with Bill, and our bantering in the chat room, but specifically the time Bill made his trip to the Fly Tying Symposium one November just to hand over some tying tools he made for me.
A kind man. I will miss him. My thoughts go out to his family.
Very sorry to hear that Allan. Any chance you have a picture of Bill you could post so we can put a picture with the name. Did he come to any of the fish-ins? Thanks for posting…Bob
My sincerest condolences to Bills family and friends at this difficult time. I did not personally know him but I appreciated his contribution to these boards. Based on some of the above posts, he was a person that I would have been proud to add to my list of friends. May he rest in peace.
Our prayers will continue for Bill and more so for his Family. We are truly saddened by their and our loss.
God Bless and Watch over His Family
Bill&Jean
Our community lost a great one. Ol’ Bills posts were informative, friendly, & witty. My prayers go out to his loved ones. We all have benefited from his presence. Elmira, NY has lost at least 2 fine men in the last year. First was “Oldman”, Bob Dial, & now Snipe. One day we will meet them again.
Mike
You can call me Mike & you can call me Mikey…Just remember that this site’s about sharing!
[This message has been edited by ohiotuber (edited 16 July 2006).]
Just thought some of you might be interested in learning a little bit about ‘snipe’:
Attended Penn State University.
Distinguished career in meteorology with the National Weather Service. In 1959 the USGS recognized him by naming an Antarctic mountain peak in his honor for his 3-year weather related research on that continent. Retired from the Weather Service in 1987.
Active in several organizations related to the environment and betterment of trout streams. Bill was the initiator and major mover in this areas ‘float stocking’ programs.
In 2002 he was honored with the TU John Woodhull Conservation award for “outstanding efforts and achievements in the fields of stream improvement and education”.
His voice, ideas, efforts, friendship and companionship will be missed by all who knew him, fished with him, and those simply benefitted through his activities.
Allan
[This message has been edited by tyeflies (edited 19 July 2006).]