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A Sad Post #83955
01/26/2016 05:32 PM
01/26/2016 05:32 PM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,590
Indiana, USA
JeffC Offline OP
Traveler
JeffC  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,590
Indiana, USA
Some of my old friends might remember me from the "old days" on TTOL. For the rest of you, I used to hang around here quite a bit. Travels lately have taken me elsewhere, but a big chunk of my heart is still in the BVI. I miss you all...

Bill Hartzman (BillH) is another guy who used to hang around TTOL way back when. Many of you know he has been ill, both with cancer and kidney failure. Bill was moved to a hospice in Chattanooga a few weeks ago and continued dialysis there as a palliative treatment.

Bill decided just a couple of days ago to discontinue the dialysis. I think he just got tired of fighting. He passed away this afternoon at the hospice center where he was staying. His good friend, Jean Massengale, has been an angel to him and was with him when he passed. He went peacefully, just closing his eyes and drifting away. We should all be so lucky.

Kim (Kimmers) & Lew Spruance and Maryann Pascucci (Map or Mappy) joined with my bride, Christine, and I in trying to make his last days as comfortable as possible from long distance. I hope we helped.

I just noticed that, at the bottom of these pages, is an ad that Bill and I made up years ago to help sponsor interest and support in VISAR. Hopefully, it has done some good. A big thank you to my good friends, Eric and Carol Hill, for leaving it there.

Fair winds to you all. Maybe I'll try to get on here once in a while, just to annoy someone. Bill would have wanted nothing less.

Jeff

Here's Bill and some of us...back in 2007.
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]


[color:"blue"]Best,
Jeff Carlin
Bloomington, IN[/color]
BVI Sponsors
Re: A Sad Post [Re: JeffC] #83956
01/26/2016 05:36 PM
01/26/2016 05:36 PM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,266
Vero Beach, Fl and South Sound...
tpcook Offline
Traveler
tpcook  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,266
Vero Beach, Fl and South Sound...
Life goes on. So many great guys and gals worked on this site for years. Peace to you and your wife Di
Thanks Bill

Last edited by tpcook; 01/26/2016 06:06 PM.

tpcook
Re: A Sad Post [Re: JeffC] #83957
01/26/2016 05:44 PM
01/26/2016 05:44 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Manpot Offline
Traveler
Manpot  Offline
Traveler
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Fair winds Bill...we had many great times with you and Di although we most certainly did not always agree about things (lets just say I'm a little more left than Bill!) We think of you and Di often and hope you have finally found some peace..we will toast you on our next trip to your favorite island..Anegada..

Re: A Sad Post [Re: Manpot] #83958
01/26/2016 05:46 PM
01/26/2016 05:46 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
Winterstale Offline
Traveler
Winterstale  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
Thank you for sharing this, Jeff - I was just wondering about Bill since I don't think we've heard much since he told us all what was going on back in November. We will raise a toast in his honor at Cow Wreck for sure...Fair winds and following seas, Bill.


[Linked Image]

Re: A Sad Post [Re: JeffC] #83959
01/26/2016 05:48 PM
01/26/2016 05:48 PM
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,446
Ex-Spyglass Villa owners in Le...
Kimmers Offline
Traveler
Kimmers  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,446
Ex-Spyglass Villa owners in Le...
Beautifully written Jeff.


[Linked Image]

Re: A Sad Post [Re: JeffC] #83960
01/26/2016 05:49 PM
01/26/2016 05:49 PM
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,474
New Minas, Nova Scotia, Canada
sweetlassie Offline
Traveler
sweetlassie  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,474
New Minas, Nova Scotia, Canada
Sad news indeed...RIP Bill ...smooth sailing x

Re: A Sad Post [Re: JeffC] #83961
01/26/2016 05:49 PM
01/26/2016 05:49 PM
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,645
Cleveland, OH, USA
D
ds4881 Offline
Traveler
ds4881  Offline
Traveler
D
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,645
Cleveland, OH, USA
Well, this is my first TTOL visit in many, many moons and wouldn't ya know...

BillH was a class act and a calming influence on TTOL.

Rest in Peace, Bill


Dave
Re: A Sad Post [Re: ds4881] #83962
01/26/2016 05:57 PM
01/26/2016 05:57 PM
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,609
Woodstock, GA
RickinAtlanta Online content
Traveler
RickinAtlanta  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,609
Woodstock, GA
Just Damn!! I had been messaging Bill over the past months since Di passed to try and get him back to the BVI's. I'll truly miss that soul. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> Belinda and I first met Bill, Di, Jeff and Crissy at Pusser's as Bill invited us to sail with them for the day. That was the same trip that Mal and Candace extended great hospitality by hosting the TTOL Party at CRC. Great times will NOT be forgotten!

At least he's back with Di and hoisting a tall drink and sailing on a great fair wind.

I'll miss you my friend.

Last edited by RickinAtlanta; 01/26/2016 07:25 PM.
Re: A Sad Post [Re: JeffC] #83963
01/26/2016 05:57 PM
01/26/2016 05:57 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,557
Toronto, Ontario
gordaguy2 Offline
Traveler
gordaguy2  Offline
Traveler
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,557
Toronto, Ontario
Very sad news - RIP and smooth sailing over the heavens


GordaGuy2
Re: A Sad Post [Re: JeffC] #83964
01/26/2016 06:02 PM
01/26/2016 06:02 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Oh man.. I'm so sorry to hear this Jeff.. Rest in peace, Bill..


Carol Hill
Re: A Sad Post [Re: ds4881] #83965
01/26/2016 06:02 PM
01/26/2016 06:02 PM
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,321
Charlotte, NC
SuburbanDharma Offline
Traveler
SuburbanDharma  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,321
Charlotte, NC
So sad we never got to meet Bill; we often talked dogs on Facebook and would have loved to talk about them at Cow Wreck instead.

Sail on, BillH, you'll be missed by many.

May I suggest that anyone who is able make a small donation to Visar?

Last edited by SuburbanDharma; 01/26/2016 06:11 PM.

If I can't be a good example, I'll just have to be a horrible warning. [Linked Image]
Re: A Sad Post [Re: JeffC] #83966
01/26/2016 06:23 PM
01/26/2016 06:23 PM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,021
New Hampshire
map Offline
Traveler
map  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,021
New Hampshire
Many thanks for posting this Jeff! Very beautifully written. Captain my Captain will be missed so very much!


~As you navigate through life, take time to play in the waves~
Re: A Sad Post [Re: JeffC] #83967
01/26/2016 06:54 PM
01/26/2016 06:54 PM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493
VIRGINIA
B
BEERMAN Offline
Traveler
BEERMAN  Offline
Traveler
B
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493
VIRGINIA
Thoughts and prayers to Bill's family and friends.

Re: A Sad Post [Re: BEERMAN] #83968
01/26/2016 07:24 PM
01/26/2016 07:24 PM
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,609
Woodstock, GA
RickinAtlanta Online content
Traveler
RickinAtlanta  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,609
Woodstock, GA
I'm computer challenged but click on the link for a great picture of Bill & Di on Anegada from Bill's Facebook page.

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hph...amp;oe=572D8664


Last edited by RickinAtlanta; 01/26/2016 07:28 PM.
Re: A Sad Post [Re: JeffC] #83969
01/26/2016 07:30 PM
01/26/2016 07:30 PM
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,239
Long Bay Hill, Tortola, BVI
Pineapple Offline
Traveler
Pineapple  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,239
Long Bay Hill, Tortola, BVI
So sad to hear He was a gem of a gentleman, a far away friend and lover of the BVI. Rest In Peace, my friend.

Re: A Sad Post [Re: Pineapple] #83970
01/26/2016 07:36 PM
01/26/2016 07:36 PM
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,100
Maryland
Twanger Offline
Traveler
Twanger  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,100
Maryland
Another good one gone. Rest In Peace Bill.

Re: A Sad Post [Re: RickinAtlanta] #83971
01/26/2016 08:02 PM
01/26/2016 08:02 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
What a lovely picture!! Thanks so much for posting it!!!


Carol Hill
Re: A Sad Post [Re: Twanger] #83972
01/26/2016 08:02 PM
01/26/2016 08:02 PM
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,035
Buffalo, NY
LauraTheTshirtGal Offline
Traveler
LauraTheTshirtGal  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,035
Buffalo, NY
Very sad to hear, sail on sailor and be with your lovely wife.....

Re: A Sad Post [Re: JeffC] #83973
01/26/2016 08:23 PM
01/26/2016 08:23 PM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 929
Knoxville, Tennessee
Fred Offline
Traveler
Fred  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 929
Knoxville, Tennessee
Thank you for passing this along to us. The pictures you posted are exactly as I remember Bill and Di.
Bill contributed a lot to TTOL over the years and I am sorry to learn of his passing. He will be missed.
Fred

Re: A Sad Post [Re: Carol_Hill] #83974
01/26/2016 08:24 PM
01/26/2016 08:24 PM
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 68
Charlotte, NC
W
whaler18 Offline
Traveler
whaler18  Offline
Traveler
W
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 68
Charlotte, NC
Had the great pleasure of meeting Bill and His lovely wife a number of years ago while relaxing in front of Cow Wreck floating in the water. I can honestly say they were one of the nicest couples I have met while traveling in the Islands. I know one thing for sure, they are enjoying their reunion tonight and may just be looking down at their favorite spots together again.

Re: A Sad Post [Re: whaler18] #83975
01/26/2016 11:40 PM
01/26/2016 11:40 PM
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,212
JAX
jphart Offline
Traveler
jphart  Offline
Traveler
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,212
JAX
Never met him, but corresponded with him several times.
Always a nice guy. Eager to help.
Appreciate the way he faced his end. He will be missed

Re: A Sad Post [Re: jphart] #83976
01/26/2016 11:46 PM
01/26/2016 11:46 PM
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,545
Here and There
rita_irvine Offline
Traveler
rita_irvine  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,545
Here and There
Sad news indeed. Bill will be missed here.


Rita
It is better to be happy than it is to be right

[Linked Image]
Re: A Sad Post [Re: jphart] #83977
01/27/2016 12:00 AM
01/27/2016 12:00 AM
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,421
New Jersey, USA
DanS Offline
Traveler
DanS  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,421
New Jersey, USA
Here on TTOL I was often amused by the contrast between Bill's calm demeanor as a moderator, and his sharply barbed comments once he was liberated from that responsibility.

Like Mal I often disagreed with Bill's politics, but nonetheless appreciated his contributions to this forum.

Goodbye Bill. You will be missed.

Dan <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

Re: A Sad Post [Re: RickinAtlanta] #83978
01/27/2016 12:10 AM
01/27/2016 12:10 AM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,021
New Hampshire
map Offline
Traveler
map  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,021
New Hampshire
Great picture Rick thanks for sharing.


~As you navigate through life, take time to play in the waves~
Re: A Sad Post [Re: JeffC] #83979
01/27/2016 04:35 AM
01/27/2016 04:35 AM
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 826
Tortola, BVI
L
LianeLeTendre Offline
Traveler
LianeLeTendre  Offline
Traveler
L
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 826
Tortola, BVI
Somehow managed to double post. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Doh.gif" alt="" />

Re: A Sad Post [Re: LianeLeTendre] #83980
01/27/2016 04:41 AM
01/27/2016 04:41 AM
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 826
Tortola, BVI
L
LianeLeTendre Offline
Traveler
LianeLeTendre  Offline
Traveler
L
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 826
Tortola, BVI
Thanks for letting us know Jeff. I have a soft spot in my heart for Bill from back in the day when he used to call me late at night to ask questions about this place or that. He was always attempting to answer some question on TTOL and needed up-to-date info.

He truly tried his best to help. He could be acerbic and a little testy at times and he knew it. I was at the Jolly Roger one night when he asked me if I thought he was too quick to shut down threads that he felt were getting out of hand. I told him yes, I did think he could be a bit heavy handed from time to time ... but so what?

I (and many, many others) weren't willing to be a moderator, so to heck with anyone who criticized. Being a forum moderator is one of the most thankless volunteer positions in the world. Personally, I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole! I mean really, how many regular users here would be prepared to give up so much of their free time to be a moderator?

I told him that I for one greatly appreciated all his efforts, even though I may not always agree with his moderating style. I bought him a drink, we dropped that conversation and we both went back to our respective tables.

Later that night, Di told me I had hurt his feelings. I felt terrible. I went over to him, sat down and told him that I was never known to be particularly diplomatic and I figured if anyone would appreciate forthrightness, I thought he would. After explaining how much I personally appreciated his contributions over the years, I think he felt a little better. I won't get into what prompted the question in the first place, but I think he was hoping for a different answer from me.

Bill's contribution to TTOL was invaluable and he helped a great many people over the years, as did Jeff, Dan and a few others. He gave an inordinate amount of time to this community and I know he went out of his way to find answers for folks. If he didn't know something himself, he would call someone he thought would know. I can't imagine how outrageous his phone bills must have been back then!

So I will raise a glass to Bill and thank him one last time for all his efforts. Fair winds, following seas and long may your jib draw, my friend. I'll look you up when I get there! [/quote]

Re: A Sad Post [Re: LianeLeTendre] #83981
01/27/2016 04:48 AM
01/27/2016 04:48 AM
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,996
U.K. and Spain
Jeannius Online content
Traveler
Jeannius  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,996
U.K. and Spain
So sad to hear the news. Spent some good times with Bill and Di out in the BVI and exchanged many, many, ttol messages with him.

Re: A Sad Post [Re: Jeannius] #83982
01/27/2016 08:36 AM
01/27/2016 08:36 AM
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,114
West Palm Beach FL
bviboater Offline
Traveler
bviboater  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,114
West Palm Beach FL
So sad, only knew BillH through TTOL and the older board but thought of him as a friend, Rest in Peace Bill you will be missed.


John
Re: A Sad Post [Re: JeffC] #83983
01/27/2016 09:39 AM
01/27/2016 09:39 AM
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,214
Toledo, OH, USA
Orange_Burst Offline
Traveler
Orange_Burst  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,214
Toledo, OH, USA
It seems like just yesterday he was telling us of Di's passing. He took great care of her until the end. I have never met Bill, but he has giving me sound advice for many years.

Sail on sailor!


Colleen

[Linked Image]


Re: A Sad Post [Re: LianeLeTendre] #83984
01/27/2016 10:38 AM
01/27/2016 10:38 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Liane--thanks so much for your note. You are absolutely correct. Being a moderator here is the most thankless job in the world. TTOL owes an endless debt of gratitude to Bill and Jeff, who we contacted as we were setting up the BVI board, and who volunteered for that most thankless job. And since then, all the other moderators that we have had here. I have no idea why you guys put up with it, but we are extremely grateful.


Carol Hill
Re: A Sad Post [Re: Orange_Burst] #83985
01/27/2016 11:06 AM
01/27/2016 11:06 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,105
Syracuse NY
sandsea Offline
Traveler
sandsea  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,105
Syracuse NY
God's speed.....

Re: A Sad Post [Re: Carol_Hill] #83986
01/27/2016 12:13 PM
01/27/2016 12:13 PM
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 503
ski2play Offline
Traveler
ski2play  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 503
RIP Bill, I will always remember your love for Di and how you cared for her so deeply. Our condolences to your friends and families.

Re: A Sad Post [Re: JeffC] #83987
01/27/2016 01:54 PM
01/27/2016 01:54 PM
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 508
Haverhill, MA
cheryl_pete Offline
Traveler
cheryl_pete  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 508
Haverhill, MA
Smooth sailing my friend . . . till we meet again!!!

Re: A Sad Post [Re: cheryl_pete] #83988
01/27/2016 02:25 PM
01/27/2016 02:25 PM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,896
NC
Fran Offline
Traveler
Fran  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,896
NC
Haven't posted in years but always lurking. We had the pleasure of visiting with Bill & Di before she passed. Unfortunately, could not get together with Bill after that although we kept in touch via email and phone. We will miss them both very much.


[color:"red"]FRAN[/color] "Yes I am a pirate, 200 years too late"
[Linked Image]
Re: A Sad Post [Re: JeffC] #83989
01/27/2016 02:32 PM
01/27/2016 02:32 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 962
Middleburg, VA
cwoody Offline
Traveler
cwoody  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 962
Middleburg, VA
Very sad indeed.
I am sure Bill is up there trying to find crew for his next charter...


Chuck W.

Re: A Sad Post [Re: Fran] #83990
01/27/2016 02:48 PM
01/27/2016 02:48 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Hey Fran! Sorry it was this sad occasion that has brought you out of lurking, but good to hear from you. Glad to know you were able to visit with Bill and Di. Take care.


Carol Hill
Re: A Sad Post [Re: Carol_Hill] #83991
01/27/2016 03:20 PM
01/27/2016 03:20 PM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,896
NC
Fran Offline
Traveler
Fran  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,896
NC
After we moved to NC we are only about 4 hours from their place. After we went there they were going to come up to visit at our house when Bill could put together a few days off from work. But, Di took a turn for the worse as we all know and then Bill's illness...

Sad indeed.


[color:"red"]FRAN[/color] "Yes I am a pirate, 200 years too late"
[Linked Image]
Re: A Sad Post [Re: Fran] #83992
01/27/2016 03:49 PM
01/27/2016 03:49 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 312
Canton, GA
Felix Offline
Traveler
Felix  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 312
Canton, GA
Sad news indeed. I never did meet Bill, but I knew him from his posts. Clearly he was well loved.

Felix


* What we do in life echoes in eternity *
Re: A Sad Post [Re: Felix] #83993
01/27/2016 07:22 PM
01/27/2016 07:22 PM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 974
Gulf Shores AL
lindakay Offline
Traveler
lindakay  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 974
Gulf Shores AL
So sorry to hear this! Rest in Peace, Mr. Hartzman.

Re: A Sad Post [Re: JeffC] #83994
01/28/2016 02:44 PM
01/28/2016 02:44 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,353
Connecticut
periwinkle Offline
Traveler
periwinkle  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,353
Connecticut
So sorry to hear this sad news. We have many fond memories of good times spent with both Bill and Di. Beautifully written, Jeff. Thanks for letting us all know.

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