Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Pond Boss Tragic News for our Pond Boss family

Like John, seeing him at Bruce's was my first time to meet him. What I did notice was how all the people in the room lit up when he walked in. Obviously a very loved and respected man.

Prayers sent.

Dr Dave was one of those people who's foot prints were larger than life. The worth of a man is measured by the people they touched and the good they do and inspire. Dave touched more people than will ever be known, and his inspiration will go on for generations.

A class act all the way, Dave would always help in the most respectful way. He was such a great example and teacher. Our prayers are with his family as Dave rejoices with his Lord.

So very true. What a great way to put it.

WHAT?? Oh man, oh man, oh man. I'm at a loss for words. I just don't know what to say.

My prayers go out to Susie and the Willis family.

The only good thing (if you could call it that) was that he left us quickly doing something that he liked vs. whithering away in a hosptial.

Bob, Eric, whomever knows. Please let us know were to send cards, flowers, etc.

"This is such a shock. It's almost like the Lord tried to take him earlier, and state of the art medicine saved him. This time, the higher calling was not to be denied."

Sunil, that mirrors my thoughts exactly.

Ditto! Having had some very arrogant professors he was definitely not like them! Class act and giving is definitely a good description.

I just got home and saw this. What a horrible tragedy and loss. He was such a special person.

Ken and Lynda

I hope his Grandson is ok? If he was the only one with him at the time I hope he is not to shocked in all of this and he is ok. That boy must be devistated to have something like that happen right in front of him.

RC

I'm so sorry to hear this terrible news.
I will be praying for Dr. Dave's family!

Very sad news
Will be praying for Dr. Dave and his family.

I am new to the forum but extend my condolences to an obviously well liked individual. My very best to Dr. Dave's family in this very tragic time.

I'm crushed and deeply saddened. Our loss is God's gain. Dave will be sorely missed.

This is terrible news. I have a family friend who was a colleague of Dr. Willis and spoke very highly of him. My condolences.

So sad to loss a mentor and pioneer in our pond industry. Mostly sad to loss a dear friend before I could make it out to hunt pheasant with him and his dogs. I will try to make everyday and important one because you just never know when our time on earth is finished. Hope to join you in the next world Dave. Prayers Susie for your family.

If anyone would like to share a moment of silence and a toast, perhaps we could all be together at 8PM EST?

Still kind of in shock here.

At the first conference I attended, I was literally star-struck by many of the experts who generously answer our endless questions on this forum. I hesitated to introduce myself to a few of these guys. "Hi, I'm Omaha." "Who?" I saw Dr. Willis, but never introduced myself.

Not a day after the conference ended I had a PM from THE Dr. Dave Willis. He regretted not meeting ME!

I was blown away and learned a quick and valuable lesson about the Pond Boss Family. No longer do I hesitate to contact an expert and ask for guidance, even if I am just a guy with a little puddle in Nebraska.

I was fortunate, extremely fortunate, to finally get to sit down and talk with Dave last September. Was one of the thrills of the weekend for me. It is incredibly humbling knowing now that it was the last time I'd see him.

Heart remains very heavy.

Sunil, even if it's just you and me, I'm in!

I am pouring my drink now, in memory of Dr. Dave. You have your reward now, Dr. May we all join you one day. CMM

We're not alone!

I'm on the Forum at 8pm honoring Dr.Dave's life, knowledge, friendship, and his Pond Boss membership. I will dearly miss that great fish squeezer and mentor.

Glass in hand here also.

It's with the heaviest of hearts and the joy of remembering a man who ranks among the finest on this earth. Kind, gentle teacher, who humbly brought people together, raised people up, made them believe in themselves and each other, knowing we all have a purpose and a God-given mission. From the Pond Boss family...here's a toast and a moment of silence to our dearest of friends, greatest of colleagues, Dr. David Willis.

Rest in Peace, dear, dear friend.

*clink*

A true friend to many, we had much in common.

Farewell, Dave

Dr. Dave was like the Moderators' smarter brother. He happily shared his knowledge not only with the country's best fishery students, but also with those of us in the unwashed masses. Dave was a connoisseur of the finer things in life, like good friends, good music, and Dr. Suess. To the best of my knowledge, he only ever made two fishery-related mistakes - judging me on separate occasaions to be "hat worthy", even though my arms are far short of six feet long.

Dr. Willis' Official "Too Many Daves" name was, IIRC, Bodkin Van Horn. Sadly, we now have Too Few Daves, by one.

Via con Dios, mi amigo.


Dave Willis an friends at Lusk Lodge 2