Very sad news

[Scott McKee]

I just received the following from our friend, Bill Hilts, Jr.:

• Sad news everyone. Jean Elliott is asking to let people know that Will passed away earlier today in his favorite recliner chair. No services are planned, cremation only according to the information. He was a special man who was a great ambassador for the outdoors throughout his lifetime. He will be missed.

During his time with the Buffalo News (in addition to his weekly fishing reports, which I never missed),  Will crafted numerous articles conveying the catch and release ethic regarding muskellunge which certainly helped sway the public towards our clubs beliefs. Beyond that, he was a really cool, funny guy. I'm going to miss him.

Rest in peace, Will.  

[Tony Scime]

Will was a great friend to the NMA and to all outdoorsmen and women.

[John Jarosz]

Will was one of the great pioneers of getting topics and events of the outdoors out to the public. His Sunday column was the first thing I read. He was a good friend to all sports people

[Stephen Glassic]

Very sad indeed.

Without him there will be a HUGE void in the Western New York outdoor world and beyond. From his writings in the Buffalo News to outdoors promotions for Niagara Falls to his cable show "Outdoor Beat". He was a promoter of all things outdoors in the entire region from fishing and hunting to conservation, rowing and birding. He was also a very well respected member of the Outdoor Writers Association. He was not only a great reporter and promoter of outdoor activities but also a dedicated supporter for the preservation of our outdoor resources.