Many people here know Bill Stevens and many of the newer guys from the last couple of years probably never heard of him. He was a regular contributor here for many years and was a major proponent of the use of microguides.
I just got news that Bill passed away at 3:15 today after a brief illness. He was one of the most knowledgeable person I knew in this craft. He got out of building about three years ago after his wife passed and he never was able to get over he's passing. He'll be greatly missed by many.

Very sorry to hear it. Bill was very helpful to a great many builders.

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Sorry to hear...Prayers for his family...

I have read a ton of posts by Bill, and they were always helpful. Sorry to hear of his passing. Condolence to his family.
Norm

Our prayers are with his family at this very hard time , thanks for the up date, Bill

William Sidney
AK

I absolutely loved Bill's whit and I have a great deal off respect for him. He was very influential for my building career and is one of the true talents rodbuilding has seen. He once donated a blank and components to me for a unit Christmas party completely on his own accord. I called to ask for a suggestion and he insisted that he send it free of charge. The winner of the rod still fishes it today and raves about it every time. His generosity knew no bounds. I enjoyed seeing him at ICRBE while I as stationed on the east coast. He will be truly missed. We have lost another great builder may he again be happy with his wife forever. RIP my friend!

Very sorry to hear about Bills passing. He was a good friend. I knew him for many years . We shared some great stories about metallurgy and such in the Fossil Power Industry. And we shared some great stories about Rod Building. He was very instrumental in getting the Micro Guides in production, along with Steve Gardner and some others I didn't know. He was a wealth of knowledge, full of information. He will be missed. Condolences to Bill's family.

Thanks to Lance for posting.

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY

Prayers for his family. rest easy in Gods creel



Matthew Mil. Wi.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/02/2017 12:54AM by Matthew Paul.

Thank you Lance. I will miss him. We had many long talks.

To All.

Bill was very knowledgeable, helpful and considerate.

He was a good man and a "Trip" in many ways, he could make most anybody laugh as easily as he would teach a lesson in rod craft, or a story of antidotal nature.

Bill shall be missed by many.

Tight Wraps & Tighter Lines.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

Bill Stevens was one of the most colorful, articulate, opinionated people I loved in rod building. There was no kinda like or kinda dislike. You either loved Bill or he drove you bonkers. Phone calls could last hours and stories, well you weren't really sure if they were exactly true, embellished or what and then most of time you'd find out they were 95% true. He taught, shared, included and wanted everyone to partake in rodbuilding. He would give anything he knew. He operated behind the scenes on so many things, including nothing more than stirring the pot at times - something he devilishly enjoyed. And it was fun to hear him talk about how he deliberately stirred up stuff.

Bill was a massive influence on me in rodbuilding. Bill did and helped me with so many things I couldn't even begin to list them all.

Rest in peace my friend and laissez le bon temps rouler. Your greatest lagniappe was just being able to call you my friend.

Alex

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AD

Bill Stevens was one of the most colorful, articulate, opinionated people I loved in rod building. There was no kinda like or kinda dislike. You either loved Bill or he drove you bonkers. Phone calls could last hours and stories, well you weren't really sure if they were exactly true, embellished or what and then most of time you'd find out they were 95% true. He taught, shared, included and wanted everyone to partake in rodbuilding. He would give anything he knew. He operated behind the scenes on so many things, including nothing more than stirring the pot at times - something he devilishly enjoyed. And it was fun to hear him talk about how he deliberately stirred up stuff.

Bill was a massive influence on me in rodbuilding. Bill did and helped me with so many things I couldn't even begin to list them all.

Rest in peace my friend and laissez le bon temps rouler. Your greatest lagniappe was just being able to call you my friend.

Alex

-----------------
AD

Rest in Peace Sir, Spoke with you at Several Expo's, Extremly knowageable about all phases of Rod Building . Also A Very Funny Person

Rest in Peace Sir, Spoke with you at Several Expo's, Extremly knowageable about all phases of Rod Building . Also A Very Funny Person

Rest in Peace Sir, Spoke with you at Several Expo's, Extremly knowageable about all phases of Rod Building . Also A Very Funny Person

Rest in Peace Sir, Spoke with you at Several Expo's, Extremly knowageable about all phases of Rod Building . Also A Very Funny Person

Rest in Peace Sir, Spoke with you at Several Expo's, Extremly knowageable about all phases of Rod Building . Also A Very Funny Person

Rest in Peace Sir, Spoke with you at Several Expo's, Extremly knowageable about all phases of Rod Building . Also A Very Funny Person

Rest in Peace Sir, Spoke with you at Several Expo's, Extremly knowageable about all phases of Rod Building . Also A Very Funny Person

Rest in Peace Sir, Spoke with you at Several Expo's, Extremly knowageable about all phases of Rod Building . Also A Very Funny Person