Bill Tilson 1945-2009

[Jerry Bennett]

It is with great sadness and regret that we must inform you of the passing of our dear friend Bill Tilson. Bill has
cheerfully shared his talent for artistic turning with us for several years. He was active in the Gulf Coast Woodturners,
Houston, The BVT in College Station, Texas, The AAW, and the World of Woodturners. He was to demonstrate
his “Petal series†at the AAW symposium but was unable to attend. His beautiful art is several collections and
in many galleries. We have never heard him utter an unkind word about anyone and he was always ready to lend a
hand or teach a class anytime he was asked. Carpooling to the various meetings, we would have great discussions
about woodturning, art, and the latest tools. We also and solved many of the world’s problems. For sure it will not
be the same. We were honored to have him as a friend.

The family wanted you to know how important the woodturning community was to Bill.

He is survived by his wife Denise, his daughter Elizabeth Crawford, son in law Michael Crawford, and sister Linda Tilson
plus many friends.

Information on services to follow.

Jerry Bennett
Kendall Westbrook

 

[Charlie Knighton]

from richmond:

 

[John Van Domelen]

R.i.p.

Bill was one of the guys in our local club that was an inspiration to me. He encouraged my work and shared anything he knew.

A tragic loss to our local AAW chapter and the art world in general.

Very sad day this...

 

[Michael Stafford]

Indeed, a loss to the turning community as a whole. He was a decent talented human being and I pray for his family.

 

[Bill Pottorf]

The loss of my true friend Bill Tilson.

Needless to say, when Jerry called me this afternoon to let me know of Bill's passing, I was devastated. Just cannot keep my feelings about Bill's passing under control. As some know, Bill was my mentor in the WOW forum and a very close friend to Diane and I. We have attended several AAW symposiums together and we really missed his not being able to go to the 2009 symposium as one of the demonstrators. His presence in GCWA made our Houston club one of the top in the country. He was a fine and outstanding individual and I will sorely miss his presence in my life. I am so sorry for his family and our condolences go out to them. Bill will always be with me in my turning world. A very sad day indeed.

 

[Charles Henderson]

This is a very unfortunate loss. My condolences to his family and friends.

I was looking forward to his demo at the symposium, and was disappointed that he couldn't make it. I figured that to miss that he must have been in bad shape, and was hoping he would be okay. I had a chance to see his work, and it was truly remarkable. What a sad day.

 

[Tib Shaw]

We've exhibited several of Bill's pieces at the AAW Gallery of Wood Art over the past few years and they never failed to intrigue and please visitors. From the other posts it sounds like he was a wonderful man, on top of being a gifted teacher and talented turner. Our sympathies to his family and to his local chapter friends.

 

[Binh Pho]

Bill Tilson

Jerry,
yes we just lost a great woodturner, great artist and a truely good friend.
he will be missed
Binh

 

[N_Addy]

This is a loss to us all. My heart-felt condolences to his family.

Bill, you left us all richer.

From SWAT 2008:

 

[Don O. Jr.]

A Sad Day Indeed

While I was not fortunate enough to know Bill personally, I certainly admired his work and therefore the person who made it. The turning world is a lesser place today for his loss. My sympathies to his family and friends.

Eternal rest grant unto him and let perpetual light shine upon him.

 

[Linda Ferber]

My heart-felt condolences to Bill's family. My contact with Bill was viewing his work at the Gallery of Wood Art and WOW. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Linda Ferber