DR. BILL HAS DIED

[marshallkarp]

I wanted to express my sympathy and condolences to his family. In 2010, I interviewed Dr. Bill on our Underwater Videographer Podcast. Dr. Bill discussed his over forty years of diving at that time, relationship and work with the Cousteaus, his DVD and cable access show, and his methods and techniques. Here is the link if you would like to listen:

Dr. Bill Bushing

This episode of The Underwater Videographer Podcast features Dr. Bill Bushing of Catalina Island. Dr. Bill writes a weekly newspaper column titled "Dive Dry with Dr. Bill." This column uses a humorous style to present topics in marine ecology, conservation and natural history. Additionally...

www.podomatic.com

 

[CAPTAIN SINBAD]

Very tragic news. I learnt a lot from Dr. Bill about Kelp forests and was hoping to do a TV interview with him too. He will be truly missed as an underwater enthusiast, environmentalist, scientist and a personal friend and mentor. My condolences to the family, friends and the rest of the diving community.

 

[wetrat]

So sad to hear this news. My condolences to his family and friends. I loved seeing Dr. Bill on my visits to Catalina... I feel fortunate to have run into him about a year ago. He seemed so happy and upbeat. This was a bit of a shock today.

 

[flyboy08]

RIP Bill.

 

[АлександрД]

Never meeting him personally, but always reading his articles with great interest.
Seems, he knows any underwater creatures, even smallest, and all of them knows him.

Rest in peace!
You will stay in our minds and hearts.

 

[kelemvor]

I also never met him, but I read all his publications that I could find. I've also watched all his videos. They were a nice combination of educational and entertaining. He was a great man that contributed more than most to the world.

 

[Chavodel8en]

Never met him, but always enjoyed his insights on California diving and marine life. Seems like he had a great life and he gave alot to the world in general, diving specifically. Rest in Peace.

 

[fnfalman]

 

[merxlin]

Dr. Bill Memorial Update-

After some discussions with the City of Avalon we have a few options we will be pursuing:

Renaming the Dive Park- Probably not going to happen. Too much politics involved.

Topside Memorial Plaque - Very possible and would be separate from the sign at the top of the stairs, One additional possibility to this is a So Cal Diver's Hall of Fame, where Bill would be the inaugural member.

Renaming the MPA - Currently the Casino Point State Marine Conservation Area, to something like "Dr. Bill Bushing State Marine Conservation Area at Casino Point." - Seems long but keep the location and Dr Bill's name.

Underwater Plaque - Similar to the Cousteau Plaque- and also seems doable. We will discuss locations and the installation process. This has to be approved by CA Fish & Game, but it seems achievable.

Once we get a few more details worked out we will need some help, so please message me if you would like to be involved. Also, I am sure at some point we will need funds, but will set that up once we know how much and what they will be used for.

And finally (for now) we will be reaching out to those who signed the petition, as well as those that just want to comment, to get some brief (1-2 paragraphs) statements from divers about why Dr Bill was so important to our sort and the dive community. Those will carry more weight with government entities than just the petition (although that helps a lot as well). We will publish where to send them as soon as we have that established.

Bill will be remembered at the Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup in late Feb, and also at Chamber Day/Eve on May 4.

 

[Dark Wolf]

Condolences to all of his friends and family. I have enjoyed his posts for a number of years. Damn.

DW