William F. Reese Passed Away Last Week

[Jennifer Evenhus]

We have lost one of the great Northwest artists and a great friend. Bill Reese, who had suffered for many years from a dibilitating lung disease, passed away recently, leaving a hole in our hearts. I was blessed to know Bill and even took a workshop from him many years ago. He will be sorely missed as a friend, artist, and mentor. Prayers of sympathy go out to his wife, Fran, and his whole family. Jennifer Evenhus

[Rene PleinAir]

I saw the message on Wet Canvas together with a link to a site where he made a video about Life as an Inspiration for the Alpha-1 Community (he had Antitrypsin Deficiency)
The video on his site contains words of wisdom and numerous images of his artwork.

William F. Reese

[Debra Joyce Dawson]

I am very sorry to hear this. I corresponded with Bill when I first signed up on this site, some time ago. He left wonderful comments about my paintings, then took the time to visit my personal website and wrote to me again. I'd seen him perform in Kirkland, WA at the 2004 Oil Painters of America exhibition. Bill was everything that an artist and mentor should be. I am so glad we had the opportunity to speak online, and sorry that I wasn't able to actually get out there to take him up on his offer to paint with him. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his wife and family.

[Philip Fairbairn]

I'm very sorry to hear about the passing William F. Reese. The long and short brush strocks of color on canvas tie all artist together even though we may never meet. We admire and applaud, and we study in amazement, at the talented documentors of our time, and of the only place we know and love, Earth. I tip my brush to you. William F. Resse.

[Bernie Rosage Jr.]

I am also saddened to hear this... thanks for keeping us in the loop Don. I will also miss Bill' s gems of wisdom and encouragement... I am so glad I got to meet him through this site. Bill's quote on the link Rene included below speaks volumes... I encourage everyone to click on it and read it...

[Bernie Rosage Jr.]

Jennifer... Thanks you too for posting this and letting us know...