Bill Krenz' passing, originall posted under Back From the Stomping Grounds

[snowdevil]

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Bill Krenz, editor and founder of Inside Archery and Bowhunt America magazines.

The archery industry knew him as an industry leader, a brilliant writer and editor who had years of experience working for some of the top companies in the industry. But at Zebra Publishing, we knew him as a devoted husband, father and grandfather, a passionate outdoorsman who lived and breathed bowhunting, a mentor, a source of inspiration and a friend. Words cannot express how deeply he will be missed.

Bill is survived by his wife, Sherry; his children, Tracey, Tyler, Tara, Travis and daughter-in law Heather; and his four grandchildren, Rachael, Colton, Maquel and Isabelle.

Bill celebrated his 58th birthday yesterday.

More information on the arrangements will follow.
4607

[41magfan]

Another sober reminder that life is short and full of uncertainty. I didn't know Bill, but he certainly seemed like a heck of a guy with a lot of outdoor experiences to share. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

[flamingo 7]

This is absolutely shattering news. Bill is a tremendous fellow. His tag line said it all. I'll fondly cherish the little time I was able to spend with him as well as the picture of him, on crutches, bow in hand heading off to hunt antelope…This one hurts.

[William Clunie]

Prayers go out to his family and all that knew him.

[John Havard]

I'm shocked to hear about this. We will all miss Bill and his participation on this board. Thoughts and prayers for the family.

[T Bone]

He will be missed! May his family be comforted during this difficult time.

[David in OR]

From what I could tell here, he was a truly exceptional man. His voice was clear, respectful, deeply-informed, and always engaging. My thoughts and condolences to his family.

[Herb]

Such sad news. The outdoors community has lost a great friend. My condolences to his family.

[snakey2]

Such sudden and tragic news. As he his the same age as me (younger slightly) it give me thoughts of my own mortality. All will miss his knowledge, insight and wonderful writing. Prayers to his family.

[Kevin Dill]

I admired Bill for his forthright thinking and attitudes toward people and the sport he pursued so avidly. I, like others, also thought much of his writing and communication skills. I hope his family members are in the company of others, and are being cared for today. God bless them...and God bless Bill Krenz.

[Mel]

I never had the pleasure of meeting Timberline, but always enjoyed reading his posts and seeing his photos. I know he was highly respected here on the message board and a good friend to many. My condolences go out to his family and friends. RIP Timberline.

Mel

[Whitepalm]

Very sad, always enjoyed Bill's posts and reviews. His passion for this stuff burns as bright as any. Im thankful to have been able to read of his adventures. Thoughts and prayers to his family.

[Dan97526]

A great loss. I'm sorry I never had the pleasure of meeting him in person, but I counted him a friend nonetheless. He will be missed. My condolences and prayers for his family.

[kutenay]

I am shocked and deeply saddened to read this tragic news, "Timberline's" posts on guns, etc., were one of the major reasons I log onto Kifaru every 2-3 weeks and his opinions and thoughts were always worth reading and so well written. I join with the many fine people here in sending my most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and I hope that the respect and concern shown here will, in some small measure, assist them in coping with this sad loss of a fine man.

...time allows, in all his tuneful turning, so few and such morning songs,
before the children, green and golden, follow him out of grace...

Dylan Thomas Fern Hill

[HiCntry]

I've been here a short time and never met him but I also looked forward to his posts and have reread many of his old threads and adventures when bored at work or home. His family and loved ones will be in my prayers.

[jack]

So many rifles, so little time...

Godspeed, Bill.

Jack

[CCH]

I'm stunned. My thoughts are with Sherry and all of his family.

Chris

[Songdog]

Wow, sad news. I was heading to the SHOT show this year solely for the purpose of getting lunch with Bill and meeting him face to face. Definitely a classy guy and someone who will certainly be missed.

[ppfd]

I never had the pleasure of meeting Timberline, but always enjoyed reading his posts and seeing his photos. I know he was highly respected here on the message board and a good friend to many. My condolences go out to his family and friends. RIP Timberline.

Mel

I can't put any better than Mel has.
RIP my friend

[Bonasus]

I am very saddened to learn this. He taught me so much with his knowledgeable, balanced postings. I particularly liked how he could give his opinions, even disagree with other posters, without the slightest trace of rancor or sarcasm. Knowledge and humility: two fine qualities to share space in one man's head. He was clearly a great family man. As much as he loved his rifles, it was clear to me that he loved taking his youngsters more. I remember his geocaching with the grandchildren post specifically. Godspeed to you Bill Krenz.
Bonasus

[wolfmen]

I really shocked to hear this. I really enjoy Bill's posts.
Prayers to his family.

wolfmen

[colohunter303]

My heart sank when i read this. For those that never met Bill in person he was as good a man as any ive ever met and a terrific story teller and hunting authority. I learned more from Bill in a few 15 min conversations than i may learn in years on my own. He will be terribly missed at the rendezvous and on this forum.

[DWP]

Very sad to hear. My prayers and thoughts are with his family.

[summitteer]

Heavy news, and so close to Christmas. My deepest sympathies to his family.

I will miss his posts.

[GlennGTR]

A truly great man, mentor, teacher and friend to all of us here. I will miss his thoughtful insight and good humor. Good bye my good friend Bill....and yes I drive a minivan.

[Steve O]

There was nothing related to hunting that Bill Krenz was not an authority on. You alway knew his opinions were based on many years of personal experience. I just recently sent a new recurve to Bill for him to test. He spent about two weeks with it and wrote up the most detailed report including, as always some great technical insight and photos. I will miss chatting with him about "old time archery". Prayers for his family.

[gonehuntn]

Bill's son has graciously given me permission to post information about the funeral services:

The Krenz family has scheduled services to celebrate the life of Bill Krenz, editor and publisher of Inside Archery and Bowhunt America, who unexpectedly passed on Monday.


Funeral Service and Travel Information:



Fri. 12-17 Visitation 4-8 pm Swan Law Funeral Directors

Sat. 12-18 Viewing 10 am New Life Church

12-18 Services 11 am New Life Church

12-18 Post-service reception Krenz household



Please ship all flowers, gifts and care packages to Swan Law Funeral Directors or the Krenz household, the addresses are listed below.



Funeral attendees can book discounted travel arrangements through the Dignity Memorial Travel Program. Call 1-800-344-6489 or visit dignitymemorial.com to make reservations. When making reservations, notify the agent that this is in regards to the Bill Krenz funeral with the Swan Law Funeral Directors, and use the reference number 2325.



Attendees requiring lodging can receive discounted rates at the Air Force Academy Hampton Inn and Suites across the street from New Life Church. When booking, please inform the hotel that you would like the discounted rate for the Krenz funeral—$69/night.



Air Force Academy Hampton Inn and Suites

1307 Republic Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80921

719-598-6911

hamptonafa.com



New Life Church

11025 Voyager Pkwy

Colorado Springs, CO 80921

719-594-6602

newlifechurch.org



Swan Law Funeral Directors

501 N. Cascade Ave.

Colorado Springs, CO 80903

719-471-9900

swan-law.com

[Huntsman22]

thanks, eric.

[gonehuntn]

One other note: Bill's son told me that his grizzly had come back from the taxidermist last week. Bill passed away as he was relaxing beside his trophy.

[GJZ]

Our deepest condolences go out to Bill and his family and loved ones.

God Bless Timberline

[Countryboy]

Prayer for the family. To Bill, Godspeed, and may heaven be more like the happy hunting grounds than anything else. Farewell.

[BowDoc]

I am truly saddened by this unfortunate news. I was lucky to have met Bill at the trade shows, and through conversations with Bill at the shows and here at Kifaru, considered him a friend. I had rifles, bows and hunts left to talk to Bill about, he was one great guy who really knew his stuff. We really seemed to see eye to eye and I had tremendous respect for him. I couldn't attend the Mathews trade show last week, but sent one of my guys who said hello to Bill for me. I know we all wish we could have one last talk. I regret it for us, but I mourn this loss for his family. I know he will be missed! Enjoy your happy hunting grounds Bill, you earned them.

Richard

[Uncle Jake]

Very sad news indeed. As others have said, his posts were informative and enjoyable to read. In particular, I think of his "mule deer in a late season", and how many times I have re-read it (should be made a sticky. hint, hint). My prayers go out to his family, who will miss him more than any of us could know.

[singleshot]

My condolences to Bill's family. He was a good friend. We had lots of good chats at the rendezvous.

[Phasmid]

Condolences to his family. It is very sad but Timberline certainly made the most of his too short life.

[BigSky]

Wow. Until the day my friend.

[Randy]

I'm shocked and saddened. I had the good fortune to spend some time with Bill at the last two CO Rondys. Bill was willing to share, to listen and pass on his passion for hunting, fine rifles and archery for all willing to learn. I'll treasure the short time we spent and his generosity in bringing some of those fine rifles for all to enjoy. Peace to his family and friends at this sad time.

[Half-Hitch]

R.I.P. Bill. I didn't know you, but from reading your posts I'm sure you were a helluva guy that will be truly missed. Condolences to your family.

[FlatbowMB]

This is heart breaking. While I had never met Bill he always exuded excellence, class and a deep, sincere desire to help others better enjoy hunting and the outdoors. It always brought me joy whenever he would directly address any comments that I had posted on the Kifaru message board.

[Edod]

Very sorry to hear the news. All my condolences to his family.

[PepeLp]

So sorry to hear this. I never met him, but enjoyed his posts. My thoughts and prayers to his family. We are diminished............

[aklivin]

Never met him person, but his posts made me feel like I knew him as a friend. I always looked forward to his posts and his pics. My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends. He will be missed and it's unexpected events like this that show us to never take any day for granted.

[evanhill]

Bill was a true gentleman sportsman, drawn from the stuff of a tradition that is now almost gone. Case in point: When I first met him in person, I asked why he'd never hunted grizzly with a bow. He replied that when you do that, you do it with rifle backup and to him that wasn't the real thing.

I can't help but reflect... at the time he passed, I was down with my brother in Texas hunting with our uncles on their place. This was the same place each of us killed our first deer and quite a few thereafter. The same place I remember eating hearts and onions prepared by grandmother from the deer she'd shot that day. Lots of memories and lots of tradition. The same tradition that Bill represented during the time he spent here.

thank you, Bill Krenz.

[stid2677]

It is with a sad heart that I write these words. I very much enjoyed sharing his hunting stories and his advise. My heart and prayers go out to his family. May his soul find peace and may he forever roam the happy hunting grounds with bow in hand.

Via Con Dios

[Brent13]

Unbelieveable, heard last night that Bill Krenz had passed away before the start of our archery league night. He was spoke of in the highest regard and the publications he was responsible for were mentioned. I did not put it together last night that Bill Krenz was Timberline on this forum until just now, reading this very thread.....I did not know him personally, never met the man, but he was one of the reasons I would come to Kifaru.net just about every day, to read what Timberline had written. He told a story and backed it up with unbelieveable pictures, his additions here were never short of incredible. Someone mentioned about his thread about an entire deer in a Late Season pack. This archery season, that thread was with me in my pack. I printed it out in color so that I would have his words and pictures on how to prepare a deer using the gutless method. It is still packed in the top hood of my Longhunter, and will stay there until the day comes that I need to reference it. Truly a sad day, wish I would have met him, and will miss his many contributions to this site. Life is too short, way too short. A really good one has left far too early.

Rest in peace, Bill

Brent

[Ralph]

I'm reading A Wilderness Within, a biography of Sigurd Olsen when I came across this passage from Sig's writing, written upon the death of an old friend and hunting buddy: "There is a bond, stronger than almost anything else, between the men who have sat across campfires in the wilds. No matter what else they may be, the comradeship there is stronger than death."

It may seem an odd coincidence that I came across this specific passage at this specific time, when it is most meaningful - except I really don't believe in coincidence. I think things happen together because they are supposed to happen together and that thought is particularly apt at this time.

[GJZ]

Ralph, I've seen way too many things happen at a certain time that I personally feel everything happens for a reason. Not sure if it's a spiritual connection or not or something beyond explanation but the older we get the more it seems to happen. Sometimes were not comfortable with what takes place but often enough it always seems to make sense later on and many times something good can come out of something bad although we don't see it at the time. But the loss of a good person seems to be the hardest of all to take.
It would sure have been nice to meet Bill in person but this electronic campfire was th next best thing and thankful for that opportunity that brought us all together! Maybe someday day we will all meet again in the happy hunting grounds at a giant rendezvous in the sky....

[Ralph]

My old friend and minister would remind us from time to time that all prayers are answered, but sometimes the answer is "No". And if you can stand another quote: "And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should."

[trapperJ]

I was fortunate to meet Bill when he came up to hunt brown bear a couple of years ago.I was not his guide but spent time with him around camp after he was successful.He was a very nice man and extemely knowledgable about hunting and nature.You could tell Bill wasn't there to just add another animal to the list but for the whole experiance.Don't get many like Bill in camp anymore.

I'm sure he's hunting in a better place now.

[AbnMedOps]

From yet another who never met the man face to face, but always enjoyed and learned from "Timberline". Rest in peace Bill. My condolences to his family and many, many friends.

[BuckarooMedic]

My thoughts and Prayers go out to the whole Krenz family.

It seems like Mr. Krenz lived life to the fullest, and truly enjoyed life too. I guess it's true that the brightest candle burns the quickest.

Rest in Peace Mr. Krenz.

[MoRedNeckThanYou]

My prayers and condolences.

[Old Tree]

I was lucky. I got to know Bill thru bowhunting when he still lived here in California. As I recall he managed the BowHut in Mammoth in the 70s and it moved to Visalia in the 80s. In the early 80's he and I served together on the Calif. Bowmen Hunters Big Game Committee. I also got to shoot a few broadhead tournaments with Bill. Back then he hunted Colorado with the Gulman family,,,,and eventually that is where he moved with his family. After California he moved on to other states and jobs with I believe PSE, Hoyt, and Bear Archery. Most who know him from this forum knew his connection to the magazines, etc. I had a nice talk with Bill at the last Pope and Young convention. I sure didn't expect it to be our last.
His passing leaves a giant hole in the world for those of us who love the outdoors. He set the bar high.

Rest In Peace Bill,,,

Dave Semple (Tree)

[Fongman]

I am so sad to hear of this news. I've enjoyed so many of his posts.

Prayers of comfort sent for the loved ones he left behind...

[BowDoc]

"It always brought me joy whenever he would directly address any comments that I had posted on the Kifaru message board."

Flatbow, I'm sure most of us felt this way. It was like getting noticed by Michael Jordan.

[Scoutin' Wyo]

"It always brought me joy whenever he would directly address any comments that I had posted on the Kifaru message board."

Flatbow, I'm sure most of us felt this way. It was like getting noticed by Michael Jordan.

Glad I'm not alone.

[Wanderlustr]

So sad.
What a great guy, I never had the privilege of meeting him, but reading here....you just knew he was the real deal. I looked forward to all his posts - even his trading post listings were great.

My deepest condolences to his family.

[Bushcraft]

It was with disbelief, shock and a stabbing sorrow in my heart when I learned that Bill had abruptly left this mortal plane.

My sincerest condolences go out to his wife, his family and his many friends and acquaintances during this difficult time.

I’ve heard it said that one of the best ways to be successful in this all too short life is to work at what you love and love what you work at. Bill obviously proved this to be true in the various facets of his personal and professional life. We would all do well in however long our own lives might be to live out what he has in 58 short years.

I always appreciated how he enthusiastically shared his deep knowledge and passion for all things outdoors. He was a true gentleman and a man worthy respect and admiration.

In his words and photography, he brought us along on hunting adventures around the world that relatively few of us have ever experienced, or ever will. That he did so humbly was a testament to the quality of the man. He was one of the finer examples of a man that I've ever had the good fortune to meet and come to know.

He has trekked on to the happy hunting grounds and we would all be so fortunate to one day join him on an ethereal adventure.

To him I say, “I hope to see you again Timberline. But not for a long time”.

Allen

[Brad_A]

Oh man... been out of town at the ranch working and just saw this... should be obvious to anyone that was on this or other forums Timberline (Bill) was a thoroughly decent man... RIP and condolences to his loved ones.

-Brad

[Brad_A]

Bill's son has graciously given me permission to post information about the funeral services:
12-18 Services 11 am New Life Church

Just saw this, not surprising Bill was a Christian... it showed. My wife sang at New Life in the early 90's via a travelling Christian Ministry and I doubt you could have attended the church back then unless you were a believer... See you later Bill...

[Spence]

Thoroughly enjoyed Bill's detailed and thought provoking posts, what a shame to lose him so soon. If anything, a reminder for us not to squander what time we each have left, Bill surely did not.

[Montanapete1]

"In the end its not the years in your life that count but rather the life in your years"-
Abraham Lincoln

[RKP]

Always enjoyed his posts. His pictures and his writing were superb. Prayers sent to his family. Godbless.

[Doug Fir]

I did not have the honor of meeting Bill in person. Rather, I got to know him through his writing. His ability to craft a story with words and pictures that grabbed you was amazing. If he took the time to write it, it was worth reading. He was a true sportsman and emblematic of the commitment to real hunting that we all share on this board. He readily shared his knowledge and expertise in a way we all were able to enjoy. One of the things that I appreciated most was his ability to stir up the board. If there had not been a thread that recieved a lot of feedback in a while, he would throw out a topic that was sure to liven things up. I can only envision his delight at seeing us all chime in.

The summation of a persons life is memorialized by what their friends and piers say about them at their funeral. Although the members of this board are scattered about the globe, his family shall be comforted with the knowledge that we all had a lot to say! Rest in Peace, Phil Abraham (Doug Fir)

[gebuesch1]

Although I have never met him in person, I feel sorry about his death.

[Wild Life]

I've been lurking around the Kifaru forums for several years, ever since I first learned of the Kifaru Rambling Rifle. Over that time, I found myself searching for threads started by Mr. Krenz, as well as his comments posted in threads started by others. I never had the privilege of meeting him, but as others have said here, Mr. Krenz' influence extended well beyond those who knew him personally. I greatly admired his writing, his photography, his open mind and his respect for others. I've never particularly felt the desire or need to post until I read of his passing. My condolences and prayers to his family.

[disillusionedpatriot]

Just noticed this. Timberline's posts were always thorough, informative and enjoyable to read. I never met him but considered that I knew him as a friend in this online community.

[wd]

I have not been on the forum for a few months but decided to check in this morning. I was very taken back by the announcement of Timberline's passing.

I did not know Bill personally but he and I grew up 100 miles away from each other in Wisconsin a few years apart. During the mid 70's and early 80's I was very active in archery in Wisconsin and the name Bill Krenz was very well known and respected. Over the years I have enjoyed many articles written by Bill.

I moved to Colorado Springs in 1981 and had no idea Bill Krenz was in Colorado Springs until I put 2+2 together from this forum in 2008!

His life was well spent and legacy left. My sincere condolences go out to his family.

He will be missed!

[TR]

I am shocked. I sold Bill a Dozier knife a while back and overnighted it to him for his antelope hunt. I truly hope he was able to enjoy it in the short time he owned it.

God Bless and God speed.

[Kmassaro]

TR, if you overnighted it to Bill, he enjoyed it. That man packed a lot of life into 58 years. A great life in fact.....he excelled at everythign he did. Hunter, father, husband, grandfather, and friend.

[Jason]

Wow, I just noticed this thread. I've been away for a while and this is an awful thing to learn upon returning. I never had the pleasure of meeting Bill, but truly enjoyed his thorough and informative posts, and excellent photographs. I'm happy that he experienced such a rich life, and I'm sure those who had the pleasure of calling him their friend feel blessed.

[ryanusmc]

Like Jason Id been away a while and came back to this. Truly a pity. God bless him and his family.

I didn't read every response but was wondering someone at Kifaru could collect some of Bills best posts and save them/compile them?

[sab]

Ryan:

A Hunting subforum was created for just that purpose. Go to the hunting forum and look at the top of the page for the Timberline subforum.

Regards,
Scott

[powder river 2]

Been away for a while but upon returning noticed the news of Bill's demise. Resquiate in pacem, Bill. Condolences to his family.

[Sawtooth]

A few days ago marked a year since we lost our good friend, fellow hunter and shooter, and trusted advisor. Bill accomplished so much, and helped many of us in countless ways. He will be forever missed. RIP my good friend, and God bless your family this Christmas season. They will be in our prayers.

[Scoutin' Wyo]

A few days ago marked a year since we lost our good friend, fellow hunter and shooter, and trusted advisor. Bill accomplished so much, and helped many of us in countless ways. He will be forever missed. RIP my good friend, and God bless your family this Christmas season. They will be in our prayers.

I'm still shaking my head a year later.

RIP Timberline

[Jon S]

I was talking to a game warden from South Dakota, (brother of my neighbor) and we got to talking about hunting, he mentioned he was teaching his 10 yr old son to hunt and using a bow. We got to talking about Bill for a few minutes, I thought of the good things he did while on this earth and the legacy he has left for us all to follow.
Merry Christmas Timberline and family, we wish you good blessings and great happiness in the coming year.

[Patrick]

Yes indeed, Merry Christmas to brother Timberline and all those who remember him. Especially Sherry and Family.

[flamingo 7]

Christmas Season has been a bit sadder with thoughts of his passing, but I had the pure joy of knowing him and others who have shipped their chair in the big 24 man. We are blessed indeed. Sherry and family are in our prayers.

We will never be the same as we were before this loss, but we are ever so much better for having had so great a something to lose. Author unknown (at least to me)