The passing of RockDoc

[adamasgem]

It is with profound sadness that I have to report the passing of Bill on Tuesday.
Arrangements and Internment are not final.

 

[pricescope]

Leonid just spoke to him about his TV few days ago! I can't believe it Marty! How sad...

 

[chrono]

OMG! I had no idea. I knew he had a very long spell of illness a few years ago. My deepest condolences to his family in this tme of great sadness.

 

[surfgirl]

Wow, I''m simply stunned. We''ve lost such a valuable member here. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

 

[Lorelei]

Oh no...This is very very sad news. I am so sorry and my condolences go out to Bill's family and friends. His passing is a huge loss to our community also. Marty, thanks for letting us know.

 

[Mara]

oh my gosh... i am so sorry to hear this. what happened?!?

my deepest condolences and prayers to his family at this trying time. he had such a wealth of knowledge and will be incredibly missed.

 

[pyramid]

Oh no. I am very sad to hear this.

 

[Kaleigh]

Oh no!!! This is so sad. My prayers and deepest condolences to Bill''s family during this very diffficult time. He will be greatly missed.

 

[Dee*Jay]

What terrible news! My deepest sympathies to his family and friends. We will certainly miss him very much.

 

[jcrow]

terribly sad news.

thanks for letting us know, and if possible, please keep us informed.

he will be missed.

 

[upgrading mama]

MArty, thank you for sharing the news with us. He will be missed by us here on PS, and I am sure his family will deeply lament his passing. My deepest sympathy''s with them at this time.

 

[diagem]

Very sad!!! going to miss his wisdom...

 

[Cehrabehra]

wow, how shocking and sad

I am so sorry for all who loved him and my thoughts go to him...

 

[IrishAngel7982]

What sad news! My prayers and thoughts are with Bill and his family during the time of his passing.

 

[oldminer]

Bill was a good guy who struggled to "make it" and I think he did himself proud. I don''t know a whole lot about his early family life, but it must not have been easy. He graduated from a privately endowed school in Philadelphia, Girard College, named after its benefactor, Stephen Girard. This school takes in orphans and fatherless boys into its care for their secondary education. This is a world famous place, but in a very harsh part of the inner city these days. It wasn''t such a great spot even when Bill went there, but the fine education there led him into being the straight sort of fellow he was. Its difficult to outlast your contemporaries and I am saddened to hear we no longer have Bill around to pick on us or for us to pick on him.

Bill led by example in his later years. He was a strong advocate of consumer fairness. So much so, that he scared a lot of potential work away, but he wanted to play the game by his own set of rules and it is my belief he did this with honor. No one made more thorough reports and I sure would not have wanted him opposite me in an expert testimony situation. He was adamant about his positions and learned how to make his case and defend his territory. He fought hard for his clients and he set a good example of complete appraising and service. Bill never had quite enough time because he wouldn''t rush a job out before he was prefectly content with the appraisal. Now Bill has eternity to oversee those who must go on with the daily grind. I will miss his contributions and his often counterpoint views. RIP.

 

[CJ2008]

Bill,

I have just learned via Pricescope that you have passed. Even though I met you only one time, I can sincerely say that I will miss you. I am so sorry that I will not get a chance to work with you. I am about to purchase a stone and the only thing that made me feel sure I was going to make the right decision was having you alongside me. Just today I thought about possibly going by your house to see if you were OK since you weren''t replying to my calls and e-mails. I really wish I had talked to you one more time.

I will miss you Bill. I hope you can read this e-mail from heaven.

Claudine

 

[Harriet]

I hope he went peacefully. My condolences to his family.

 

[oshinbreez]

My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

 

[neatfreak]

Wow. He will be deeply missed around here. I always enjoyed reading his intelligent and interesting posts.

 

[monarch64]

So sorry to hear this news, my condolences to Bill and his family.

 

[JohnQuixote]

The trade has lost one of its most enthusiastic members, and many of us have lost a dear friend.

For any who did not have the chance to know him, Bill was well known for his expertise in both gemological and legal circles.He was a long-time contributor to internet education about gemstones, jewelry and appraising.More than anything, Bill loved to share his considerable knowledge - talking and answering questions with anyone and everyone - extremely generous with his time.He was a teacher, a perfectionist and above all, someone completely dedicated to the things he loved and passionately committed to sharing those things with others.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours, Bill.

Marty, thank you for letting us know.Please accept our condolences. I know you two were great friends.

 

[dimonbob]

I am more than surprised to hear that Bil, our RocDoc, is no longer with us. I spoke with him often and I knew he was not in the best of health but this is a total surprise.

He and his wisdom will be missed. He was a friend.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

How sad--I feel for his family. He will be greatly missed, but not forgotten.

kind regards--Sharon

 

[Regular Guy]

I''m so sorry to hear. Shocking news, really.

I am recalling he may have been caring for a relative, too?

Yes, things will not be the same here.

 

[risingsun]

I am shocked and saddened to hear this news. My condolences to his family and friends.

 

[belle]

i am so shocked, i don''t know what to say

rockdoc will be greatly missed.

 

[pyramid]

Yes I believe his only relative was his aunt who was in her 90s and was living with him.

He had so much information on diamonds that whatever question you had he would know the answer. I remember him from when he was a daily poster on other forums too. He helped consumers so much. If you asked a question and you saw him come online, you could 100% know you would get an educational reply back from him. He is irreplaceable to the community here.

 

[JenStone]

I''m so shocked and saddened to hear what happened....I loved reading his posts and learned so much from his expertise. What a terrible day for PS....

 

[icemyster]

He will be missed...Best wishes to all his family and friends...

 

[Rockingout]

My heart sank when I read this. What a great guy, talking with him numerous times when we were getting our diamond appraised by him. He was a such a genuine person who spoke with truthfulness and loved what he did. It is a sad day in the diamond community. We will miss you Bill