Bill Baldwin: May 26th 1938 — May 27th 2010
The DSVC lost one of its own on May 27th of this year. Freelance copywriter Bill Baldwin passed away after a long struggle with cancer.
For those of us who have lived and worked in this town since the ‘70s, Bill was one of our most respected and best-loved creatives. He was the go-to writer for many of the town’s top designers. For those of us who have been connected with the DSVC over the years, we also know him as the guy who worked alongside Phil Hollenbeck, Shawn Freeman and Todd Hart to envision, produce, and leave the lasting legacy of Rough, the DSVC’s award-winning newsletter.
Bill loved life with abandon. He was a voracious reader with eclectic and far-ranging interests. Over the years he developed an encyclopedic knowledge on myriad subjects, including gardening, music, poetry, art, sports, food and wine, and could talk with wit and humor and ease on these and many other topics. Bill loved entertaining, and was well known for regaling family and friends with amusing anecdotes and stories. He also was a great listener, with a quick and open mind and an even quicker smile.
Despite three harrowing bouts with cancer, Bill never gave up or gave in. Through it all, he chose to seek out the good things in life, which more often than not he found. Apart from his two lovely daughters, Jennifer and Leslie, and his wonderful wife Karen, Bill felt his great contribution to a better world was laughter. He commented that he was hooked on laughter in the 1st grade when something he said caused the girl sitting across from him in the lunchroom to laugh so hard she snorted milk out of her nose.
So remember that when you think of Bill, and grin. He had a great ride. He will be so greatly missed by those who knew him—but even more lovingly remembered.
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Todd Hart said:
I was fortunate to cross paths with Bill over 20 years ago, when we created Rough magazine (which Bill named) for the DSVC. From the moment I met Bill, his passion for writing and story telling immediately bonded a relationship between us that would never cease. Over those 20 years of creative endeavors we produced hundreds of projects together, he inspired me, lifted me up when I was down, and taught me many things about life that I will carry with me and pass on to others. Bill was not only a brilliant writer, he was an incredible person, full of wonder, love, compassion, and understood the value of humility. I will miss you Bill, you made an incredible contribution to this world! I send my love, Todd
on Jul. 8, 2010Wayne Geyer said:
When I started out as a freelance copywriter, I quickly adopted Bill as a mentor. Every time I called him with a question about what to charge for my services, I knew I could expect the same Baldwin-ism: "When in doubt, just add a zero." I've never had the nerve to follow that advice -- and that's just one more way I'll never match Bill Baldwin. Thank you, Bill.
on Jul. 12, 2010Shayne Findlay said:
I count myself fortunate to have known this most wonderful man for the past 12 years. He was much more than a wonderful business associate - he was my friend, my mentor and exemplified a life well lived. He'll live on forever with the creation of our website - a true labor of love. Bill was and forever will be THE BEST.
on Oct. 3, 2010Post new comment