Bill Gottfried: R.I.P.

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of one of the mystery community’s most loved and stalwart supporters, Bill Gottfried. Beloved by authors, fans, and readers all over the world, Bill made significant contributions to the mystery world.

I first met Bill at the San Francisco Bouchercon in 1985. He and Toby were what I called ‘the cute couple’.. always together, holding hands, enjoying a loving and harmonious marriage of shared interests. It was rare to see one without the other. 

Bill and Toby joined our weekly mystery book group just after that Bouchercon, and he was a member ever since, even participating in last night’s zoom meeting. 25 + years ago he formed his own summer mystery book group, focusing on history mysteries, his favorite. That group gave him much joy. Over the years, we worked on numerous mystery conventions together. We often spent time together at conventions, too, in other cities, visiting art museums and historic sites in the many different places in which the conventions took place. 

Bill was a terrific resource for all things mystery and medical. That was a great combination for me, personally, as it was always good to have a ‘doctor in the house.’ And, in case you didn't know, Bill personally saved the lives of several of our mystery friends. Bill was a world traveler, a collector of masks and ethnic artifacts, a gardener, a bird watcher, a scholar. Religion played an important part in his life, and recently during the pandemic, he continued to expand his personal education in a number of fields. He always wanted to learn more, taking classes online and before that in person during his retirement. He also shared information about these courses to make sure others got the opportunity to attend. Bill loved to share his knowledge and his love of many different subjects. 

Bill will be remembered for his Talmudic questioning, both at conventions, in emails, and on Facebook. He embraced technology early on as a way to expand his knowledge, his experiences, and to grow new and old friendships. 

For Bill, family was always first. Family was near and dear to him. His devotion and love for Toby was unparalleled. His time with and love for his children and grandchildren was paramount. He was proud of his family and spoke of them often. 

Summing up a life well lived is difficult. Bill was a reader, a fan, a doctor, a friend. But most of all, he was family. We both grew up in Philadelphia, we both went to the University of Pennsylvania…albeit not at the same time. We both moved to California. We had so many things we shared: collecting, mystery, history, maps, religion, art, reference books. If you knew Bill you knew he bought books, often several copies of the same one, much to Toby’s chagrin. But instead of returning the extra copy or two, he gave them to others who would appreciate them. 

Even though we were not related by blood, I thought of him as family. I appreciate that he included me in his family celebrations, family group emails, and decisions. And, as family we sometimes squabbled, but that, too, is what family is about -- how we attain knowledge and show our love. I considered Bill my friend, doctor, and often my surrogate father. 

He was brilliant and loving, warm, and unique. But most of all, he will be remembered for his acts of Chesed (Look it up, Bill would say!). 

May his memory be a blessing. I know I am blessed for having had him in my life all these years. He will be missed.