Cohost and Cofounder of Nature Guys Podcast sadly passed away in August 2020. Bill’s dream was for Nature Guys to continue connecting people to the natural world.
We updated our logo in 2020 with a Cooper’s hawk to honor Bill’s spirit. Listen to this episode to hear the story. Learn more about Cooper’s hawks in the episode Watch for the Cooper’s Hawk at Your Bird Feeder.
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Thank you for the wonderful podcast you two have built and looking forward to more informative episodes when you are ready.
Hi Bob:
You were wonderful with this… as hard as it may have been for you, you did a masterful job in your tribute to Bill. He was definitely one of a kind, and possessed such a gracious and gentle soul, one couldn’t help but to smile when in his presence.
Now I think that whenever I see a Cooper’s Hawk, I will think of Bill.
.Keep up the good work!
-John J
Bob, you were eloquent in this podcast. I’ve listened to every Nature Guys podcast; I love it. I was heartbroken when I read that Bill had died. I feel like I’ve lost a friend. You really did lose a dear friend, and I’m so sorry.
Elizabeth, Salem Oregon
This episode was a beautiful tribute to a fantastic teacher. Bill’s knowledge and enthusiasm were an incredible gift, thanks for putting that gift out into the world with this podcast.
As I do many Tuesdays I tuned into NatureGuys this evening only to hear the sad news of Bill’s passing. I am in tears – I feel like I’ve lost one of my closest friends. Bill and Bob have taught me so much about Mother Nature! Now I look outside with different eyes and ears, I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to be part of NatureGuys. Many a sleepless night I would listen to Bill and Bob and take my mind off the stress of the day. Thank you Bill for teaching me about the wonders of the outdoors. And to you Bob for being such a wonderful friend – I’m counting on you Bob to keep things rolling along!!
I only knew Bill from the podcasts, and I could sense his warmth and light touch from his words and sense of humor. What a wealth of nature knowledge he shared! He would be happy to know our cat watches birds, too- but only from inside the house.
I started listening you guys late (around April 2020) when we were in the pandemic strict “stay at home” order we experienced this spring here in Connecticut. You guys quickly became my favorite podcast and I listened to past episodes every night like a marathon taking notes and getting excited to take my 3 and 4 year old out into the woods every morning to learn and experience. (Thanks to you and Bill I am the grateful owner of Joseph Cornell’s wonderful guide). I had the gift of that time with them, and you and Bill made my experience so much more enriched and vibrant. I have always been connected to nature since I was a boy and you both reminded me of my grandfather, at times, who is solely responsible for my love of songbirds, trees, and all other forest creatures.
I have an unsent email “draft” thanking you both and requesting you do an episode on Acorn Weevils from last month – which, sadly, I never sent. When I read the title of this ‘in memory’ episode I felt like I had lost a friend. Bill had a profound impact on my life this year and as a result – my wonderful children’s nature experience over the past 6 months.
Bob, I can only imagine the pain and gratitude you must feel right now. I find enormous hope and inspiration in the thought of you continuing your joint mission in Bill’s honor. It would be understandable if continuing without Bill would be too painful, but unsurprisingly you have decided to forge ahead. You continue to be an inspiration Bob. Thank you again and I too will think of Bill’s infectious chuckle along with my grandfathers warm smile every time I see one of our Red Tails flying overhead.
Much love from the East Coast – Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are amazing.
– Ryan B
I am so
Sad and shocked to hear of Bill’s passing. My condolences to his family and friends. Bill was a very kind and gentle spirit who appreciates everyone and all of nature. I enjoy the podcasts nearly every day. Thank you.
I am just a listener from Cleveland, but your podcast and Bill’s love of birding have revived my connection to the outdoors. When life becomes hectic, Nature Guys is my escape. I have been taking time to bird again and have even dug out my old CDs of birdcalls. Also, my cats are now indoor cats. I will miss Bill’s voice and his expertise.
I am sure Bill is pleased that you are keeping your cats indoors!
I am so sorry Bob that you have lost your great friend Bill, it was obvious the friendship you shared together. When I heard the news I felt like I had lost a friend too. I’ve listened from the very beginning, and have enjoyed your podcast so much and have learned so much. I had always loved how much being in nature meant to Bill and how much he wanted us to share in it through the podcast. Thanks for many, many laughs, much learning, for sharing with us. Bob, my thoughts are with you today.
Bob~
I just heard of Billy’s death this morning. Such a loss! You did such a fine job of delivering his eulogy. My thanks! Too I thank you for both sharing your wealth of knowledge and deep love of the natural world all these months. It has been a joy to listen to. I will miss your duo of bantering and am looking forward to whatever you are able to do around the bend.
What a beautiful tribute! It made me so sad to hear of Bill’s passing because I’ve learned so much from this podcast and his storytellling ability as well as his deep knowledge. As I worked in an essential job through this pandemic, I often looked to Nature Guys for solace during my evening walks. I clearly remember after a bad day in April, listening to the podcast on Violets and it lightened my spirit. I meant to write you guys a thank you at that time, but here it is finally. Please continue with your role as ambassador of Nature. Nature needs you and so do your listeners!
Thanks so much for this wonderful tribute to Bill. My wife and I have known Bill for probably 40 years. Bill was teaching a Bible study when my wife and I were still dating! Our son’s 1st summer job was at Nature Center and Bill was his boss. Andrew still remembers lessons that build taught him.
I was a young, aspiring part-time naturalist at the Cincinnati Nature Center when I met Bill. As the Chief Naturalist, he would always quiz me with something he’d found on the property, or just something off the top of his head. If I didn’t know the answer to his ‘pop quiz’, he would make me think critically and deduce based on what I knew the answer was not – and often times I’d get closer to the correct answer than I initially thought. Such an empowering way of teaching, which I strive to emulate.
Bill was a source of genuine concern and comfort, for myself, my family, and my father as my father battled with cancer. My father died whilst I was employed at CNC, and the outpouring of support and care from my coworkers, including Bill, was indescribably humbling and heartwarming. When I left the Nature Center to pursue a full-time position (though not in the industry I’d like), Bill reached out to me a couple of times on Linkedin with warm wishes, saying that he missed me around the Nature Center. I was only at CNC a relatively short time, and it warmed my heart that he thought of me, even a few years after leaving. I regret not keeping closer ties.
Bill was a gentle soul, yet incredibly charismatic. He encouraged me to study and learn, and pursue Natural History. He was, and is, a constant inspiration to me as I maintain my life-long fascination with the natural world around us. I pray my professional career and my passion with nature can again coincide.
Requiescat in pace Bill. Our prayers are with you.
I was a late-comer to Nature Guy’s, having discovered it somewhat recently. It was thrilling to hear Bill again ‘in his element’, and I had brief acquaintance with Bob, seeing him whilst I worked at CNC in the gatehouse and at the front desk. Such a light-hearted and fascinating show. Very necessary, and timely.
Bob, if there is something I can do to help with the podcast’s continuation, please let me know. I have experience with scripting, voiceover, audio/video, and marketing.
Thank you, Bob for the wonderful tribute to Bill. I could only listen to your podcast today, just too raw to listen sooner. And, through my tears, I had many smiles remembering Bill. When you told the story of “What bird is that, Bob?’ I actually heard Bill’s voice asking that question! I hear many of his quotes coming out of my mouth on nature hikes with kids. He touched so many. I hope, I can continue and share all he has taught m and his love of nature.. I am so glad the Nature Guys will continue. I enjoy each and every podcast. I learn something new each time!
Thank you again for continuing your and Bill’s love of nature
I have not been able to listen to any of the nature guys podcasts for a while. I just came across this one. As I’m sitting here crying my eyes out I just have such fond memories of Bill. He’s been a friend for years. I met him when I was in nursing school. One of my fellows students asked for us to go out to assemble the newsletter at the nature center. Her mother worked there and she is who introduced me to Bill. He has taught me so much over the years. The wonderful thing about your podcast is I will always be able to hear his voice. Bill was an incredible friend, teacher, mentor. He had so much knowledge and if he didn’t have the knowledge he would at least seek out an answer for you. Thank you so much for your wonderful words in your tribute to Bill. I’m so glad you were able to do your visit on the back patio. God bless.
Will miss hearing his beautiful voice – such a great, warm soul – condolences to his family and friends –
I wish I told him how much he helped me during COVID shutdown -when I discovered this show –
Love
Ranger Kathy from NYC
Thank you so much for this lovely tribute to my cousin Bill. I came to your house about three years ago with him when you were going to do your podcast. I had a great big black eye and Bill joked that we’d had a little disagreement. Your wife Beth was a wonderful Hostess and gave me a cup of tea and settled me in your family room before she went to pick up your grandson. The view out your back window is beautiful. Bill and I had a lot of adventures together as we grew up. I will miss him terribly but I have the wonderful memories in my heart. I think you did him great justice with this podcast. I am glad you’re going to continue the podcast as I know that is what Bill would have wanted.
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of Bill. I only discovered your podcast this past July but it quickly became one of my favorites. I have volunteered and guided Nature Hikes but I am a bit of a lone wolf in my area as I work in a lab and do not have any nature buddies. This podcast gives me a sense of connection with knowing that there are more people out there like me. I wish I had had the opportunity to go on a hike with Bill. I will miss his voice but I am looking forward to the many many past podcasts that I have yet to listen to.
Jungle Jen from Michigan
Thank you for this heartwarming tribute to your friend and co-host. I listen from afar in California and, as a transplant from the East Coast, greatly enjoy hearing your enthusiastic and knowledgable descriptions of the animals and plants that will forever remind me of home. Your friendship and shared curiosity for the natural world is tangible through the airwaves, and a wonderful way for Bill Creasey’s work to live on for years to come.
Abby you are right Bill’s work lives on! Friends often tell me that they miss his wonderful laugh. I do to of course but the other day I tuned into an old episode and there it was! Thanks for taking the time to share your insight. Take care, Bob
You will be missed Bill. My mother (83) and I started listening to the podcast a couple months ago’ a chipmunk made friends with her and eventually me also.. Sitting on our laps most nights since I’m guessing g later summer on, and stashing his many wheat kernels, sunflower seeds and peanuts. (Bob, you and Bill remark they being able to stuff a whole peanut in their mouth… We counted five or six one night. I think it was the second night he got peanuts so maybe he was too motivated to make off with too many, we call it chippy, he’d remove them and bite then sharp tips off and take them in and out to readjust placement for max payload. It’s funny but actually looked awful), . I decided to search podcasts to learn about them and discovered nature guys. The show is great , really grows on you and is always interesting, even the one or two I wondered what could I learn about that. We worked our way up the list to chimney sweep and memorial podcast tonight and learned about Bill. Which felt like a punch to the guts. So I can’t imagine how much he is missed. And thanks Bob and Bill
You are right Bill is missed by me and many others. Thanks to his encouragement I am continuing on with Nature Guys. No one can ever replace Bill but I have a number of wonderful naturalists who are co-hosting shows I know Bill would be proud of.
This is a beautiful tribute to Bill. Nature Guys is my all time FAVORITE podcast though I admittedly haven’t listened to it in about 2 years as I have been abosorbed with paving the way for our nature school out here in Seattle to make it through a leadership change and covid. Today I just happened to be on the phone with the Cincinatti Nature Center preschool director, sharing nature school resources information, and I paused and said “Is this THE Cinncinatti Nature Center?? As in the Nature Guys’ Cinncinatti Nature Center? Do you know them?!” And she shared with me of Bill’s passing. I’m so sorry to you all for this loss. I listened to this recording and cried like I knew him. You both have impacted my journey as an outdoor educator and a frequently would center my lesson plans around your shows. I can’t wait to start listening again. Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do!
Tess thanks so much for your wonderful words about Bill. I miss him so much but he left all of us an incredible gift. Just a few days ago I listened to one of our old episodes and he was with me again with that great laugh. I am so grateful to be able to carry on Bill’s legacy with the help of amazing co-hosts and guests. So glad to know we have helped you on your journey as an outdoor educator.
Take care,
Bob
I discovered your podcast earlier this year while trying to tide by brain over until my family’s national parks trip this summer. With a education and background in Fisheries and Wildlife, I quickly found myself respecting the show! You two were perfect co hosts and I enjoyed the shows. I JUST listened to the memorial episode, though I already discovered Bill had passed. But, I kept listening in order and here we are.
I am sad to hear he is gone. It feels like a friend has left us.
I will be continuing on with listening to the show, in order, of course.
Bob, I have faith you have continued on with great shows and I can’t wait to hear them. Maybe I’ll start commenting on some! I’ve thought about it several times, but haven’t.
Thanks for all that you and Bill did for us nature fans. We’ll miss Bill greatly.
Thanks for your comments about Bill. He was a remarkable naturalist and a very good friend. I think he would be proud of the people that have helped me continue the show.
Bob,
I did not find your podcast until the spring of 2023. Listening to you and Bill, I felt like I found new friends. It wasn’t till recently and I found out that Bill had passed away. Without ever having known, Bill, I felt like I lost a friend.
Thank you for all your work, keep it up. I got your business cards and I will continue to share your podcast with everyone who shows the least interest in nature. Keep up the wonderful work! You are doing gods work!
Mick McCarty
Thanks for helping us spread the word Mick!