William "Bill" Von Segen

I highly respected and loved Bill! He was a true professional at work, and always a gentleman. He was forever calm, patient, and caring to all of us who worked with him. It was a privilege and honor to work with and serve with Bill. He was a true friend and special man! Ray Abriel

Bill and I did not see each other after sometime in the late 70s. I often missed him and thought of our times together as kids and young adults. I was able to make contact with him just prior to his death. He was a good person, good company!

Bill always made me be, and look, better than I had any right to. And grinned when he did it. Everytime.
May he rest in peace.
(You can multiply the above sentiment a couple of dozen times for his FS colleagues over the years who are no longer around to express them.)

Bill was a great guy and a widely respected wood utilization specialist.

There are few in my lifetime of working with members of "our" forest products "family" that I consider true renaissance souls. Those with the knowledge and skills to see beyond the present to what could be for the future. Bill was one of those renaissance souls: knowledgeable, quiet, thoughtful, direct, and when needed - a surprising risk taker. Comfortable in his own skin. All superb human qualities still rarely found in most of us today. Bill also showed a genuine kindness to those he...

Bill opened the door for me to informally apprentice in wood products utilization in 1992. Twenty-five years later I'm still doing something I love because of Bill's help.

Bill often took the long view when working with non-profits. Several times over the years and there are some healthy and thriving non-profits in the Pacific NW that owe their continued existence in part to him, like Wallowa Resources and Sustainable NW. That doesn't' even include spin-off businesses.

Bill...

Bill is one of the best in my book. It was a privilege to know Bill.
God"s Love and mine,Sheila Walker

I was privileged and blessed to have known Bill for many years, originating from our close working relationship with the U.S.Forest Service from 1990 until his retirement. He was a dear friend and colleague. He was one of the most wonderful persons I have known in my life. He was a true gentleman and was always so gracious and caring to everyone. He set the model for professionalism and teamwork, and his word was gospel. He earned the respect and admiration of everyone who worked with and...

Sorry to hear of Bill's passing. We worked closely together through State & Private Forestry's Sawmill Improvement Program....he doing studies in Oregon & me processing those studies at the Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, WI. He was a great guy to know & work with.