Name: Visitation for William F. Bachmann
Start: 2017-10-21T16:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-10-21T17:00:00.000Z
Location: Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel & Oaklawn Cemetery

Bachmann,

William F.

Orlando, FL: Bill Bachmann passed away on October 11, 2017. Bill was a world-renowned commercial photographer with assignments that took him all over the world for over 40 years. He was a native of Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from Roberts Wesleyan College in 1967. He then went on to New York and London, England, earning a MFA and MBA before eventually embarking on his free-lance photography career. He amazingly traveled on photography assignments to over 200 countries on all 7 continents, photographed over 1500 magazine covers and produced many well-known ad campaigns for some of the world's leading advertising agencies. Bill founded the unique travel group called "Bachmann Tour Overdrive". He directed BTO trips on all the continents with a wonderful core group of travelers that loved adventure, travel and photography. Bill loved his adopted hometown of Orlando, Florida and was based there most of his professional life.

He raised two terrific stepsons Jordan and Brandon Wilder in Lake Mary and they gave him much pride. He was preceded in death by his parents Ernest & Helen Bachmann along with his brother Ed Bachmann. He is survived by one sister, Patricia Hyler, and four nephews: Glenn Bachmann. Donald Rude, David Rude and Ernie Rude, along with one niece, Suzanne Bachmann. He also leaves behind many special friends that shared his life here.

Services under the direction of Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel in Sanford, Florida.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rochester Democrat And Chronicle on Oct. 18, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for William Bachmann

Sponsored by Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel & Oaklawn Cemetery Oaklawn Chapel.

11 Entries

Richard Santoro

December 22, 2017

I met Bill after graduation from Penn Hills High school. He was the school basketball star. We were close friends and even went on double dates. I knew bill as a happy go lucky guy - always positive, upbeat and laughing. His attitude was contagious. We lost track of each other after that - to my deep regret. RIP Bill.

Joanne Rogers

October 23, 2017

Bill, I'm so sorry to have been out of town when it was time for our final goodbye to you. Hearing of your passing seems unreal. We worked together on so many photo shoots over the years. Your talent was amazing. You made it all seem so easy. You had a life truly well lived. Godspeed to your next assignment.

Joseph Jeffery

October 22, 2017

Did not know you, Bill, but I admired your work. RIP, Master Photographer.

Lisa Hughes

October 22, 2017

Peace and love to you. I've never met you, but would have liked to. Your story and cancer struggles have inspired me to follow my photography dreams. I hope I can one day earn a living doing what I love, taking photos. Thank you for your blog and time invested in reaching someone like me.
May God carry your soul to be at rest and comfort. Peace.

Sherry Brewer

October 19, 2017

Bill, You gave me something that no other has given me, that is to look at life from a different perspective, through the eyes of the camera. To see into the soul of each individual, into nature and see the beauty of what lies beyond. I appreciate the opportunities and words of wisdom that you gave for travel and seeing things around me from a different perspective. Your honesty and positive attitude about life and living until your graduation from this life is a lesson for all. Keep the fight, see the good and positive no matter what happens. We are here for a short period of time. Make the best of it and be aware of your surroundings so that others can benefit from it. I miss you my dear friend and believe that on your new journey you will experience the true colors and amazing scenes of life. Love you. Sherry Brewer

Susan Tonarely

October 19, 2017

I met BIll only once in a photography club meeting. I live in Missouri and was a visitor. He was so impressive and passionate not only about photography but about his BTO groupees. I would have loved to be able to have gone on one of his trips. Now he is photographing the stars and space with the Lord. Peace with you and your family.

KELLEY

October 18, 2017

MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FAMILY AND FRIENDS SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BRING YOU A MEASURE OF COMFORT.PLEASE READ PROV 17:17

October 18, 2017

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Karen Hamilton Ashworth

October 16, 2017

Y.R.P....The Emperor. My dear friend for over 30 years, I will miss your voice on the other end of my phone, your presence in my home, and our laughter-laced travels around the world together. You are one-of-kind, and you leaving this earth is like the end of an era. Your legacy will live on here forever, and now you rest in eternal peace. Sleep with the angels, sweet Bill.

Candyce Potter

October 16, 2017

Bill was such a great friend to me and my family. We spent many Thanksgivings together and he always loved my mom's cooking. My dad went with Bill around the world and that was truly a highlight of my father's life. He loved photography and Bill was the BEST teacher. He was like a brother to me and will be missed by the entire Potter clan. He was so loved by all of us.

Alan H

October 15, 2017

Bill, I have had the pleasure to have known you for over 20 years.

We shared a love of trying to capture the world through the viewfinder; and letting others see our vision. We shared some memorable adventures on the ski slopes, in NYC, Paris, on your roadtrips; in Pittsburgh, in FL; and stayed in touch via the phone. The pleasure of sitting outside at a bistro; watching and enjoying the visuals walking by.

You simply always had a smile on your face and in your eyes.

You created hundreds of thousands of images that have and will endure. I learned to use primary bright colors in my own photography from you.

You always tried to find the beauty in life.

You worked hard, and you lived with Great Gusto and passion.

At a very low point in my life, in NYC, you shoved a good Scotch into my hand and said "Talk to me, the long version, not the short. Talk to me......" and for hours you listened and actually heard and understood my pain. I have never forgotten that long evening where you helped pull me up from that long tunnel of darkness and back into the light.

I always enjoyed your travel stories from literally around the world.

Everyone has "100 Interesting People I have known in my Life" ::: you were one of mine.

Even in death you faced it with a fight, good spirits, and true courage.

from Triangle Pittsburgh PA: "Aren't you Bill Bachmann" to this final Goodbye.

Your Body is no longer here, but your Smile lives on ; in those you have touched.

God Bless, Alan / NYC