Search by Name

Search by Name

Bill Krick Obituary

Bill Krick survived 34 years as a firefighter. He died fishing, a sport he loved.


Mr. Krick, 66, a fourth-generation West Palm Beacher who retired eight years ago as a city Fire-Rescue battalion chief, vanished Saturday in Everglades National Park, according to his family and a National Park Service spokeswoman. His body was found Sunday afternoon.


He died with his first grandchild on the way.


Mr. Krick disappeared beneath the surface of Oyster Bay, in the park’s Shark River area, around 5:30 p.m. Saturday, park service spokeswoman Linda Friar said Sunday evening.


The Coast Guard and Everglades National Park officials searched Saturday night for the missing man, even calling in a Jayhawk helicopter with night-vision capabilities from the Coast Guard station in Clearwater.


Severe thunderstorms Sunday hampered the search, but Mr. Krick’s body finally was found and was turned over to the Monroe County Medical Examiner, Friar said.


Mr. Krick’s family and friends said they believe he had some sort of medical problem right before he disappeared.


“Bill’s been a fisherman and in and out of the water his whole life. He’s one of the strongest swimmers I’ve ever seen in my life,” family friend Patricia Abram said Sunday from the family home in Palm Beach Gardens.


She said her husband, John Poff of Wellington, and Mr. Krick’s brother-in-law, John Dolezar of the Orlando area, had rented a houseboat and two flatboats at Flamingo and were in Oyster Bay, in the Shark River area.


“It was a fishing trip they’d taken many times,” she said. She said her husband was too distraught to come to the phone.


“They fished in the morning, went back to the boat, and had lunch,” Abram said. She said Dolezar then took one flatboat to retrieve a favorite fishing reel he’d lost in the water.


At that point, she said, Poff noticed Mr. Krick’s flatboat had broken loose from the houseboat in a strong current and Mr. Krick dove in after it.


Abram said Poff quickly saw that his friend was in distress. Amid the noise of the houseboat’s generator, he shouted to ask whether Mr. Krick was OK. She said Mr. Krick appeared to mouth that he wasn’t.


She said Poff dashed into the houseboat and grabbed three life jackets.


“He came out 60 seconds later. Bill was gone.”


Mr. Krick is survived by his wife Cathy D.; his son William P. and wife Shannon of Plano, Texas; and a brother Peter and Peter’s wife Sarah, of Grand Junction, Colo.; as well as his mother Alma Krick.


Funeral arrangements were underway Sunday.


Staff writer Willie Howard contributed to this story.

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

Published by The Palm Beach Post on Jul. 23, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Bill Krick

Not sure what to say?





Jerry Catoe

July 17, 2021

Bill was a kind and generous man, and he was always ready to come to the aid of a friend or co-worker who needed him.
His humor was contagious and he enjoyed the time he spent with the guys at the fire station.
Those of us who knew him for years know he was a good friend and a reliable team member, whatever the job.
I´m sure he is greatly missed by his family and friends.

Ray and Roberta Kerkhoff

July 31, 2012

We are so very sorry -guess heaven needed another good cook.

Patti Gardner

July 26, 2012

Cathy - I'm so sorry to hear of your heartbreaking loss - my deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Paul & Darlene Lotts

July 26, 2012

For everyone out there that Bill helped over the years pay it forward the world will be a much better place. R.I.P. Chief

Heather Luttier

July 26, 2012

Cathy, I was so saddened to learn of Bill's passing. I have fond memories of our years on Edgewood with you, Bill and Billy. Am thinking of you and the family. Warm regards, Heather Hadley Luttier.

Cletus Pirtle

July 24, 2012

Cathy, There is nothing I can say, being at a lose for words at this time other than, all of you are in my prayers.

God bless you,
Cletus

Craig Segal

July 24, 2012

Cathy, Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Alma,little Bill and rest of family. Big Bill will be missed greatly. Please know we are here for you if there is anything you need.
Your friends at office,
Sandy, Laura, Amy, Inga, Sue,Jill, and Craig Segal.

Karen Banasiak

July 24, 2012

Cathy, We are so sorry for your loss. Bill was a wonderful and respected person. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything we can do, please do not hesitate to call. Our Love, Karen and Rory Banasiak

Seana and Jim Gallo

July 23, 2012

Cathy, our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. All our love.

Jim and Terry Flowers

July 23, 2012

Cathy

I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was a good friend and I always had the best of times and biggest belly laughs with him on our many fishing trips. He was always fair and up front with me at the Fire Dept. and I respected him for it. I will miss him.
Terry and I send our prayers and wish you some comfort during this hard time.

christina lueders

July 23, 2012

Cathy, So incredibly sorry about Bill. He was a warm, funny man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Sigrid Harshman Hawkins

July 23, 2012

Cathy and Billy,
I was so shocked to hear about Bill. i know the loss you are feeling and want you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time..if you need any thing please call.

Dr. Steve Kringold

July 23, 2012

Bill was an engaging man with a big heart. He was an instant friend to all who met him. I enjoyed playing golf with him and will miss him. As a volunteer firefighter and retired medical doctor, we shared a common bond, stories and many laughs. My heartfelt condolences go out to Kathy and his family. I am shocked at his passing, and will long remember his endearing smile.

Helen Gerard

July 23, 2012

Cathy, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. If there is anything I can do, please don't hesitate to ask. Love,

Financial Planning Investment Group

July 23, 2012

Bill was an amazing man, so generous and always smiling. He will be greatly missed and his memory will live on in our hearts.

July 23, 2012

Cathy-mere words cannot express how we feel-you know we loved Bill and he will be sorely missed-we're here for you.
Sue and Bob Wipperman

Ray Malin

July 23, 2012

Chief Krick had an Immediate, positive impact on me me as a young firefighter at WPBFR. His influence on me has continued as my career in the fire service has progressed, I am sure there are countless others who feel the same way and he will continue to touch all of our lives. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Chief Krick's family.

July 23, 2012

my prayers to your family over your loss,pierre czernowski

Rick and Linda Roberts

July 23, 2012

Linda and I were shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. We send our condolences as Bill was a great person and I was lucky to have known him and worked with him.

Larry & Kathy Prossen

July 23, 2012

So sorry to hear the sad news and we are so very sorry for your loss....please accept our deepest sympathy.

Cindy Weeks

July 23, 2012

Krick family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with Bill at South Tech and always found him to be so happy and fun to be around. Please know he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Ray Carter

July 23, 2012

Cathy,

We are all saddened by the loss of Bill and our prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family. Bill had many friends throughout the Fire Service and South Florida Boating Industry. RIP Bill!

Tracy Conner-Harris

July 23, 2012

Cathy and Billy,
I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Please know that I am holding you close in thought and prayer.

Michael Reimer

July 23, 2012

Cathy and Family,

I heard of your tragic loss late last night. Bill was as special person and was always there for me while working together at the Fire Academy and WPBFD. He was a wonderful friend and mentor to so many Firefighters in South Florida and will be greatly missed. Please accept my deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Mike and Tracey Reimer

George DeBay III

July 23, 2012

Bill was a dear friend of our family. He spent many of hours in our Dad's Tackle Shop.

An active participant with the KID HELPER Fish Fries. He delivered the eulogy at Dad's service.

May he rest in Peace where the Snook are plentiful.

Steve and Chris Jones

July 23, 2012

My family and I are very sorry for your loss. I have great memories from diving in the bahamas, fishing in Flamingo and camping at Sebastian with Bill. All of them enjoyable!! He had a great passion for the water. I've always admired his generosity and he will be missed!!!
In prayer,

Jerry and Trish Catoe

July 23, 2012

So sorry to hear the sad news. Bill was a bigger-than-life old school fireman and a genuinely good guy, with a great heart. He will be missed by many, and his family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Dennis & Pat Withington

July 23, 2012

We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Bill. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Cathy and the rest of the Krick family.

Mike Ranieri

July 23, 2012

Cathy, Im so sorry of your loss for Bill. As you know I worked with him throughout most of his career with the fire department and he always shared many good and funny stories with us. My prayers go out to you and your family as I know he will be missed.

July 23, 2012

Kathy and Billy - I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Bill's kindness and heart with my brother. He was there for so many people. May God receive him with open arms. You are in our prayers. Debbie & Denny Hashagen

July 23, 2012

Dear Cathy and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Bill. This is such a shock. Our prayers and sympathy go out to you and your family.
Love, Harry and Mary Dahl

Tom Ellis

July 23, 2012

I am so sorry to hear of Bill's death. My prayers go out to his family

Debby Dolezar

July 23, 2012

Cathy, Billy and Alma,
I am so terribly sorry to hear of Bill's passing. It is impossible for me to believe, so I can only imagine what you must be feeling. As Patty said, Bill was always such a strong swimmer and had done so his entire life. I pray that God will give you all the strength to deal with this senseless loss. Maybe you will find some comfort in knowing he was doing something he always loved so much. I will keep you in my prayers.

Tony and Candi Giambatista

July 23, 2012

So sorry to hear of your loss. Our deepest sympathy to your family.

Bill Henderson

July 22, 2012

Cathy,
I am so sorry to hear of Bill's death. My wife, Bobbie, and I will be praying for you and Billy. Again, I am so sorry.

Timothy Cook

July 22, 2012

Bill was one of the most giving people that I have ever known. When someone at the FD or just someone that he had crossed paths with was down and out or ill Bill was the first to help. Sometimes it was putting together a fundraiser or just lending a helping hand but he could never do enough to help if you needed it. He taught me a great deal about giving and about life, he loved to tell stories and I learned something from each one. His relationship with Cathy is one we should all emulate. I will miss you and your wit dearly.

Bob Boike

July 22, 2012

It was an honor and privilege to have served with Bill over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with Bill's family and close friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Bob Boike

Bob Atchison

July 22, 2012

We are so shocked and sad to hear of Bill's accident. Bob worked with Bill for years at WPBFD. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Bonnie & Bob Atchison , Tn

Showing 1 - 38 of 38 results

Make a Donation
in Bill Krick's name

Memorial Events
for Bill Krick

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Bill's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Bill Krick's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more