I met Bill in 2005 at Pubcon in the hallway after one of the sessions. We chatted about some of the things he brought up in his presentation, as I'd also been doing similar research. We chatted for a while and just kept in touch over the years, meeting up and hanging out at the various conferences. As the SEO industry evolved and things like schema markup were created we talked about kept in touch and talked about entities, models, how all the pieces and parts of these things fit together and how a search engine might use these things.

He was such a nice and genuine person, kind hearted and always wanted to give. I hope wherever he is now, he's able to continue his walks along the beach and share photos of the flowers and wildlife he encounters along the way. I'll miss you buddy.

I've been in the SEO industry for many years and a French reader of SeoByTheSea. Reading Bill's patent analysis allows me to have a better understanding of how search works.

Whenever I've talked about advanced seo, I've always referenced to his blog where he generously shared his extended knowledge. I'm sure he will be remembered as a true legend in our seo industry.

Thoughts to his family, friends and coworkers. You'll be missed, Bill.

Bill was a legend and an icon. He was the first person I'd ask about seeing something peculiar in a patent or a paper and was always generous with his feedback - doubly so when I was wrong :-D May his memory be a blessing to us all.

Bill is the reason that I know what Google patents are. Bill is the reason I started learning SEO beyond blogs and courses.

I used to message him on Facebook anytime and he responded with every information more than required.

Who was I to him? NO ONE. He still took time to reply to a stranger sitting miles away. Why? Because he believed "Sharing is caring!"

I will make it my mission to carry his legacy forward. If I do at least 1% of what he did, I will die peacefully and proudly as an SEO.

I have attached a photo of one of his conversations with me. This is all I have of him but it makes me cry...

He was as intelligent as he is kind. Im in awe of the work he was able to do and the research he was able to decipher and simplify. I’m on the other side of the world to Bill but that never stopped him from taking time out in his day (or night) to help me. Devastated at this great loss.