In Memory of William Tapply

In my first couple years with F&S, I edited a handful of articles by Bill Tapply. I didn’t know him as the literary force he was. The English professor and author of more than 40 books, including two dozen mystery novels, never let on to any of that in our few phone conversations. His writing was clean and tight—not much to discuss there. So we talked grouse hunting and flyfishing. I didn’t think anything of it. Having no clue of his stature, I saw no reason why he shouldn’t speak to a perfectly green editor as a friend and an equal. And what I’ll remember best about Bill is that despite his stature, he saw no reason not to, either.

Bill Tapply, long-time contributing editor with F&S, died Tuesday evening of luekemia. Those of us who worked with him will remember Bill as a pro’s pro, and I suspect anyone who knew him even a little will remember a kind and generous soul. We offer our condolences to the Tapply family.

For more, read the obituary posted by our friends at midcurrent.com. --DH