For more than two decades, Love and his wife Linda have devoted much of their time to sharing their outdoor adventures and news to readers of their publication Heartland Outdoors Magazine. This was not one of those big national magazines that takes readers hunting on African safaris or fishing on the Amazon River. Instead, this magazine is filled with tips and stories that folks can enjoy no matter where they live or how thick their wallets may be. Instead of reading about catching peacock bass in South America, Love’s readers would learn how to catch more bluegill, catfish or crappie from their local fishing holes. Hunters could read about rabbit and squirrel hunting adventures instead of pursuing the dangerous Cape buffalo. While it is truly enjoyable to read about the exotic hunting and fishing adventures, Love felt it was more important to provide the grass-roots sportsmen with tips and adventures that can be found in their own backyards. As executive director of the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers, I commonly talk with dozens of people in the media business each week. And during the past few months, I’ve talked with even more folks in the outdoor industry regarding Bill’s passing. All have expressed shock and sadness. In almost every case, these folks end their conversation by saying Bill was a good guy. I considered Bill among my best friends, if not my very best. At first, I found it almost disappointing and terribly
insignificant that folks could sum up his life in so few words by merely saying he was a good guy. There was a lot to Bill that most people do not know. Family always came first with Bill. Through the years, he declined numerous exotic media trips because of previous plans with the family. He treasured the family outings that included hunting, fishing and camping trips with the family.
There is no doubt his children harvested their first ducks, deer and pheasants under his able guidance. They will also always remember those exciting family fishing trips he so often recalled.
Throughout the years, Bill and Linda were also instrumental in promoting young and aspiring outdoor writers. In many cases, they provided these future outdoor writers with their first outlets for publication - something that anyone in this business realizes is difficult to accomplish.
He also loved to promote the outdoors to newcomers, particularly kids. This was something that was reflected in every issue of his publication.
Everyone in the outdoor industry knew and recognized Bill as honest and trustworthy - traits that are sadly becoming rare in today’s world.
Though never seeking publicity, Bill was truly an icon, a leader and definitely a hero in this wonderful world of the outdoors. He will be sadly missed by those who knew and loved him.
Yes, we could easily say Bill was a world-class hunter and fisherman because he was. However, most of us in this business know countless world-class fishermen and hunters. This label is not really all that impressive because few, if any, of these folks could really be classified as genuine heroes or even “good guys.”
In this world where little good can be said about many of our current leaders, I now realize that saying Bill was a good guy is truly a fitting and appropriate tribute to a man who has touched so many lives through the years.
It would be impossible to say just how many aspiring anglers and hunters were inspired to wet their first line or head afield after reading one of the Love’s publications. I’m sure the number is substantial.
Because of his years of devotion to the outdoor world, I recommend that William “Bill” Love be awarded with the MVP Award of Excellence. While it’s a shame this honor comes after his death, we can all be assured Love will smile down upon us and treasure this moment.
Article By Curt Hicken
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