I was always inspired by his art work, and his attention to anatomical detail was unmatched. William was a delight to converse with at fisheries conferences and other venues showcasing his wonderful fish replicates. I am a proud owner of his art (a ratfish)! You will be […]
Read more →In early 2019 I learned about William’s work through The Marine Detective. At the time I was an Environmental Educator at SEA Discovery Center in Poulsbo, Washington. I contacted William, and for my birthday I bought myself a small sunflower star model. This sunflower star is on […]
Read more →I first met William at his studio on Quadra many years ago. I grew up surrounded by his incredible art work as every one of our family friends owned one of his pieces and I remember it was such an honour to meet him in person. It […]
Read more →My Father and I have known William for many years. Between the two of us we have gathered quite a collection of Bilz artwork from over the years. Some being fish we found for him and many others he already had. Visiting William was always at least […]
Read more →As a young aspiring marine enthusiast several years ago, I first came across his art work and I was enthralled by its realism. I have since acquired numerous pieces of his. I only met him once but it has a very memorable moment. He was very generous […]
Read more →It is with a deep sense of loss and sympathy for all who loved him that I share that William van Orden has died. Gone is his gift to the world of great caring and creating so that more of us would respect the life off our […]
Read more →William was the first person I met at SFU in the spring of 1968. I was moving into Shell House and William opened the door for me. We have always been friends since that day. Over the years I have visited William and his Family on Quadra […]
Read more →We met William when Nick and Michelle were married on Quadra Island. Our memories are of a man with a profound love for his natural surroundings, and Quadra Island in particular. We visited William’s art studio and learned about his unique process for producing accurate replicas of […]
Read more →William and I have been exchanging fish for firewood for a number of years now, during which time I have accumulated about 30 of his creations. A visit to Williams shop was like entering a miniature natural history museum full of specimens from starfish and oysters to […]
Read more →My earliest memory of William is from Halloween, when he would dress up in a giant gorilla costume and answer the door with the Monster Mash playing. I remember being scared at first but in later years it being a thing to look forward too, stopping by […]
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