On May 30, 2022, after spending the Memorial Day weekend with his family, Bill Palmer headed out on yet another adventure — to Potter County for his good friends' weeklong annual "sensitivity training," fishing Kettle Creek and its tributaries for wild trout. At camp and with nighttime approaching, Bill stepped outside for a moment; on his way back to the cabin, he died suddenly of a heart attack.

He is survived by his best friend and wife of 50 years, Chris; their son, Seth; his siblings Kathy Palmer, Mary Ann Ploucha, Tom Palmer (wife, Ann), and Mark Palmer (wife, Susan); sister-in-law Katherine Reichert; brothers-in-law Kurt Reichert (partner, Angela) and Carl Reichert (wife, Anita); and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Bill graduated from Troy High School in 1967 and from Penn State in 1971 (B.S.) and 1974 (M.S.). He retired in 2009 after 27 years as a wildlife biologist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Bill was a lifelong environmentalist and outdoor enthusiast, working to protect our natural world and promote conservation ideals. He understood that when you love something, you have to nurture and sustain it — for yourself, the ones you love, and the generations to come. Those who knew Bill knew that above all, he valued family and friends, good health, and the natural world. He was also a humble philanthropist, donating and volunteering in support of a number of charitable causes.

In Bill's honor and memory, his family asks that you please love and care for one another, your health (body and soul), and the Earth, our home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Spring Creek chapter of Trout Unlimited (where Bill was an active member), to another conservation association of your choosing, or to a local food bank.