RIP, “Digital Bill” Douthett

I didn’t see Digital Bill of the Wizards of Technology this year at PME and sadly I never will again because he died on Wednesday. I found out from this cartoon which is an odd way to learn but Bill to the core. I didn’t know him well, but I did know him enough that I have fond memories of what little time I spent in his presence. He was just the right amount of nutty – he was funny and a trip to be around but he didn’t frighten you.

Condolences and best wishes to his family and friends, of whom there are very many. As I read tributes to him, many of them say “I never met him in person but he is a dear friend.” That makes me feel both happy and a little guilty that I met him several times. I wish I could yield back some of that to people that knew him better than I did.

Goodbye Bill, you will be missed.

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Dave Slusher is a blogger, podcaster, computer programmer, author, science fiction fan and father. Member of the Podcast Hall of Fame class of 2022.

6 thoughts on “RIP, “Digital Bill” Douthett”

  1. Wow, what a shock. That was yet another podcast I made it a point never to miss. The ‘Binary Bunker’ will never be the same.

  2. Hi Dave, I’m Molly, Bill’s sister-in-law. I am grateful for your condolences and I love your description of him! You are spot on! What I knew of him was that he listened to you, was engaged with what you were saying, and if he didn’t “get it” he didn’t make you feel stupid for not impressing him.

    I’m glad you got to know him and meet him. My husband and friends in FL are making plans for a service later next week. I’m not sure where to send you for information about that except to give you David’s email: double_d@mac.com.

    Again, thanks for your kindness, it means a lot.
    Molly

  3. Met DB at PME 2005 – he was kind, cordial and looked extra cute in his kilts. That’s how I’ll alway remember him. Many condolences to his family and friends.

  4. For the love. Dave, that is why you say you podcast, but that is why I listen.

    There are podcasts that inform me but the best ones i love for the people behind them.

    I loved Bill’s podcasts. And I love yours. As soon as I read your post above i wept. I have lost a friend, a friend that never knew that I shared his spirit and sense of fun. A friend that I will never know.

    Who woulda thought that that some crazy mac user on the other side of the planet could have such an effect?

    Bless you Bill.

    –nick coster

  5. I feel as though I’ve lost one of my best friends, even though I only knew Bill through his podcast.
    I will miss his hearing his voice very much.

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