Willie was an amazing guy. I hunted and visited with him on multiple occasions and remember him as an extraordinary PH and human being--learned much about hunting dangerous game from him--including about tracking leopards in the Kalahari--something we did for a few days together as well. The best description I heard of Willie was one made by a very proper British older lady--daughter of a famous WW2 general-- who's American husband had hunted with Willie numerous times. She said: " Willie is one of the last true gentlemen left in African hunting--he is a timeless classic- he has always been a gentleman around me".
I also remember Willie for guiding me to a huge 200+lb leopard trophy,
and some of the biggest Kudu I have seen anywhere.
Another great story I heard from a friend/client of Willie's--has a buff standing in the trail and charging the vehicle--butting the front and getting stuck in the brush guard after tearing up the radiator. Willie is furious of course, cussing up a storm (no ladies around), gets out of the Toyota, gets his axe and begins chopping off the head of the buff....his client had to remind him that they should shoot it first---which they did--and then proceeded to finish chopping off the head.
Willie is buried on his ranch in the Kalahari--under his favorite tree there. May he rest in peace..