Farewell, Willie
March 28, 2007
The fishing world lost a legend and a friend on Tuesday, when Willie Illingworth, 64, founder of Willie Boats passed on. He touched the lives of countless people and will be sorely missed.
Willie was a pioneer who turned the driftboat industry on its ear in 1971 when he built the first McKenzie-style boat out of aluminum (instead of wood). The boat preformed extremely well and he began selling them under the name Alumaweld. In 1977, he sold his interest in that company and founded the company that bears his name. The rest, as they say, is history and Willie Boats continues to be the world leader in aluminum river boats today.
Willie always did things his own way — right up until the very end. In January, when cancer was taking its toll, he threw a wake for himself so he could attend his “going away party.”
Before he passed, he also made arrangements for his body to be cremated and his ashes are to be placed in 75 glass vials he personally ordered late last year. Willie asked that his ashes go to friends who can take them fishing…
Rest in Peace Willie and thanks for everything.
I run and guide American River Guide Service in Sac, seen you a few times out on the American. Although I’ve tried to find reasons to not like you or your articles, I cant find any reason not to. I really enjoy the writing you do for STS, aside from Herzog and a couple others, I look forward to reading yours, probably because they are most practically applied by myself, more CA oriented, but I’m able to apply most techniques you offer on the American. You also have, by far the most detailed yet, amazingly diverse web site, the video clips are 1st class, especially the camera work going from above water to submarine video. You’ve got your shit down bro, and I admire the work of yours I’ve seen. Fuck, I’m not being too much of a fucking kiss ass am I? Well, if you ever have a free day to go fuck around on the American, my boats open for a trip, or if you ever need a favor, or some recommendations on fish location in the American don’t hesitate to call me, I’m on that river 315-330 day a year. Cell(916)541-3813
Take care, be safe, Randy Buffington