Others above have expressed thoughts so well, but here are a few things I shared with the "radonlistserv" -- the successor to the "RadonProfessionals" list, so yet another of Bill's legacies:

- It's been an honor to be the recipient of Bill's generosity of spirit, ranging from my first conversation with him in the 1990's when we got into our same-hometown (Lancaster, Pa.) connections, to helping my son Henry track down a high school radon-related science fair topic (Thoron!) and mentor (Dan Steck!), to even just earlier this year, taking the time to manage the onerous "QAPPs" process for work on the radon disparity metric.

- We also shared the following with the National Radon Action Plan Leadership Council:

We mark the passing of R. William “Bill” Field on November 4 with sadness for his passing even as we recall him with great admiration. Many of us working on NRAP knew Bill personally and found him to be a visionary expert on radon, the most productive worker, a tireless advocate, compassionate, generous and easy-going as a person, and a dear friend. The world in which we work on saving lives from radon would be a much more difficult one were it not for Bill’s life of scientific research, perseverance and championship over the decades. Think not only of the Iowa Radon Lung Cancer Case-Control Study, the President’s Cancer Panel Report, the World Health Organization’s Handbook on Radon, the Health Care Provider’s guide and numerous studies, reports, and presentations, but also of Bill’s willingness to take the message of what all that science meant, to put it into human terms, and to use his deep knowledge and professional reputation to call for the kinds of policies that would save lives from radon-induced lung cancer.

- Finally, I close with brief excerpts from my last conversation with Bill, as recently as this past August...

Bill: "Trying to hang in there. Completed 3rd chemo with a good many issues...."

Kevin: "... I will bother you with things radon only as much as you feel it’s useful to be distracted by them. In other words, no obligation if you get any email from me on the subject...."

Bill: "Thanks Kevin, I am still working on projects (two NIH R01 grants) at Columbia part time. It is a welcome distraction. Be well."

That last reply (his work ethic, his forward focus, his optimism, his caring advice) sums up the man pretty well, I'd say.

Kevin M. Stewart, Director, Environmental Health, American Lung Association

My name is Dave Martin from McCaskey High School, Lancaster, PA. I was one of Bob's (as he was known at that time) teachers.

We became good friends during his high school years and I have fond memories of our relationship during that time as well as after his graduation from high school and his research work at Millersville. In recent years Bill became a friend and advisor of Niclette Kibibi (a refugee from Congo) through her graduate work. I, we, are grateful for all Bill has done for her in her educational journey.

Liz and family, we have lost a wonderful compassionate man. A heartfelt expression of our loss.

Blessings - to Liz, family and close friends of Bill.

Dave Martin, retired teacher from Bill's high school. Currently an active resident with wife Sue at Landis Homes retirement Community, Lititiz , PA

Thank you Dr Field for being a trailblazer, colleague and friend. Thank you for all your hard work and kindess. We will miss you deeply. Prayers for your dear family.

Denise and James Sacco

Liz; Daniel, Kathryn and David,

My name is Bill Angell and Bill was a colleague on the WHO International Radon Project (IRP) and a friend.

Liz, you may recall that my wife, Michele, and our daughter visited the University of Iowa about 12 years ago when Maddie (Stead) was considering applying for the dentistry program. You and Bill took Maddie and her mom under your wings and as a result Maddie applied for and was admitted to dentistry and graduated and is today, a dentist. We are indebted to you and Bill for your caring guidance.

Going back to the WHO IRP, Bill was largely responsible for the opportunity extended to me to chair the prevention and mitigation working group in parallel to the measurement working group he chaired. This was perhaps the greatest professional gift that I have ever received. You all know, of course, this was a core character trait of your husband and father. He was always there to support you and his colleagues as well as his students.

I know he loved each of you and, to me, he was model for what I would like to be as a husband and father and grandfather.

On behalf of Maddie and Michele and radon colleagues across the world, I am grateful that your shared Bill with us. His spirit remains the light of every new day and the spirit that gives us the faith and strength to face new challenges..

Bill Angell, University of Minnesota

My experience with Bill was teaching several radon programs with him. It was a pleasure sitting at the back of the room and watching how he engaged his audience. That engagement certainly was founded upon a deep understanding of the subject, but more so it came from his heart. I would assume much of epidemiology involves statistics and lots of numbers. Bill knew the numbers but looked beyond them to the individuals who comprised those numbers. He genuinely conveyed the human side of the impact of radon exposure.

It was his science and collaborative efforts that provides the “Why” to the radon industry. Sure, there are others that know The “ How” to measure radon or “How” reduce it, but without the “Why” there would be no reason to do either.

Through his research and ability to communicate he has inspired a legion of people who have gone out with the “Why” that he and his colleagues have provided to make things happen. The actions of those he has inspired is a tremendous legacy.

I am sure the radon industry will feel the loss, but from a personal standpoint I will miss the conversations we have had together and the insight he provided, but I will never lose my deep respect for him.

Doug Kladder

Bill was simply one of the kindest, most generous people in the world. He was a wonderful friend and he was so supportive of our daughters. My whole family is devastated by his death. He genuinely made the world a better place, both through his work and by just being himself. We will miss Bill forever and are so very sad for Liz, Katie, Dan and David.

He was a teacher and a friend to many. I learned a great deal at his multiple lectures on radon at CRCPD and other meetings and from his publications. He always had time to talk and answer any questions in person or via email.

I will miss you Dr. Field.

Jorge Laguna Florida Bureau of Radiation Control - E-25 Radon

My deepest condolences to Bill’s whole family. I really got to know Bill during the TMI nuclear accident when he approached me about doing a scientific assessment of the level of I 131 released into the surrounding area. At the time there was great fear, uncertainty and misinformation. And as it turned out, many officials wished to downplay the severity of the situation. What impressed and inspired me about Bill was his calm determination to find the truth. His persistence and hard work, not just in completing his vole study, but conducting follow-up studies, stood in contrast to the mass exodus of many very fearful people from our area. On a more personal level I remember Bill as a quiet, kind and caring person who I was always happy to see. I was and continue to be so proud to be associated with him. I am certain that his family and friends appreciate the wonderful contributions Bill made to our Public Health. What an outstanding legacy.

David Zegers

Professor Emeritus, Biology, Millersville University

Liz and Family, we are deeply saddened by the loss of your wonderful husband and father to his loving children. I know how special he was to the many people he helped in the course of his well lived life. A caring and giving man to all. May he live in eternal peace and in the memory of all whose life he touched.

Daniel and Cheryl Nuno

Bill was a colleague of mine. He was such a kind and caring person. I will truly miss his conversations. My sincerest condolences to all his family and friends. Chrys

Katie, our family is saddened to learn of the early loss of your beloved Dad. He contributed so much to the world of science and health regarding his studies of radon/radiation. He loved you all so very much.

Dear Liz, and family,

William and I are thinking of all of you today. Bill was a wonderful father, husband, friend, and researcher.He made such an impact on all that he touched! He was a dear, sweet, brilliant man who will be so missed but not forgotten.

Love, Judith and William

Oh Liz, I am so shocked and sorry to read about Bill! I'm sure you know how much of a treasured friend he was to us for all these years. We admired him for his love and care to you and all his family and his hard and careful and complete work on all his academic pursuits - of course, the voles! And the jokes and storytelling - even my mom was a fan of that! Oh Lizzie - our hearts are broken for you and your family. Love, Barb 717 898 3869(home phone)

Katie I am so sorry for your loss. Losing your father is such a hard thing to process. It doesn't get easier but the memories you have do get sweeter. I am thinking of you and your family and know you are not alone.