A good friend lost, too soon……..
It seems impossible that I only got to know Wilson Reynolds, less than a year ago. We had met in the past, several times, but they were meetings that ended shortly after they began. Yesterday morning Wilson left us and went home to his Heavenly Father. He had undergone heart surgery, very serious heart surgery, just days before and it seemed he was recovering well, we were all celebrating this, another near miss. Then yesterday morning he coded. I don’t know exactly what happened, I just know he left us.
He has left us poorer because we will miss his warm loving embrace, his smile and child like enthusiasm for his beloved Smokies, for photography, hunting, fishing, and his countless friends, all of whom suffered a great loss yesterday. Wilson did not suffer a loss, he gained life in eternity! Wilson is no longer tied to a failing heart and body wrecked with disease, he is free, free at last. I’m certain that if he could send us one last text it would be, “Don’t worry about me, I’ve never felt this good, and wait until you see the colors we have here, can’t wait to see you here with me!’ I know Wilson is with his Father in Heaven, I know because we had several deep talks about his faith. That brings me great comfort, at a time of great personal loss.
I met Wilson, again, in April of 2015. I was getting ready to run a workshop in the Smokies and a mix up with my hotel left me without rooms or a meeting space. My dear friend Byron Begley and I were talking and I was telling him about the mess I was in and he said hasn’t Wilson gotten in touch with you? I said Wilson who?! Byron said “Wilson Reynolds, you know him, he certainly knows you!” He went on to say that Wilson had wanted to meet with me, that he had bought the old Best Western complex and had completely remodeled it and wanted to work with me to run workshops. I called Wilson and he was in Townsend for the day, less than 10 minutes later we were sitting in the main lodge building at his beautiful Tremont Lodge complex.
I remembered this Santa Clausesk gentleman from talks at various Nikon booths over the prior dozen years. He always had a exciting idea he wanted me to take part in upon my retirement and while they always sounded fantastic, they were mostly ships that passed in the night, lights aglow on a dark sea, only to fade as they went opposite directions. But here we were again, and now the ideas seemed to be something to hold on to. Wilson a very successful financial guy from Maryland had made his fortune there but spent it around the world running a very successful TV production on Extreme Adventures for the National Geographic Channel. He had photographed, fished and hunted with the rich and famous in the most exotic locations on earth and his stories were endless and a joy to hear.
In our first meeting I started to wonder what on earth does this man think I might be able to do for him??!! Then came the question that would be life changing, Wilson asked, “How can I establish the Tremont Lodge as the go to place for nature photography workshops and seminars in America? That is the dream of my lifetime, will you help me, please!!??” Bigger things were at play than Wilson and ! I immediately threw out an outlandish idea, and Wilson said, “great let’s do it!” My idea had been that the nature photography community needed a Photoshop World kind of event where a large number of photographers could attend classes and presentations from some of the fields most recognized and respected nature photographers. Before I realized what I had done I had shaken hands with Wilson and April Love, his very able assistant, to make this happen!!!
Many times over the following months I regretted I had said I would help, it was an enormous undertaking, one that needed a couple of years to put together and we were attempting to do it in just 6 months. Lots of great people joined April, Wilson and I to work very hard! A great team of photographers came together to be our first year’s team, and shockingly, we filled the event up in just a few weeks, and sadly turned away over a hundred folks that we simply didn’t have room to accommodate!
I’m sharing all this with you because it brings this tribute to Wilson, to a fitting close. The event was a bigger success than April, Wilson or I could had even hoped for. During the opening night program, after thanking the packed house for coming to the first Smokey Mountain Nature Photography Summit, Wilson introduced me, and with tears welling up in his eyes he said, ” and now a man who helped me realize one of the greatest dreams of a lifetime.” That will be my lasting memory of a great man, a great friend and a person that allowed me, even if for just as short time to be a part of his incredible life story. You will be missed my freind, but we will carry on your dream and your legacy!
Blessings,
the pilgrim
The portrait of Wilson above was made by Joe McNally in early December 2015.
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Epilogue:
After a fitful nights sleep mourning the loss of Wilson I awoke this morning and sleepily walked into my great room and looked out on my deck which was receiving a light coating of fresh snow. I sat on the coach and wept, Sherlene joined me and put her arms around me and I told her that snow has always been a little gift from God for me, a way of saying I will cover the earth again white and pure and give you a fresh start. I know Wilson is enjoying a fresh start in eternity today, and I will make the most of the time my Heavenly Father gives me here!
My Morning Prayer;
Father thank you for letting me get to know Wilson. Please put your arms around Him today and tell him we love him, miss him, and we all thank him for what he gave us while we enjoyed your glorious creation together. I’m sure he is already cooking up something incredible for all of us when we get there. Tell him we’ll be ready to sign up again, for God’s next great adventure.
This entry was posted on Sunday, January 10th, 2016 at 3:23 pm
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I didn’t sleep well either last night. … finally camped out on the couch.
It always amazing me when folks think they are the be all and end all, filled with self importance. I didn’t know Wilson like you Bill, but our time with him at the summit allowed me to see what a decent man he was., one whoa could have been one of those “Full of himself folks”. He was just the opposite.
Times like this allow me to remember we’re just a blip on God’s radar screen and I know, in HIS plan better things are ahead. I guarantee Wilson’s up there today making some great images, having lots of fun.–Jack Graham
You’re right on all points Jack!
Wilson was a really down to earth guy, who could have had a whale of an ego, credit to him he never let that happen! As to his activities today, I’m sure we can’t even imagine how great they are!
Thanks for sharing those thoughts my friend!
Amen.
Thanks Dick!
Wow, what a surprise! I only been aware of Wilson for the past year or so but thought he was a very special person. I believe that his passing is going to cause a very significant ripple in the Nature Photography world here in this part of the world. Bill, it is great that you were able to help him realize one of his dreams.
In one way, It is going to be painful to be working around Cades Cove and the Smoky Mtns and realize that he is not there to share a story or to tell you a really good place to go shoot. However, I know that I will feel his presence with every photo I take in the Smoky Mtns from now on.
I’m sure Wilson would want us to continue to enjoy the park he loved so much!
Bill,
What a shock!
I had a long talk with April on Friday and she told me about his surgery, how well his recovery was going and his looking forward to the next Summit. I’ll be thinking about him this Spring when those turkey gobblers are strutting their stuff in our Texas Wildflowers.
We all had high hopes the surgery would be the first step in a full recovery, but we knew he was a high risk patient, it is a great loss!
Sad to hear this news. I really enjoyed meeting and listening to Wilson at The Summit. You could really tell he loved photography, nature and teaching. He will be missed. I hope his dream will continue on.
It is my understanding that was his desire, we are ready to move forward.
While I can’t say I really knew Wilson other that briefly meeting him at the Summit what I hear and saw was a man that his life is a witness to the old saying “All is well that ends well”. Wilson obviously is able sing the old hymn “It is well with my soul”. While we miss these men that are greater than life it seems we must realize that life on this old worn and battered ball that we seem to think is so beautiful is nothing to what we will see if we have made our reservations through Jesus Christ and his plan for our salvation. Wilson is witnessing a sight that is greater than he could have ever imagined.
Steve, I am certain that is true and it was wonderfully said! Wilson told me the last time we talked that he was tired but truly hoped to make many more Sumitts, in our spirit he will!
Very well said Bill. Like you, I only got to know Wilson recently, but I can agree that he was a wonderful, generous follower of Jesus. I am so sorry for us that he is gone, and a little jealous of the rewards he is receiving. I look forward to seeing the Summit go forward and as I told April today, I am willing to help in any way I can. God Bless…
Thanks Ron, you Nick and the team from Dury’s did a lot to make it great, and I know his family and friends will find comfort in your words!
Sorry for Wilson’s family glad he knew his lord and Savior. He would want the program to go as long as you guys are having fun and teaching folks like us. Praise God for his Grace.
Amen Richard, Amen.
Was very heart broken to hear the news of Wilson’s passing…I sat in two of his classes during the conference in October because his was that fascinating to listen to! Extremely humble and approachable even for a novice like me…this man had done it all and yet you wouldn’t know he wasn’t just the guy next door. As a matter of fact my husband and I are planning a trip to Katmai because of Wilson! He just knew how to put that and longing and excitement for photography in your soul! Heaven just gained a gem…but he will be missed here.
You are right on all your comments, he truly was a gentle, humble giant, and you are more than right Heaven got a GEM!
Bill,
Your words have truly touched me this morning. What a wonderful tribute to such a special man. I left the Summit feeling so fortunate to have been part of such an amazing undertaking. Wilson had a presence that was so welcoming and comforting. He made you feel like you’ve known him for a lifetime. He will be missed.
Love you Bill!
Jackie
Love you too Jackie, it is such a blessing to have my new Summit family, and Fuji family, we will get through this together! …and yes, he will be missed!
My heart aches after hearing that Wilson has gone to be with the Lord. I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet him at the 2015 Great Smoky Mountains Photography Summit. I was impressed with his credentials and achievements, but more glad to know that he was a believer. Bill, I appreciate you sharing this post. May God comfort all hearts who will miss him sorely.
Thanks Bryan, He already is, an excitement is forming around soldiering on for Wilson, and keeping his dream alive!
Hi Bill,
I’m so sorry, to hear about Wilson’s passing…I’m grateful to hear that he had a personal relationship Jesus Christ, our savior.
I only met Wilson this past October the TGSMPS. I was lucky enough to be in one of his photography groups that week. As we talked that day, it was evident that he loved the Great Smoky Mtns, and wanted to pass his photographic and naturalist knowledge to others. He was so attentive to each photographer that day to make sure they were getting the photographs they wanted, and how to view the same scene in many different ways.
Our community has lost a great asset, I’m glad I had the opportunity to have met Wilson, and listened to some his photographic wisdom.
Danny
Thank you Danny, those are special words and all true. Wilson set a valuable example for all of us left to carry on his legacy, and that is he truly cared about those student he was honored to get to teach. I have always been committed to that but will re-double my efforts knowing that is what my friend would tell me to do! I’m happy for him, sad for us.
God bless you Wilson! And thank you for putting on a wonderful nature photography experience! The learning and new friendships for me were phenomenal! You will be missed.
Thanks Harry, I know he will be.
What a loss. Wilson was so caring and sharing with his wonderful photography talent and knowledge. He will be missed by people across the country, but will be in our memories every time we pull out our cameras and lenses on our nature/wildlife adventures. RIP Wilson!
Amen!
Wonderful tribute, to a wonderful man. He will be missed by many!
I too only new him a little over a year, but we had a great friendship!
He showed me a life time worth of special moments , I will never forget!!
Rest in peace my friend!!!
Thanks Nancy.
My heart aches to hear about Wilson, but I know he has gone home with Jesus. He IS is in a more wonderful place. Even more wonderful than the Smoky Mountains. Yet my heart is sure heavy. I wanted more time with him.
I met Wilson at the Summit. My first meeting of Wilson was upon checking in at the Summit. I was looking at the Post Cards in the lodge to send to my best friend a card. A big Grizzly Adams kind of guy walked up and picked out a half dozen Post Cards and shoved them in my hand. I asked if he shot them and he said yup. I was amazed at the photos in my hand. I stammered, how much are these. He said it’s a gift and walked away.
It seemed like our paths kept crossing at every turn at the Summit. I quickly feel in love with him and found myself hanging on to his every word. He just had so many great stories and so much wisdom.
Oh, those post cards, I never sent any of them, they just seemed to valuable to put a stamp on. Now I am glad I have them. I will frame them and remember Wilson and be inspired. I think that he loved inspiring people more than anything else he did. And he did a lot.
Thanks Wilson, my friend.
E truly did love inspiring, and he did it so well!
I never was fortunate enough to meet Wilson, but I heard great things about his photography from his sister, Brenda. I think it must run in their bloodline, because her photography of nature is spectacular.
Yes, true.
I have known Wilson for 35 years and you couldn’t find a better person. I was with him when he sold fishing lures out of his Jeep. I helped him with his first hunting lodge and Duck Neck Campground.
Wilson was the best teacher of photography and such a talented man.
The world lost a wonderful man along with Nature he will be sorely missed
Gail, I envy you, what a gift to have had a friendship with Wilson for such a long time!!!! I would love to talk with you sometime, I have a few thousand questions!!!
Would be happy to speak with you… Oh how I miss my wonderful friend.
I have worked for Wilson for the last 14 years managing his campground here in Maryland. It’s very sad. I will keep his family and friends in my prayers.
Thank you for your friendship it him.
Shocked and sorry to hear this news. I was fortunate to meet Wilson at the Summit and to also be present when Joe McNally made the great portrait of him which you posted. He was a kind, thoughtful, and generous man and will be greatly missed. I have no doubt that he is in a good place.
Thanks to you, Bill, for all you did to help him realize his dream. It is my great hope that the GSM Photography Summit will continue and become a large part of Wilson’s legacy.
Thanks Jim, so great to be with you, with him.
I’m just numb this morning after having read about Wilson. I didn’t even really know him but remember the workshop there last spring and have followed the dreams you and he were carrying out and looking forward to. I know a lot of peopl feel his loss and especially you and those close to him…thanks for taking the time to write about him…and allowing us to get to know him and his dreams.
Rodney
Rodney, as always, you’re one of the classiest guys I know, I know Wilson would have loved you if you if guys had gotten together, you are his kind of guy, real, authentic, modest and a man of integrity. I am bragging on you and I hope revealing what kind of man I observed in Wilson!
I had a chance to meet Wilson at last year’s spring workshop and again at the Summit workshop. He led our field group at Cades Cove and again at the Tremont location. What a truly caring person. He was always available for questions and eager to offer suggestions. I only spent a few hours with Wilson but he made a lasting impression on me with his knowledge of photography and with his personal character. My life is richer for having met Wilson Reynolds.
Thanks Gale!
I am so sorry to hear of Wilson’s passing. I was fortunate to meet and get to know him at your April, July, and December workshops, and also at the Summit. He was a visionary and gentleman. The portrait that Joe McNally took of Wilson is priceless, and he was such a good sport during the session. I could sense his pride of his accomplishments, yet humility. I could also see that his health was declining throughout the year, and I prayed for his comfort. He did such a wonderful job, along with you, April Love, and countless others in making the Summit a rousing success. Many happy memories and new friends were made there by the hundreds of photographers who attended! I attended Wilson’s break-out session about wildlife photography and it was terrific. He left a legacy. And heaven gained another photographer to keep my husband company and swap stories about Alaska!
I imagine they are sharing tall tales right now!
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful man! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I did not really know Wilson personally, but I got to meet him last spring and have enjoyed being at Tremont then and in November. I really appreciate what he brought to the photography community especially those of us who love the Smokies.
Thanks Jim.
Bill you said it well. I had just met Wilson at the Summit and sat through one of his classes, and you could see the excitement in his eyes. A true visionary!
Yes, Amen!
Wilson will be missed. So sorry for Missy and Heather.
I’m at a shock at how upset I am to hear of Wilson’s passing. I’ve known Wilson for over 20 years but was able to get to know him much better the last few years. He always said that he watched me grow up from a kid but I was in my late twenties before we met. He was a good man and will be greatly missed. We’ve been through some tough times over the last year but he always stayed a friend and would have done anything to help me. I will miss him more than I can say. I wish I had the opportunity to get to more him more outside of the business arena and had the opportunity to hear more of his stories of his hunts and nature. I’m glad I was able to see his great room. I will never forget it — it was like walking into a museum. Until we meet again in heaven Wilson ….. Glad we have another Angel watching over and protecting us!
My mom and I started going to Wilson’s spring and fall workshops in the Smokies about 4 years ago. Mom has been more fortunate than I to be able to attend the latest summit and other recent workshops with him. He always wanted to be sure that we were having a good time and that we were learning. I always had a good time, no matter how early I had to rise or how cold my fingers got while trying to catch that falling star. Bill, your words and prayer were absolutely beautiful and touched my heart. Wilson was truly a great man who will be missed.
Wilson was my special cousin, we grew up together. I will miss him the rest of my earthly life and hope to be reunited with him one day. I am glad that I received this article as he never spoke to me about his salvation. He and I had talked about God before but never had he told me of his accepting Jesus as his savior! I pray for his family and all who loved him. We had talked before Christmas but he told me nothing about his illness. (We were planning on a duck hunt but for whatever reason we did not get together, I am truly sorry for this as it would have been our last hunting adventure together). He would only let me know he had been ill after he had gotten better. He always loved the outdoors as I have and I will not be able to go hunting without thinking about him! I am glad that all of you got to know his love of the mountains. This he got form his father and mother as they would go camping as thechildern grew up and the Smoky Mountains were close as were the Blue Ridge so these were places they visited often and he fell in love with them. I think this was one of the reasons he had the campground down in Tenn. Those of us who loved him will only have to look at the mountains and we will see him because that is where he really loved to be. When his sister died he told me he thought that he was going to sale everything and retire and just do what we use to do growing up : fish, hunt and enjoy the outdoors! I will miss you cus and I will always think of you as I do these things and I will say I remember when Wilson and I did that !!
It is with great shock and sadness I read the post this evening about Wilson’s passing. I knew Wilson very well, having worked for him in Ocean City, MD for over 15 years. I met him by chance, and the next thing you know, he made my lifelong dream come true by offering me a position on the spot. Epic arguments and many, many years of laughter followed. Just 2 weeks before his passing, I returned to Ocean City for the first time and attempted to reach Wilson, not knowing where his travels may have taken him. Heaven was the destination I certainly didn’t consider at the time, but I know he is up there chasing wildlife for the perfect picture. RIP Wilson Reynolds
This news devastated me. Wilson was one of the nicest people I had ever known. He was an outstanding role model for my son. We both loved Wilson so much. There will forever be a hole in our lives.