Bill Connors 78, of Pleasant Valley, New York recently passed away. Bill will be tremendously missed by New York’s Sporting Community.

He was a regular outdoor columnist with the Poughkeepsie Journal, represented the state’s sportsmen and women on many fronts. At the time of his passing, Bill was the chairman of the state’s Fish and Wildlife Management Board and was serving as a statutory member of the Conservation Fund Advisory Board (CFAB).

For many years, Bill was a member of the New York State Outdoor Writers Association.  

CFAB chairman Jason Kemper said, “I have been working with Bill Connors in various capacities on sporting issues for almost 20 years. I have been fortunate to work with a lot of volunteers during this time, but Bill was the most dedicated I have ever had the privilege to work with.

Kemper continued, “Typically a volunteer will take one or two initiatives and work to improve those couple items. Bill always attempted to tackle everything that he thought he could win a helping hand to improve, whether it was a pheasant hunting program, stream access for the sporting community, coordinating venison donations to the needy, coordinating Fish and Wildlife Management Board meetings or all the other things he worked on. He always put 110% into everything he did. The Sporting Community advocacy group has lost an amazing individual.” 

Tom Williams of Hudson, NY, who has also served on CFAB and FWMB with him said, “Conners was a devoted lifelong advocate for the Sporting Community in New York State. His efforts as a board member of CFAB and FWMB were only two parts of what he contributed in the positive aspects of our outdoor heritage.”

Williams also stated, “Bill was always the first guy to raise his hand to volunteer to help with efforts to promote conservation and the sporting traditions we all value. He will be sorely missed, but his legacy will inspire others to step in and continue his great work.”

Bill’s volunteerism also included taking on a leadership role, included groups like the Dutchess County Federation of Fish and Game Clubs where he served as their president, the New York State Conservation Council, The Watershed and Preservation Advisory Committee, Estuary Management Plans Advisory Board, Dutchess Deer Search, and Hunters for the Hungry. 

Anthony Pittori, President of the Dutchess County Fish and Game Clubs said, “Bill was my right arm in the Federation of Dutchess County Fish and Game Clubs. He will be missed.”

I had Bill address our Sportsmen’s Federation here in Sullivan County at a few of our monthly meetings on topics of importance to us sportsmen.

I also attended many state and DEC meetings with Bill, New York State has lost a dedicated great sportsman!