Will was someone with the incredible combination of a razor sharp intellect and the willingness to share his gifts with others in a way that was patient and compassionate. I had the privilege of working with him at Kenshoo, and he always made the time to sit down to listen and share his vast wisdom, in a way that made others feel seen. I will always admire him as a mentor and role model and I know many, many others feel the same. Will - you will be profoundly missed and my deepest condolences to your family.
2
My deepest condolences to your family during this tremendous loss. Will served as my Vice President in the Product Department at Blue Shield, and I want to express how shocked our team is upon hearing of his passing. He was cherished by everyone. We held a team meeting this morning filled with tears and heartfelt stories about how Will impacted our lives and guided our team in the right direction. Please know that he will be profoundly missed. My thoughts are with you all.
In our private conversations, Will shared that his father was a musician in Spain during the 60s and 70s. Could someone here remind me of the name of that band? As a music enthusiast and DJ, I would love to honor Will's memory by listening to that music.
Gracias.
2
Will was one of the best men I've known. He hired me at Kenshoo back in 2013 and was my manager for over 8 years. He was a strong leader, passionate, wicked smart, and became a true friend over the years. He brought compassion to every relationship. We shared travel stories, I covered him when he took long weekend trips with Lindsay, he shared stories about Parker and Cooper, his father, and so many more stories. We continued to be friends after he left Kenshoo as his mentorship and advice was invaluable. He was more than a mentor, an amazing leader, father, husband, he was one of the best humans I've known. A fun memory: We were in Vegas for a business event back in 2018 and were invited to a concert where Snoop Dog was the DJ. He grabbed my arm and pushed us to the front of the concert and that guy got his groove on all night long :)
4
I was lucky to work for Will for 3 years and his mentorship and friendship continued on. He had so many rare qualities that made him, as someone else said, a tremendous person.
He didn't know me personally when I applied for a role on his team, a role he was almost done filling. There were many reasons not to consider me but he gave me a chance when others wouldn't have. "It's not going to be easy, but I'll give you a shot." He had a rare blend of kindness and honesty. When it came time to finally let me know that I got it was the first time of many he dropped his cheeky "your mission, if you choose to accept it." It was corny but he had the charisma to sell it.
As I got to know Will, I found he had this quality where he always seemed to know what to do in any situation. There was a feeling when Will was there that everyone would persevere. One or two people have told me that they think I have a similar quality and I laughed it off in my head. "How silly," I thought, "I question myself constantly." But I know the feeling being around someone like that, I was probably emulating what I learned from him. I often think to myself "What would Will do" when I am searching for a way forward.
I got the news about your passing, Will when I was at the Bruins game with my 4 year old son, Ari. It was his first game and such a moment of joy for him. I asked myself again right there, "What would Will do" if you were in my place with Parker or Cooper, because you're also my example of a modern dad. I held together and stayed present with my son, because that's what you would do, Will. I'll miss you so much, you'll always be with me and I'm a better person, man and father because I knew you.
I'm most devastated thinking you won't be around for Lindsay and your boys. I would trade all my experiences with you back for you to be with them. Rest easy, Will. May your memory be a blessing.
5
Random memory #1 - The first time I met Will in person was in a coffee shop next to the Amazon offices in Seattle. We were preparing for the BIG meeting with Amazon. I showed up overdressed. Will gave me one of his famous smirks, but then went on to prep us all on what we should be saying. Of course in the meeting itself he was nothing but awesome.
Random memory #2 - strategy session/ yearly planning, Will getting up to the whiteboard. You know things are going to get serious when that happens. Will just had that magic of putting everyone's random thoughts into well structured and even more so beautifully drawn summaries. As if he was just letting us all talk but already knowing how it should all be constructed.
Hey buddy (this is how he used to start every chat we had), I will miss you dearly. I learned so much from you about business and partnerships, but more than that, I learned the virtues of patience and kindness, of trying to see things from multiple perspectives, of having deep empathy. Thank you my friend for all the fun moments and life lessons. It was a true privilege to work with you and get to know you. The light is just a shade dimmer without you around.
My heartfelt condolences to you Lindsay, Cooper and Parker. Will was a real mensch, and I will miss him dearly.
6
2004, Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa
To celebrate graduating from business school, Will organized a trip to South Africa starting with a safari next to Kruger National Park. So grateful Will created these unforgettable memories.
3
I am so deeply sorry to hear about Will's passing. I have great memories of meeting Will through friends at Sam's in Tiburon - probably following a bike ride or other type of crazy endurance activity we were all doing at that stage in life. I also remember a progressive holiday party at his apartment on Union street, birthday celebrations, and more - and especially how happy he was when he met Lindsay. A big life was taken but so many big memories live on. Sending you all of the peace and hugs at this time. What a beautiful legacy he left in this world.
3
I am so sorry to hear the news of Will’s passing. He was my manager for a few years while at Kenshoo and I have so much respect for Will and had a tremendous fondness for him. We shared a surname (Gill) and love of Spanish. My prayers for you as you navigate this tragic and difficult loss.
3
I feel so grateful to have known Will. Without a doubt one of the smartest people I’ve known. He hired me at Kenshoo into a role that changed the course of my career for the better. His ability to mix intelligence with empathy is a trait that I will always remember him by (as well as his ability to whiteboard even the most complex of ideas and make it sound relatable). We’ll miss you WMG
My thoughts and sympathies are with his family ❤️
5
I am so grateful to have known and had WMG in my life. I came to Kenshoo knowing nothing about marketing software. Will had the patience and the time to invest in me so that I could be successful. Everyone he knew loved him. Everyone he knew respected him. Everyone of us wanted to be him. Smart, handsome, successful and kind. I've missed him since he left Kenshoo but respected his decision to do something for others. Mine are all happy memories and I could here his distinctive voice, imagine his meticulous note taking and wonder what breakthrough idea he is going to come up with in heaven. My sympathies to Lindsay, Parker and Cooper. Your hearts are heavy. Will is a great man who truly left this earth a better place than it was when he got here.
7
2017, Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, UK
I’ll never forget the time I convinced Will to fly to the UK and speak at an event by telling him he’d get to drive an F1 car around the British Grand Prix circuit! We had such a fantastic day. He was an incredible person and so supportive of everyone - no matter who you were. Will, you will be missed by all of your Kenshoo friends. Your family are in my prayers 💜
4
Will was an incredible human being. I feel so lucky to have met him even for the short time Cooper was at the Little School.I will always remember his smile and the love he had for all those around him. He and the whole family are in my prayers and thoughts🙏🏽💙
2
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