Hard to believe Bill is gone, but wow what an impact he made on so many of us who worked with him over the years.  I didn’t work directly with him, but at Chiron during my 10 years of vaccine research there, i had many conversations with him on many topics. He respected all people and made it easy to converse with him in a relaxed and casual way, no matter what level of job or education one had.  We talked about science, art, music, life… last time we met was at one of the Chiron reunions, which was probably like 10+ years ago.  I always admired him, and enjoyed those moments hearing his stories and sharing time, however brief.  

Thanks Bill, for making so many beautiful contributions to the world.  You will be missed, but not forgotten!

July 11th, 2025 was a sad day for all of us who knew and loved Bill Rutter. It was also a day which in many ways marked the end of an era in the history of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. Bill's accomplishments have been and will continue to be recognized by many in our field.

How about Bill the person? So much more than the sum of his accomplishments. Here, I will share the knowledge of Bill the person as known by Pable Valenzuela , myself., and all those who had the opportunity to know him . https://digicoll.lib.berkeley…

Bill was an inspiration; always reaching for important but ultimately achievable goals

Bill was a mentor, leading by example and by spending time to share his knowledge

Bill was a partner..loyal and considerate

Bill was a great recruiter,.attracting talented and committed people to his organizations

Bill was a friend...and loyal no matter what

Bill was a tireless worker...almost 24/7 to his dying days

Bill was a brilliant negotiator, representing his organization skillfully and thoughtfully

Finally, Bill was deeply committed to contributing to the betterment of mankind and worked every day to make it so...

And Bill was lots of fun...always had a positive attitude and a lively life to share

What a man....we all miss you,Bill

Sharing a beautiful article from UCSF honoring Bill and his extraordinary legacy:

https://www.ucsf.edu/news/202…

The one and only time I met Bill in person, not through a screen but face to face, was over a late dinner at Cavallo Point Lodge after a long journey from my studio in eastern Canada. He was in his mid-nineties then, yet carried the spirit of a man decades younger—radiant with energy, curious as ever, dressed sharply in a fine suit, anchored by grey sneakers with white soles, fit for an Instagram muse.

His smile carried warmth you could feel across the table, his interest in every topic we touched—genuine, vast, and bright.

I left that evening moved.

Inspired.

Telling myself: If I’m lucky enough to grow old, let it be like this.

Our work isn't finished, but it goes on as I wrote this with his spirit and wishes in my heart and mind. 

May you rest in peace, Bill.

Thank you so much for our friendship, your support, your optimism and your encouragement through the years.

You are deeply missed and you will forever be remembered.

Sending my deepest condolences to the family and all his loved ones.  

Dear Bill,

You have been a great force in the efforts of biotech to make our lives better. In your humanity and the generosity of your spirit you have made us all better people.

Thank you!

Deepest condolences to Bill’s family, friends, colleagues and all those whose lives he impacted. Bill was a mentor, a friend and a partner in our journey for safe blood in India. From our first meeting in September 2001 to the last one in October 2024, every interaction has been of discussions ranging from biotech/diagnostics and new research,  to India and its economy, politics and growth. 

Have enjoyed many a meal with Bill - whether a sandwich next to his office in the UCSF area, a Rajasthani thali in Mumbai,  or him driving my wife and me to a vegetarian restaurant in San Francisco.

Bill once told me (when discussing business in health and diagnostics), that one should not aim to make money, but to do good for the people, and money will follow. This became the principle of Hemogenomics and we worked to help save lives in India by making blood safe before transfusion and early detection of Cancers.

Bill’s life has taught me that age is just a number. His infectious passion and unbridled excitement have inspired me to bring meaningful science to India with a deep dedication to improving people’s lives and health.  

I was deeply sorry when I heard the news of William's passing. He was a great scientist and visionary. As Chiron President he directed critical effort for the discovery of HCV, the development to HIV blood test probably the mayor contribution to human health. His contribution to the development of biotechnology and the novel concepts of using gene therapy to treat disease, the potential role of nucleic acid as potential therapeutics to mention a few. Both of this are been effective tools in the medical field

My condolences to his family. Younwill be missed