I have fond memories of working as a palynologist at Exxon, U.S.A., next door to Bill in that little "hut" at Mercer Street. He was always kind and helping. His family might remember the retirement party I arranged for him and 3 other retiring colleagues at Exxon. I made a funny T-shirts for them and roasted them a lot so they laugh and leave Exxon with a good memory.

I learned the sad news of his passing quite by accident today,

I have fond memories of working as a palynologist at Exxon, U.S.A., next door to Bill in that little "hut" at Mercer Street. He was always kind and helping. His family might remember the retirement party I arranged for him and 3 other retiring colleagues at Exxon. I made a funny T-shirts for them and roasted them a lot so they laugh and leave Exxon with a good memory.

I learned the sad news of his passing quite by accident today, and I was saddened by his loss. He was a pioneer in fungal spore studies and an expert in Tertiary palynology. My deep condolences to his family.

Dear Mary and Family,

It was with great sadness that I learned of Bill's passing. My sympathy to all of you in this moment of sorrow. Palynology has lost a truly great man and I have lost one of the best friends I ever had. I often relive those days when I first met and worked with Bill at EPRCO here in Houston. Bill was my mentor back in 1963 when I first came on board with Humble Oil. He

Dear Mary and Family,

It was with great sadness that I learned of Bill's passing. My sympathy to all of you in this moment of sorrow. Palynology has lost a truly great man and I have lost one of the best friends I ever had. I often relive those days when I first met and worked with Bill at EPRCO here in Houston. Bill was my mentor back in 1963 when I first came on board with Humble Oil. He had the difficult task of trying to teach me the science of palynology and never once complained about how hard headed I was nor was he ever critical of the individual he had to work with. Bill was a master teacher, researcher and all around great guy.

I can remember the many times he picked me up for work, making the trip from Hillcroft and Bellaire to the Lab on Buffalo Speedway in record time. Always we had to be careful of the motorcycle cop that waited at the apartments just past the Southwest Freeway and Weslayan on the south side of the road. Bill had it all figured out, where he would be and at about what time. What a good time I had with Bill back in those days.

I owe Bill a lot Mary. Bill taught me a great deal about palynology, about research and what it was like to be a dedicated family man. I can't recall Bill ever being angry with anyone, he always had a smile on his face and words of encouragement, no matter what the situation was. He was never more critical of anyone other than himself. I guess that's one of the reasons why everyone loved Bill so much. What Bill taugh me I could never get at a University. I think Bills biggest asset was his patience, a unique quality that was undoubtly a gift, at least in part, by a loving wife and family.

I will miss Bill, his friendship and his shear love and dedication for helping others in their quest for knowledge. Bills scientific discoveries and writings will have a major impact on the scientific community for decades to come. I am happy to have had the chance of working with Bill, to know him in a very personal way and to have had the pleasure of being a friend of the entire Elsik Family. Although Bill is not with us physically, his spirit lives on in everyone who came in contact with this fine gentlemen. My God continue to watch over Bills family and provide them strength in this time of sorrow.

All our Love to Mary and the boys,
Karl and Dotty

I am really sorry to hear Dr.Elsik's passing. I met him during my M.S. study in A&M in 1999. He attended to my defense and it was the most unforgettable moment of my life. I will pray for him.

I was very sad to hear today of Bill's death. He worked closely with me on the palynology portion of my M.S. thesis from Texas A&M. In the years since, he has been the inspiration for my work in fungal palynology. His support and insight will be greatly missed!

I only knew Bill for a short while, but I'll miss him. He was great about helping me with my dissertation research on palynology and shared so much of his knowledge and experiences with me. I always enjoyed driving out to Snook and visiting with him and Mary Lynn. Thank you for everything, Bill. You truly inspired me.

Mary Lynn, I was so sad to hear that Bill died. He was a dear friend and he is the main reason I am at Texas A&M University. He was instrumental in telling Bob Skrabanek about me and suggesting that Bob contact me about a job, which he did. Forty years later I am still here. Bill also encouraged me to join AASP and later was a big help making sure that "used equipment" from the EXXON pollen processing lab was donated to TAMU. All of us in palynology, and many others will miss you greatly!

Mary Lynn and family, our prayers and thoughts are with you all during this grieving time. Be comforted knowing that he is at peace with Our Lord. It was an honor to know Bill and to have had the opportunity to visit with him on so many occasions. We will always remember him and his wonderful talents. Bill was such a gracious man, so very interested in what we were involved in and we found his knowledge very helpful to

Mary Lynn and family, our prayers and thoughts are with you all during this grieving time. Be comforted knowing that he is at peace with Our Lord. It was an honor to know Bill and to have had the opportunity to visit with him on so many occasions. We will always remember him and his wonderful talents. Bill was such a gracious man, so very interested in what we were involved in and we found his knowledge very helpful to us in our endeavors. He will be greatly missed by all of us. Our hearts go out to all your family. May God Bless you and smile down upon you.

My prayers are with the Elsik family. May God's peace be with all. May William Clinton's soul rest in God's arm for eternity.

The Bill Elsik family appreciates your thoughts and prayers. Memorials can be made to the Snook Christian Sisters or Snook Brethren Church, PO Box 247, Snook, TX 77878.

Mary Lynn and family, Our hearts and prayers go out to you all. May our heavenly Father give you the strength you need during this time. Lean on Him and know He holds you in the palm of His Almighty arms. We have a new Angel in heaven with Bill now. It was an honor to have known him and a blessing to appreciate all his many amazing gifts that he gave with his heart. We cherish our memories of him now and always. Blessings to you all.