Recently Lost

Over the past two weeks, I have been saddened by death notices for several fine people. A few of my fellow bloggers may remember Connie Biltz. She stopped blogging some years ago, but I continued to follow her on Facebook. She was a published poet.

Here in the Shenandoah Valley, we lost a couple of men who shared their extensive knowledge over the years. Rob Simpson taught photography and natural history at Lord Fairfax Community College (now called Laurel Ridge). I took a couple of workshops in nature photography with Rob, and also a semester in photo marketing. Along with his wife Ann Simpson, Rob authored a number of books on our national parks and wildflowers, beautifully illustrated with photographs. If you have browsed the bookstores at Shenandoah National Park, you have probably noticed some of his books.

Jim Moyer was also a writer and educator, although he might not have referred to himself as one. I learned from his articles on Winchester history and George Washington. He was active with the French and Indian War Foundation, and participated in reenactments from that time period. He was always willing to smile when I took his picture

These were all good people who generously shared their time and skills. We are fortunate that they left us their writings and other contributions. 

Thank you.