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Bill Haast - truly a legend, to be laid to rest...

kathylove

kathylove

Pragmatic & Logical
He made it to 100 years last December, but was lost on Wed night, June 15. We met him several times over the years, although we didn't know him well. Our whole herp society toured his place in Florida a number of years ago. He was always busy trying to find new uses for venom, and even working on a "health cookie" from orange juice (sans venom, though!) last time we visited.

Read about his life here - I am sure there will be new articles soon, though:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Haast

Rest in Peace, Bill! You were an inspiration to many of us for many, many decades!
 
I first saw a story on him with Jungle Jack not too long ago. Seemed like he lived an amazing life. I knew I'd probably never get to meet him but I would have liked to. I'm fascinated by his work in venom therapy to boost the immune system. I heard he was rather spry in spite of his age.

What a loss. He died too young!

Devon
 
Oh no...so sad. I saw him eons ago when he did his live milking show. I was a wee little tot and have pictures to prove it. He was an inspiration to me and probably had something to do with my intense snake interest.
 
We lost an amazing part of the reptile community...

I'm very glad that his work will continue to be studied and improved. He will definitely be remembered. RIP Bill...
 
Darn. I held my first indigo snake at his Serpentarium many moons ago. I was standing in the front row of his show when he pulled out a gaboon viper and scared the crap out of me.

The last time I saw him was a week before he was shutting own the Serpentarium in Miami. We spoke for a while and he seemed bitter about the local government of Florida and was moving out to Utah. I think the crocodile incident also took quite a lot of the wind out of his sails. He was kind enough to autograph one of his books for Connie and I, but all in all it was a pretty melancholy air about him. I don't think he was expecting to ever return to Florida again.

Wish we had taken the time to visit with him more often......
 
The very first time I met him was when I was about 17 or 18 (LONG time ago!) and took a trip from Wisconsin (where I lived then) to Florida with my family. OF COURSE the Serpentarium was on MY list of things to do! Our whole family went to see him do his shows, and I got my "Cobras in his Gardens" autographed while there. But that just barely counted as meeting him. It wasn't until many, many years later, shortly after he returned to Florida, that we REALLY got to meet him, and spend some time at his place.

Now it is just memories...
 
I think he deserves an posthumous award from the reptile community for his contributions. He should be remembered in some way at the Daytona show. Maybe an honorary Bechtel award for him? I know corns weren't his thing, necessarily, but he made a powerful impact on so many people in our group. He will definitely be missed. Rest in peace, Mr. Haast.
 
I met him briefly.....

I have a autographed book as well. He was patient and kind. I remember him wishing me well in my adventures.

I agree he deserves an award. I'm sure he will be remembered throughout the herping world.
 
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