Comments on: Bill Brand Hit By Muni Train

By: Bob Skilnik

Bob Skilnik — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:17:21 +0000

Terrible, terrible news. Bill and I have exchanged e-mails and telephone calls over the last few years. He’s always been fair in reviewing my books. I was amazed when he bounced back so quickly after his heart condition a while back.

A few years ago, I returned a telephone call to him. I was pushing another book and wanted to make sure that I quickly returned his call.

“Sorry Bob,” he said when I went into my pitch, “Call me later. I just wrapped up an article on a murder and now I’m dealing with a fire.” Sort of put the whole book promo thing into perspective. Somehow it had escaped me; Bill is a real reporter!

By: Ed Westemeier

Ed Westemeier — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:07:28 +0000

I feel terrible about this. Having known Bill for a number of years, I’ve watched him progress from merely someone who appreciated good beer into a truly knowledgeable beer connoisseur. His strength is his ability to communicate not only his knowledge but also his enthusiasm for great beer. And to top it off, Bill is one of the truly nice guys in this world. Always a pleasure to be around. Here’s a toast to wish you a quick recovery, old buddy!

By: Chris Crabb

Chris Crabb — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 06:39:09 +0000

I just read this and am in shock – I’ve never met Bill in person, but know him well through years of email correspondence. I was hoping to meet him this summer at OBF. Bill, you are in my thoughts.

By: joe tucker

joe tucker — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 06:04:54 +0000

Here’s to you Bill for all you’ve done for us in the craft beer community. May you have a full and speedy recovery.

By: Ainz

Ainz — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 04:52:55 +0000

Jay, thank you for taking my news tip and running with it. I appreciate the extra reporting. If anybody can post more info about where Bill is being treated, that would be great. Sounds like SF General. I followed Jay’s idea and made a toast to Bill at 7 pm tonight.

By: Chipper Dave Butler

Chipper Dave Butler — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 04:45:14 +0000

My heart goes out to Bill and his family. I’m saddened to hear about this accident and pray Bill can recover and return to what he loves doing.

By: Brian Yaeger

Brian Yaeger — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 01:46:34 +0000

Kimberley and I have talked repeatedly throughout the day, about how we rode to the dinner next to Bill, sat next to him at the dinner where he enjoyed every second and every sip, and how we wish we’d taken the N-Judah home, too, in hopes somehow this could’ve been avoided by a matter of seconds. All I keep doing is looking for updates on his condition. We’re praying hard for his speedy recovery. Tonight’s toast and hereafter will be to him.

By: Jim Smith

Jim Smith — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 01:31:18 +0000

The WONDERFUL Bill Brand. I am truly saddened. When I think of local beer I think of Bill. Have spoken to him many many times through the years at beer fests and I have always awaited his next column/post. Had a nice discussion with him Saturday at the Double IPA Fest and looked forward to conversing with him again at the Celebrator bash. A true gentleman and well versed (and humorous) writer. Get well soon buddy! WE NEED YOU! Our prayers go out to a good and decent man.

By: Claus Hagelman

Claus Hagelman — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:25:40 +0000

To Bill and his family: Ours is a small world and you are family. You will be in our thoughts and our toasts until you are well.

By: Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:54:01 +0000

Get Well! Prayers are with him.

By: Steve Altimari

Steve Altimari — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:13:11 +0000

Bill,

We will raise a toast to you tonight for a speedy and healthy recovery. As we had planned on meeting up tonight, I will gladly take a rain check, here’s to a future beer together. Get well friend.

By: Ms. Perky

Ms. Perky — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:03:28 +0000

What horrible news. We live right next to SF General, so please let his family know if there’s anything they need–someone to run out and fetch them food or run errands, we’re happy to do it. We are only a minute away. They can call me or Melissa at 415.269.7024.

By: Mike W

Mike W — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:50:14 +0000

I’m just beside myself…. I had to stop and gather my thoughts! I’ve been talking to Bill via email fairly regularly. He’s such a nice and supportive guy. I can only wish for his recovery and will be thinking of him.

By: Jen

Jen — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:43:13 +0000

What horrible news. I also just met Bill in person for the first time – what a wonderfully cheerful and positive man. I’ll be thinking of him. And thanks for letting us know – it’s hard news to hear but I appreciate the opportunity to send him my best wishes.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:02:28 +0000

Wow, I’m stunned. We’d just shared a great dinner at 21st Amendment last night where I finally met Bill in person for the first time. We were all in great spirits around the table with great beer, food, and camaraderie. This is certainly leaving me feeling numb this morning. I will lead a toast wherever I may find myself tonight at 7pm. To a strong recovery Bill!

By: Amy Gutierrez

Amy Gutierrez — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:00:48 +0000

Bill, it was nice to finally meet you face to face Friday night after talking on the phone for the past year or so. Get well soon so we can visit again at another beer event. Take care! Amy Gutierrez.