Date: 1/23/26 7:08 am From: jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Recent Passing of Birders
I will add my recollections to this "passing of a generation."
Gene Wilhelm was a veritable lexicon of birdsong. When my parents moved to Slippery Rock after retirement in the early '70s, my birder Mum would talk of this guy, and his vast knowledge, especially in song and sound. Later, I was lucky to have done some birdwalks with him as well, and he advised Bartramian Audubon on many topics, especially my preoccupation with nestboxes. The guys ear(s) were absolutely incredible!
Joyce Hoffman was a mainstay of birding Allegheny County, and most of W PA. She was another who loved to share and teach. On a field trip to Presque Isle one autumn, she pointed out our "Life" Gray-cheeked Thrush on Long Pond Trail, to Linda and I (n.b. you always remember your "lifer" don't you?).
To the others we've lost, I'd never met, but those of us who love nature, and birding are bound by that bond.
There was this Scottish guy, John Donne, years ago who opined on such. Maybe you've heard of him? . . . which I feel appropriate here:.
No man is an island, Entire of itself;
Every man is a piece of the continent,A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, As well as if a promontory were:
As well as if a manor of thy friend's Or of thine own were.
Any man's death diminishes me, Because I am involved in mankind.
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;
It tolls for thee.
May they all RIP, and find their place where good souls rest. It's our responsibility to keep up their efforts, and share, as they so kindly once did!
Respectfully, with affection.
Jerry Kruth / Linda Goodfellow
Pittsburgh via Costa Rica
On Friday, January 23, 2026 at 09:07:51 AM EST, SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <000001343b2dd726-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Good heavens…add to that longtime bird-bander Doris McGovern’s death in southeastern PA on Dec. 28, and we’re seeing the passing of a generation. They will be missed.
Scott Weidensaul
Milton, NH
(formerly Schuylkill Co.)
> On Jan 23, 2026, at 8:21 AM, Michael Fialkovich <0000012b4af48ab0-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> Just making sure this sad news gets to everyone. Three long time and well known Pennsylvania Birders have passed away over the past several weeks.
>
> Joyce Hoffmann of Allegheny County passed December 22, 2025.
>
> Gene Wilhelm from Butler County passed away January 18, 2026.
>
> Thomas Clare Nicholls of Crawford County passed away January 20, 2026.
>
> May they rest in peace.
>
> Mike Fialkovich
> Pittsburgh Area, Allegheny County
