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Bill Letts Dead at 62

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April 4, 2005 — Bill Letts known as "Big Guy" died Sunday, March 27 at his home. He was 62.
Bill was born on Nov 1, 1942, in Saginaw, Michigan. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served two years duty in Vietnam. His career spanned from the railroad to the pharmaceutical industry. He was involved in the product development of the sugar substitute Equal. Bill lived in Phoenix, Ariz. and in Chicago, Ill. for many years.
Upon his retirement from the pharmaceutical industry in 1985, Bill moved to St. Thomas to fulfill a lifelong dream of island life. He purchased St. Thomas Diving Club in 1986 and had been the operator of the business located at Bolongo Bay resort.
Bill was involved in many community marine organizations. He created the Bovoni Snorkel Club to encourage the local youth to appreciate the ocean. He was involved in various dive programs, including, Kids and the Sea, S.P.A.R.K.S. and the Bovoni Weed and Seed, He was a founding member of the Reef Ecological Foundation, and a past president of the V. I. Scuba Retailers Association. Bill was a PADI Course Director, USCG Captain, EMT, and First Aid and Oxygen Instructor. He was a cancer survivor following throat surgery in 2000.
He will be remembered for his humor, generosity, and his love of both people and cooking. He loved to teach and share his passion for diving with others. He was the inspiration for many dive professionals.
Bill is survived by his father, Stan Sawicki; sons, Mike and Ted; grandchildren, Jeremy, Brandon, Michael, Nathan, Malachy, Keeley, Brenna and Finnian; a great grandson, Jordan, and brother Jack. He was also survived by many friends, associates, students and family at St. Thomas Diving Club and Bolongo Bay Resort.
A memorial service will be held at sea on June 19. In lieu of flowers, contributions for a memorial plague are being accepted at St. Thomas Diving Club. Arrangements are by the Davis Funeral Home.

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