RIP Dr. Bill McAvoy

[Howe’s Hunter]

Actually, my wife noticed in the Omaha paper this morning that Dr. McAvoy passed away on Friday. Bill was a great influence on me, starting back in 1989 when I would see him often in shows in Omaha and I still lived in Lincoln. He had the high end T206s that I would look at, then the notebook of lower grade cards that he would make great deals on. We spent a lot of time talking cards and he would always have something for my son as a gift for having to sit quietly while the grownups talked cards. Often even giving him a pop if he had sat nicely waiting for us.
Recently, Dr. McAvoy hadn't handled or dealt in tobacco cards, but was still a great source of knowledge to gleam from at local shows. Don't know exactly what the circumstances are or where, but was greatly saddened to see this this morning. Condolences to his family. Rest in peace, Dr McAvoy.

[Brian Van Horn]

My condolences to the McAvoy family.

[tedzan]

This is very, very sad news. I have known Bill since the early 1980's, going back to the Willow Grove (Philly) shows.

In the 1990's - 2008, Bill and I were set up next to each other at the Fort Washington (Philly) shows. We had a lot
of fun and made some great trades.

A true gentleman and a great friend, he will be very missed.

GOD BLESS his soul....and may GOD comfort his wife Jane, and daughter Amy, and family.



TED Z
.

[sb1]

First met him about 1994, he never forgot a customer and always had time to talk to you.

[oaks1912]

Very sad news. Bill & I have been friends for more than 30 years. One of the highlights of my annual cross country trip is visiting with Bill & Jane for a few hours. In July we attended an Omaha Storm Chasers game, and he clearly had some mobility issues. Fortunately we were able to arrange for handicapped access seats and made it a little easier for Bill. A lifelong collector, he had a passion for quality items, an incredible knowledge of many of the hobby's esoteric issues. I will call Jane tomorrow, but definitely a sad day for the hobby.

[nolemmings]

Sad news. He was probably my favorite non-Arizona dealer of post-war cards, along with Roger N.-- he often had less main-stream stuff in good shape and was willing to chat. Bought lots of raw high-grade post cereal cards from him. Condolences to his family and friends.

[Rich Klein]

I agree with all the comments; when at Beckett he always shared all his sales information at shows and when I left Beckett he was always as friendly

RIP to a good man

[the 'stache]

Unfortunately, based on what I have been reading here, I did not have the good fortune to know Dr. McAvoy. But I wish I had.

My condolences to his family and many friends here on Net 54.

[Wite3]

I loved when Bill set up at the Hollywood Park shows...he always seemed to have some stuff stashed under the table for me to try to identify and then buy. I remember buying so much oddball from him over the years and he did not only deal in high end stuff (he kept a box or two of low end oddball and prewar under the table often). He will be missed and my condolences to his family and friends.

Joshua

[SushiX37]

I just saw this today and am terribly saddened. I had some great conversations with him over the past few years at the shows here in Omaha. He was a wealth of knowledge and an incredibly nice man. Our hobby lost one of the great ones.

Rich

[ethicsprof]

very sad news.
My condolences to his family and many friends.

With deepest sympathy,
Barry

[glynparson]

To a legend in the baseball card hobby. You will be missed Dr. McAvoy.

[mets41]

I'm sorry to hear of Bill's passing. We had been friends for over 20 years from setting up near each other at the Ft. Washington, PA, show. He was one of the good guys and will be missed.

[nebboy]

Being from Omaha I to have talked with him many times. Like was said before he would bring out a few low grade pre-war if he had them to local shows. Many of those local shows being what they were gave us lots of time to talk about the cards.

An Omaha legend and a true "good guy"

[aaroncc]

Met him in the early 90's. Was a great guy to talk with. Bought some nice things from him over the years. Sports Kings Ty Cobb, Ruth rookie, Mikan rookie... He always seemed happy to see me at shows. He will be missed.

[GaryPassamonte]

I had some dealings with Bill in the 90s. Always first class. My condolences to the family.