Bill King, considered by many a giant in the appraisal industry, seemingly always had a smile just as big for his fellow appraisers, as well as the many conference attendees who came to learn from one of the best in the business. King had extensive knowledge on many appraisal topics, and he always was so willing to share that expertise with others.

King, the chief valuation officer with Bradford Technologies, died suddenly and unexpectedly on Jan. 7 at his home in Palmer, Alaska.

We reached out to Bradford Technologies CEO Jeff Bradford, who shared his thoughts on the tragic loss of his dear friend and colleague.

“All of us at Bradford Technologies are in shock and are mourning this tragic and personal loss,” Bradford said in a released statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill’s wife, Sandie, and his family. Our deepest sympathies go out to them. Bill was a talented and caring man who combined those attributes with his extensive appraisal knowledge and wisdom. He openly and freely shared these gifts with all his fellow appraisers and others from all walks of life. Bill was driven to make the world a better place.

“Bill brought his over 40 years of real estate and valuation experience to the Bradford Technologies team in early 2020 and quickly made a lasting mark on the company and our customers. He had a welcoming, down–to–earth and practical style that appealed to experts and novices alike,” Bradford went on to say. “Anyone who attended one of Bill’s webinars or courses left with not only a greater understanding of the topic, but some of his enthusiasm to build a better and stronger appraisal community. His mentorship and influence on all of us will be greatly missed.”

King was a frequent speaker at National Association of Appraisers (NAA) conferences. NAA Association Manager Laurie Egan, also a good friend of King’s, expressed her feelings.

“Still reeling and trying to process this morning’s tragic news,” Egan wrote in a statement. “Beyond being a visionary, an icon and quite possibly the most intelligent person I’ve ever known, Bill was a dear personal friend as he was to many of us. My best thoughts are with everyone who loved Bill, and I share your grief.”

The NAA asked everyone to please keep King’s family and Bradford Technologies in their thoughts and prayers.

King was a regular contributor to many Valuation Review feature stories, as well as special reports, over the years. As editor of this publication, I could always count on King to reply to one of my emails or return a phone call with promptness and enthusiasm. He always had a kind word for me and the publication. He would always make it a point to come up to me at the conferences I attended to say, “Hello, Mike, so good to see you.” A hearty handshake would accompany the greeting with the anticipation of another sit-down interview with yours truly.

He cared so much about appraisers that he wanted to continue helping and educating them through his words (articles) and speaking engagements. King had time for everyone and made them feel as though their opinions and ideas were beyond valuable.

King truly brought class and professionalism to the world of appraising and was a guiding light to all. Valuation Review and everyone at October Research, LLC extends the deepest of sympathies to King’s family, friends and the many colleagues he worked with over the years. We are all better people for having had the privilege to know him.

Thank you, Bill King, for everything. You will be greatly missed.

For a look back on some previous articles featuring Bill King, click on the following links.

Collateral Underwriter helping push technology forward for appraisers

QC important so appraisers can maintain ‘control’

Senior VP of valuation technology services speaks to specific appraisal issues

Valuation veteran gets new appointment

Examining price versus value, cost

Company exec looks at market value, regular appraisals

Chief valuation officer says the time is ‘now’ to sharpen skills

Modernization: The influence of analytics, data management

Industry veteran outlines appraisal bias perceptions

Valuation officer speaks to more signs of potential bias