Farewell to Bill Twibell, The Fish Print Guy Who Brought Gyotaku to Humboldt

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John William “Bill” Twibell
April 24, 1943 – March 6, 2026

My best friend, life partner and love of my life, John William “Bill” Twibell, “The Fish Print Guy”, passed away peacefully at home in Kona, Hawaii on March 6, 2026.  Bill was born on April 24, 1943 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, to Raymond and Mildred Twibell.   Bill had a passion for the ocean and a spirit of adventure that were reflected in how and where he lived his life – mostly in Humboldt County and Hawaii.

Bill and I met as college students living in the San Francisco Bay Area. We married and joined the Peace Corps, training on the island of Molokai and serving for two years in the Kingdom of Tonga. Following our service, we travelled the world for a year before returning to Humboldt County to raise a family.

Bill loved life and had many passions including; his family and friends, fishing, cribbage, golden retrievers, basketball, carpentry, diving, Toyota trucks, being outside in nature, and creating beautiful fish images through the art of Gyotaku.  He was a founder of the Nature Printing Society and began teaching Gyotaku in 1974. His work was chosen for an exhibit with the Smithsonian Institute and one of his prints was chosen to be the poster representation. He taught fish printing through Humboldt State University’s extended education program for 25 years.

In 2010, Bill and I returned to the tropics, settling on the Big Island.  Bill continued his artwork inspired and delighted by all the beautiful tropical fish.  His work was displayed and sold in galleries.  The “Fish Print Guy” could be found in his studio printing fish, on the phone calling for a fishing or weather update, or on the deck playing cribbage and waiting for the elusive green flash.

Bill will be remembered as a bigger than life character, an artist, a father and loyal friend. His unique personality and spirit of Aloha left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Bill is survived by his wife, Marie; his sister, Lynda Knepper of Reno; his sons, Josh of Medford OR and Reef (Tami) of Arcata; and his grandchildren, Violet and Lilah; nieces and nephews, and the many friends he kept connected with over the years.

Put on your Twibell Fish Print T-shirt or sweatshirt to honor Bill’s artistic legacy and join us for a celebration of life at  Moonstone Beach House on SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2026 from 2:00-5:00 p.m.