Dear friends,
It is with great sadness that we are sharing this message with you. Our friend, colleague and mentor, Professor Phil Bishop, passed away surrounded by family, around 1:30 New Zealand time on Saturday, January 23rd, 2021.
While his passing was expected, it is the finality of this news that makes this moment so exceedingly difficult to process. A true great and such a bright light in all our lives. Our collective hearts break for Debbie and Phil’s family, all his friends and an entire conservation community. He touched so many lives and meant so much to all of us.
In one’s life, if you are lucky, you will come across a person that changes not just your path in life and your world, but the entire world. There are so few people that bring such monumental change to a community, to a mindset and to the natural world. There are so few people who, despite their Rockstar-like status in a community, are so warm and welcoming to newcomers and treat you as a long-time friend and equal. There are so few people that no matter how serious a situation or problem may be, will make you and those around you laugh and help you navigate your way through.
There are few people so full of passion and the desire to give to all those around them, asking so little in return. People who give no matter what is asked of them and continue to give even after that.
Phil was that person. His passing leaves us a moment of pause to realize just how much he has given to us all, how much he has done, and what a tremendous impact he has had on individuals, communities, and species. He truly is an original titan of amphibian conservation. Phil brought together and inspired so many people to save species that many would not have given a second thought. He has inspired us all to do more, to care more, and to build the momentum of a movement for amphibian conservation. But beyond this, he has provided us with an example of how this dedication can be combined with such great joy in life as well as work, and always with a healthy sense of humor.
We never seem to have enough time in the world with those people that come to mean so much, and have become not just part of a community, but also a family. Life always seems to be far too short, and yet few people could have possibly crammed more into a single life than Phil. For many of us who tour the world as part of conferences, meetings and expeditions in the name of amphibians, Phil and his wife Debbie have been a common and joyous sight, delivering a message of fun and unity amid even the bleakest and most serious work events. Phil demonstrated how life and work can be interwoven with great purpose and enjoyment of every moment. The strength he gained from family and friends clearly bolstered his tenacity and resolve. His honesty and motivation were clear for all to see – Phil brought his whole being to everything he did, which is a powerful example to us all.
His work will continue, and the memory of his tremendous spirit will endure. And as a community, we will be there for Phil’s family and each other during this difficult time.
Phil exemplified living life to the fullest and leaving the world a much better place after his all too short time here.
We will miss him very much, but we will also work hard to keep his legacy and honor what he has accomplished. His work for amphibians does not end. The flame of his life and passion has not been extinguished but will continue to shine brighter in everything we do from this day forward.
Phil, you have done so much. It is now our turn to do just as much for you.
With great sadness and heavy hearts,
The Amphibian Survival Alliance Secretariat