Writer/artist David Okum saw the news of Will Eisner's death (see 'EXTRA: In Memoriam: Will Eisner') and shared this recollection:

 

I only met Will once, but it was a watershed moment in my professional career.  We were on a panel together at the San Diego Comic Con 2004.  He was joking, gracious and really took the time to chat.  He even met my wife and family and was gentleman enough to say some hellos despite someone with a huge stack of books screaming at him to sign them.  He said he was late for a meeting and the guy seemed satisfied.  He then leaned in to me and said with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, 'I actually have to go to the bathroom.'  I was hoping to chat with him again, even have the honour to be on a panel with him again.

 

Will was a class act.  His devotion to the art and craft of sequential art was matched only by his devotion to being an educator and mentor to generations of artists.  Farewell Will, it was a thrill to meet you.