Will Koch, Holiday World Owner, Passes Away.

[Spideyfreak]

Haven't seen this on the forums yet:

Full Article: http://www.14wfie.com/Global/story.asp?S=12643268

SANTA CLAUS, IN (WFIE) - The owner of southern Indiana theme park Holiday World and Splashin' Safari, Will Koch, died overnight.

According to a press release issued by the theme park, Koch died at home of what the family believes to be complications from diabetes.

He was 48.

Despite the loss of her son, Pat Koch greeted guests Monday morning as she often does.

But on this day, they came to her with hugs of sadness and words of comfort.

"I'm amazed," Pat said. "My thought was, 'well they're not going to know,' but they know. We don't want to ruin their day."

She says that keeping the park open was a way to honor Will Koch's work.

During Koch's tenure as Chief Executive Officer of Koch Development Corporation, the parent company of Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, the park saw dramatic growth.

Starting with the addition of Splashin' Safari in 1993 and continuing with the construction of the Wildebeest this year, the park earned international awards and saw attendance figures topping one million per year.

"You say you're amazed that I'm here," Pat said. "There's no other place for Kochs to be but Holiday World."

Reminders of the loss were all around; flags at half staff, Will's picture with his mom thanking guests as they left and his voice still on the speakers.

Will's family says they don't know exactly how the park will run without him, but they say they know one thing, it will remain a family operation.

"As the family works through their grief, then they can make the decision as to who will replace, you can't replace Will, but who will be taking that spot," Holiday World Spokesperson Paula Werne said.

Koch is survived by his wife, Lori, and three children Lauren, Leah, and William.

He is also survived by his mother, Pat, and siblings Dan, Kristi, Philip and Natalie.
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Will was a leader in the industry. He stood out as an excellent park operations manager and ride designer.

For those who don't know, Holiday World is home to three world class coasters. One of which is the Voyage, rated the world's #1 wooden coaster by the Golden Ticket Awards.

[darph nader]

He wasn't one of the guys on "Under Cover Boss" was he? Pretty sad though,too young. :(

[dazyhill]

Very sad news. I have seen Holiday World on specials on amusement parks. The park looked so clean and inviting-the way Knott's should be.
48 is just too young!

[BRWombat]

He wasn't one of the guys on "Under Cover Boss" was he? Pretty sad though,too young. :(

I thought that, too, but it the amusement park undercover boss was Joel Manby of Herschend Family Entertainment.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

48 is just way too young.

[darph nader]

I thought that, too, but it the amusement park undercover boss was Joel Manby of Herschend Family Entertainment.

That's Right. Thanks Wombat. (I'll go have another now. :o :)

[Main Streeter]

That's Right. Thanks Wombat. (I'll go have another now. :o :)

As if darph needed an excuse for another one. ;) :D:

[hobie16]

As if darph needed an excuse for another one. ;) :D:

It doesn't matter what the thread subject is, eventually it mutates into Darph and beer. Usually Darph's beer.

I'm sure a psychologist would have a field day with this site. :D:

[hobie16]

It doesn't matter what the thread subject is, eventually it mutates into Darph and beer. Usually Darph's beer.

I'm sure a psychologist would have a field day with this site. :D:

And then this pops up.

[darph nader]

And then this pops up.

Thank you hobie. Now where were we,,,,oh yeah,still too young.

(great philosophy btw. ;) )