Bill was diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm 4 years ago and was closely monitored as it grew in size. A few months ago it was decided that an operation was needed to repair it. Knowing that he was going into hospital, we had a wonderful early Christmas dinner with the family on Sunday December 4th and Bill was his usual happy and generous self.
We were all full of optimism on the morning of the 5th and were expecting to see him that evening, sat up in bed with a drink in his hand and a smile on his face.
Sadly, it wasn’t meant to be. Although complications meant that he was in the operating theatre for 12 hours, not once did his heart give up. The medical team battled valiantly to save him but he never regained consciousness and passed away peacefully with his wife and children at his side later that night.
The Humanist funeral will take place at Amersham Crematorium on December 15th at 1PM, and a chance for everyone to gather and celebrate the life of this amazing man at the Barn Club, Marlow Bottom from 3PM. Bill was never a fan of dark, sombre clothing so please help us to brighten things up with some colour.
We’d like close family flowers only please but we’d encourage you to follow in in Bill’s generous footsteps and make a donation to the RSPB, the Woodland Trust or a charity of your choice.
I’m sure you all have some very happy memories of Bill and we’d love to hear them. We’ve added the Remembering Bill page for you to share your thoughts and memories with everyone.
Doreen, Jez and Adi
Farewell my lovely brother-in-law! I still cannot believe you’ve left us, but then of course you haven’t really. You will always be in our thoughts and each day we’ll remember something funny you’ve done or said over the years. Sweet dreams!
My Memories of Bill.
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I have known Bill for a number of years, myself having lived just down the Ridgeway in Hillside Road. Many years ago I can remember Bill taking part in an amateur dramatics production in Marlow where he performed a hilarious rendition of the egyption sand dance. I can remember having tears in my eyes from laughing so much.
Another memory was Bill having a hobby of keeping tropical fish, finding out all too late that some of the fish he bought liked to eat the smaller fish in his tank !
Being quite young and knowing Jeremy and Adrienne, I can remember Bill taking us up to his workplace at Airflow and us kids printing out our handprints on the office photocopier – I still have my copy somewhere !
( I was about 10 at the time, its still vivid in my mind 34 years later !)
Again when I was just a lad, I can remember Bill showing me an early pocket calculator and how I was fascinated by him spelling words with numbers. Specifically 71077345 spelling SHELLOIL when turned upside down. Very simple, but I found it amazing !
On another occasion I can remember Bill taking Jeremy, Adrienne and myself to Maidenhead to fly some kites in a field – a happy memory from my childhood.
I will remember Bill with fond memories,
Farewell, Rest in Peace.
Dearest Bill, I remember the days when I was working with auntie Doreen and she’d tell me you were at home sunbathing in the (wait for it!) nude just outside the door where you had your swinging chair, many a cup of tea I would have there with Doreen (you were dressed then!). Bill, didn’t want any white bits showing!. We also had a nickname for Bill and it was Victor Meldrew!, I always said to auntie Doreen that he looked like him and her reply would be as he’s like him aswell!. Doreen and Bill were like a second mum and dad to me, as Doreen and I worked closely together for over 8 years and in that time we laughed and cried together, Doreen always went home and told Bill what a day we’d had of it. Martin and I were always honoured and still are when Bill and Doreen invited us to the Wedding of Neil and Adi, We didn’t really know them at this stage but we were there as Bill and Doreens extended family. Bill you will be missed by lots of people including us. Teresa and Martin Osborne