Bill as Mentor

To Bill’s Family

I first met Bill when I started working for the Community Education Service in Sunderland. I was the Youth Development Worker in Central Team where Bill was the Coordinator. He was my new boss and at first I was in awe of him for that reason, later I was in awe for other reasons! He was quirky alright, but soon put me at ease. Bill was a great delegator, having trust and confidence in the abilities of his staff and setting challenges that helped them to grow, develop and learn. But at the same time if things went wrong, the buck stopped with him. He was very supportive and encouraging of new ideas. He was also a very good friend and an interesting conversationalist.

I liked him very much, and although I didn’t see him these last years, since he retired, I often thought of him fondly and will, I’m sure for many years to come.

I was very sad to hear of his passing, but even through that, have discovered his website and enjoyed his paintings!

My thoughts are with you who will miss him the most.

Pauline Tsentas