Bill
November the 3rd 2006 was a very sad day; it is the day that we lost a
man who had a significant influence on our lives.
His very presence filled the room and it was enough to make us smile because we did not know what to expect next. It was the day we lost a man who was very passionate about life, family, friends, art in all forms, politics and it was the day that I lost my best mate, Bill. I first met Bill, Maggie and family when I fell in love with his sister in law Angie 24 years ago and it was the start of a friendship that grew over time that I will never be able to replace. Our first meeting came when
I met the family in Nottingham and was introduced to the irreplaceable Bill whose effect was immediate. Later when we went up to Bill and Maggie’s for a new year that was the start of many a Hogmanay and Bill’s legendry scotch broth.I discovered that his reputation for a laugh and a joke was infectious.He enjoyed cooking, dancing, music and for having the time of your life. It was also when I found out that Bill was a man of many talents including school teacher, artist and politician. His politics were different to mine with opinions that did not necessarily match my own and he would let you know in no uncertain terms. We would have many a discussion over the following years as to who held the high ground on almost every subject
imaginable.
Bill was so very proud of his family, and he loved them dearly. As the children grew up so did the circle of family and friends who came into contact with this infectious man. As all of our families expanded Bill and Maggie did not hesitate to take under their wing all our children and give them their love and guidance.Maggie and Bill took William and Hannah on holidays in England and Scotland in youth hostels and Euro Disney in France. These are memories that they will cherish from having had such fun. It was a pleasure to hear the stories they came home with. A trip up to Sunderland to visit Maggie and Bill was always to be looked forward to, whether we had a special occasion or a simple weekend together it was a treat and they made it so. They would look after us with hospitality par excellence.
Bill also influenced us all and the wider world through his art; many of us have his pictures that give us pleasure every time we look at them. His ability to capture people and their lives has left a legacy that he was very proud off.
Over the years we have travelled thousands of miles round England, France and India on trips that have been meticulously planned by Bill to visit the places of historic and architectural interest much to everybody’s delight. Bill’s humour and his ability to converse with many different people in the countries that were visited and the lifelong friends that he made, in particular Georges in France, Sabu in India bear testament to this.Many of these trips were also with Irene and Sid who we met through Maggie and Bill.
Our last trip together for my 60th birthday on the boat was very special because it gave us the opportunity for us all to be together.We will always treasure these memories and be grateful that we were fortunate to have the time with Bill that we did. There are so many occasions that we have sat in café’s and bar’s having a laugh and putting the world to rights.
When Bill became ill he showed us all how strong he was by going through the treatment with the belief that he would beat it and he did.
Even though many times Bill was in a lot of pain he never complained and always looked to the future.
Bill was and will forever be a very special person in our lives and we will think about all the love and happy times that we had and the joy that he gave us. We will
always remember him and miss him deeply.
Maggie,Bryden,Sadie,and grand children Lauren and Locklann. Memories that stem from love last forever and we know Bill will be forver in our hearts.
Goodbye Bill.
Stuart, Angie and William