Bill, as he was known to his family and friends, was born in Eckington and brought up in the Sheffield Boys Working Home. He later joined the Army and served in the Royal Engineers. He travelled the world, his specialism was building Bailey bridges. He received several campaign medals including one for Korea. He then joined the police force where he received the Distinguished Service Medal, retiring in 1982.

Married to Nora in 1949 (who sadly passed away in 2012) he has two daughters Christine and Janet.

Bill has always been a committed chess player and also performed as a magician after his retirement. He also had an avid interest in Lawrence of Arabia.

As a chess player, he had been associated with police teams in the Sheffield Works League, and with Sheffield & DCA clubs The Limes (on Barnsley Road) and Southey (both now defunct), and latterly Sheffield Nomads. He was also a member of the Combined Services Chess Association. He used also to play correspondence chess, in some cases with overseas opponents. Some of the trophies he won include

Chess Champion, International Police Association, 1966 - 67

a British Correspondence Chess Association trophy of 1968 ‑ 69

1st Prize RAFPC 2nd Division 2001-02

1st Prize RAFPC 2nd Division 2003-04

After living in Sheffield for most of this life Bill recently moved to Bridlington to be near his daughters. Even after moving into the residential care home, Bill was still performing magic and teaching, playing (and winning!!) chess with the staff. He always had two chess sets set up in his room.

Bill sadly, but peacefully, passed away in Scarborough Hospital on 12th January after a short illness and was cremated at East Riding Crematorium on the 23rd January. His daughters would like to thank everyone for the messages of condolences they have received.

Bill laying on an outdoor set.