[Haggis Hunter]

Bill passed away at 5.00am this morning. He died peacefully at home in his own bed and, more importantly, Angela was with him at the end . His funeral will be held this Wednesday, 22nd February at 2.30pm at Craigton Crematorium. Angela has asked for the hearse to leave from their house at 2.10pm so they can have one last journey together.

I don't know at this time whether Angela would like guests at the funeral or not yet? Angela has thanked everybody for their support during Bill's illness, and has said both of them appreciated it.

Although I am sure everyone knows who Bill Hemphill is, for those that don't he was part of Team Ullium and he has been battling cancer since last year.

All our thoughts should now be with Angela and her family.
_________________
Let me know if I say anything that offends you
I might want to offend you again later

[Wildlifewriter]

This is news that we've all expected for a while, but it's none the easier for that.

I met Bill for the first time almost a year ago. His involvement in geocaching was only one aspect of his enthusiasm for the outdoors, and the abiding pleasure he took in it.

My sympathy today is with Angela and the extended family.

Bill was a fine man and a good friend. He'll be missed for those reasons - aye and many others, too.

-Paul

[Karl60]

_________________
Oh for more hours in the day

[Jacobite]

We met Bill last year at the Old Bridge Inn after FoF's 700th.
A warm and kindhearted man who made us feel welcome.

In our thoughts.
Keith & Aly Young.

[coolCal]

What very sad news. We met Bill and Angela too when out caching and had lots of correspondence with him. Such a lovely pair and a real nice guy - interested in other people and a true gentleman.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Angela.

[ghiribizzo]

We never met Bill, but his posts on cache logs were always interesting and his e-mails were lengthy but thought provoking and intriguing.
_________________
Anyone for a Hot Cross bun and a Creme Egg?

[Big Wolf]

Sorry to hear the sad news and Bill will be sadly missed by evryone.
_________________
www.BigWolf.co.uk

[Billy Twigger]

I’ve known Bill for less than two years and the first time I met him was at the SGDO in Bute last year. The thing that strikes me as strange is that I have only known him for a short time, because I feel as if I’ve known him all my life. I’m pretty certain that anyone who has met Bill and spent any time in conversation with him will feel the same.
Bill had many interests and could talk to anyone about anything, but what came across to me was that his main interest was the people around him. I think for Bill, geocaching brought together his love of the outdoors and his love of friends and friendship. Just look at the number of event caches he attended, including a haul to Shropshire and back as recently as September!
He had that special gift of warmth that made you feel that you were his best friend. Everyone was included, but I’m convinced everyone was special to him.
And his most special friend of all? – Angela. He loved and adored Angela, his eyes sparkled when he looked at her! You only need to skim through his logs to see her there with him. Poor Angela must be devastated. I hope she knows that we’re all thinking about her when we think about Bill.


Bill at the Shropshire Cache Bash.
_________________
Let's face the music and dance

[Scotsbob]

Will there be anyone going to the funeral?
I hope to be there
Email me if you are going to attend.

[Haggis Hunter]

Email sent.
_________________
Let me know if I say anything that offends you
I might want to offend you again later

[yob kulcha]

Celine and I were discussing Bill's demise this evening. Although we never met him we have read the Team Ullium logs and laughed at his adventures. He was obviously a remarkable man and we are both sorry that we have missed the pleasure of his company.

[Haggis Hunter]

Myself and a few others attended Bill's funeral today. You don't know half of what a person has done in their life until they have gone. It was not surprising why Bill had a story for every occassion

I told Angela about the positive response on both GeoX and here, and she was touched by the kindness.

Although it is still early days for Angela, we were pleased to hear her say that she was going to carry on with Geocaching. (BT has started a thread about this) So please don't be confused if you see Team Ullium logging caches.
I wish Angela all the best for the future and she knows that we are here for her if she needs us.
_________________
Let me know if I say anything that offends you
I might want to offend you again later

[Decisive Twins]

Sorry to hear about Bill. Only met him the once and he seemed like a right Gent! Pls pass our sympathies onto Angela.
_________________
2 weeks since snowboarding time - sob

[Firth of Forth]

BT has summed Bill up very well, and I couldn't better his description of Bill. Very sadly, I was sitting in Edinburgh airport when Bill passed away and missed the chance to attend his funeral.

I met Bill at the very 1st SGDO in the pub in Glencoe in August 2004, though even before I met him in person, I felt as if I knew him very well. I have had many good chats and geocaching jaunts with Bill since then, and was lucky enough to hear a lot of his great stories. He had a very varied and full life and will be very much missed by all who knew him.
_________________
Utterly smitten by a Captain
And now Mrs Aubrey

[Jack Aubrey]

I'm sorry not to have been in the country for Bill's funeral. He will be remembered as he deserves - a fine man who gave freely of himself to others. And as a result he leaves more of himself behind than most of us will ever do. All best wishes to Angela. I know that nothing makes this stage of such a loss easier; but there does come a time when one can remember with pride and fondness as well as grief.

Jack
_________________
In the service of a Queen