Page 11 - Demo

October 2024 | Phonebox Magazine 11Yes, Bill died on his 82nd birthday. That%u2019s just the type of aesthetically pleasing thing he would do, according to his wife, Deirdre, known as Dee. Full circle! An American, born in South Carolina, Bill lived in and loved Olney since 1975. He was a passionate architect who had a hand in the early development of Milton Keynes and also left a legacy in many properties right here in the town. Bill died peacefully of pneumonia, brought on by Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Those who knew Bill were humbled every day by how he tackled this terrible disease head-on, seemingly unphased and always with his wicked sense of humour and a twinkle in his eye.In August he celebrated his 53rd wedding anniversary with Dee and together they rose to the 60-mile challenge, with Bill in his wheelchair and Dee running. They raised %u00a37k for MND. Bill couldn%u2019t say which was the biggest challenge! (That%u2019s two Bill jokes in one, right there.)He is survived by his wife, Deirdre; his children Sophie (Brendan), Silas (Tania) and Angus (Ellie); and six grandsons, Soren, Ewan, Archie, Tommy, Carlos and Rio. He will be remembered and missed by many.In Memory of Bill Bethune16th September 1942 to16th September 2024