Bill was such a great man and gifted trumpet player. He truly loved his work and his students and they loved him too. He was my band teacher in 2001-2003 and believed in me so much. With his encouragement and despite my very shaky hands , I tried out for first chair for flute and got it. I had the pleasure of working with him at RMCA many years later. He will be sorely missed and his legacy will live on in the many lives he touched.

Bill Wilkinson was my band teacher 33 years ago and he changed my life through music and he inspired me to love all kinds and he was a great man and he will be missed.

Mr. Bill had a huge impact on my life and will never forget our time in h.s. (1979-1982 Skyline H.S.). After graduation and serving in the US Navy, I would always make a point to stop and see him. Always a consummate professional educator he will always be remembered for many years in SVVSD.

I am saddened at his passing but have many found memories spent with him. RIP Mr. Bill. Ooooh Noooooh from the cartoon. Truly missed but never forgotten!

I have known Bill pretty much a lot of my life. He was the kindest man and never failed to say hello to me when he seen me. I have a photo of him I took a few years back on Christmas and I will cherish it. Now he’s in heaven playing his trumpet with Gabriel!

Mr.Bill

The one who during the 1998-2000 school year let his students produce an amazing percussion ensemble by themselves….The only teacher I’ve known to let his students explore their musical talents on there own will outside of the school district.. He was rarely harsh, but yet a stern influencer.!!! He had passion and perfection for his art of learning and teaching music!! He gave those of us an amazing opportunity to share music with the world..those students have succeeded in schools and performing arts such as : Berkeley College of Music and Juilliard school of performing arts… amongst many other schools of musical pride!!! Nonetheless; Bill has been an inspiration for ALL individuals, regardless of their musical talents…. We love you Bill

Such sad news. Bill was one in a million. My son Fabian had the honor of having Bill as his director with the all stars for the last 2 years. They had just played at Nissis's Dec 1st. Fabian also plays with the jazz bad at Skyline High School and he came across a lot of articles that were in the band room, and he took them to Bill and shared with him. Bill we be soo missed.  Sending our condolences and prayers to the family at this difficult time.

I never had Mr. Bill as a teacher; however, he was one of my favorite faculty members at Skyline High in the early 80’s. He was funny and kind. My friends who were in band adored him! RIP, dear man.

Mr. Bill is legendary in the St. Vrain Valley schools. He was the Band teacher at Longmont High for our daughter and her friends who graduated in  2000. The band went to Ireland and many special performances. It was such an important part of her high school career, and Mr. Bill was encouraging, reassuring, kind and inspiring as a teacher.  Our family was also connected with Longmont Christian when he worked with the students there. His example of a principled life, lived with integrity was such a positive influence on hundreds of students over the years. He was such a vital part of the Longmont community for so many years. He will be missed by many, but his legacy will continue on for many more years and generations.

I loved playing with Bill in our church worship band. What a fabulous trumpet player and all around musician. He was a blessing to everyone who knew him.
Lauren Allen

White water rafting through Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River, CO on 6-23-89. It must have been cold that day. 
Pictured: Johnny Allen (behind Bill), Bill, Beth, and Erle Sears (Lauren's dad).

One of the most important people in my musical journey. There have to hundreds of individuals that share that sentiment. 
Thanks for giving me my first gig when I moved to Colorado. It was the confidence booster I needed so much at the time. 
We shared so many great performances and recordings. 
A gentleperson that we should all aspire to being like.

I was a student at Longmont HS when Bill was the director at Skyline HS.  It was because of the influence of the local directors like him that made me want to become a band director.  One of my favorite memories from those years was getting to march at the Broncos football game in the combined St. Vrain Valley band.

Years later I was hired as a band director for the St. Vrain district.  Bill and all those other directors were so supportive of me as a young teacher.  I owe so much of my success as a band director to all of them, including Bill.  I will always remember and appreciate the support he gave me.

I loved this man. In 4th grade at Lyons Elementary in the 70's, my family could not afford an instrument. Bill made arrangements with the local instrument rental place so my parents could pay a small amount each month until my flute was paid off (several years). He taught and encouraged me.  Since I worked in St. Vrain, we would run into each other every now and again. When I got married in 2002, I asked him to bring the All-Star Jazz Band to my wedding reception so they could play and receive donations from the crowd for an upcoming trip out of state. It was special to have him as a part of that day. Bill was always positive, always kind, and such a talented person. He was a gifted teacher and encourager. I am forever grateful to have known him and learned from him. He made such a difference in my life and I hope he understood just how much he impacted me and influenced the choices I made. Thank you Mr. Wilkinson. 
-Cathy Gleesing O'Donnell

In the summer of 1979 I met Bill.  He was leaving Lyons JSH to become Skyline's first band director and I was an incoming  sophomore.  At that time he had a very dark mustache and hair, and on repeated occasions said that those first years at Skyline was the reason his hair turned white.  It's most likely true.  It was also in those early years that the band re-named him "Mr. Bill".
(That was from an SNL skit, for you youngsters).
We even had pep band shirts made. 
Bill, thanks for instilling the love of the Lord and of music in my impressionable life.  You've influenced generations of young people and their families, and your legacy lives on.   It was a great day in heaven when you arrived; you'll be sorely missed here.
My deepest sympathy to Beth and family. 
Lori (Hunzeker) Case

Mr. Bill is a legend. I had him as our band teacher at LHS in the 90s and it was always fun running into him around Longmont listening to his amazing youth bands. He was so funny and so passionate about his students and music. He will be missed and remembered by so many!

Heaven has gained the most kind, loving, genuine man of God.  Bill was the band director at my kids school, my granddaughters school, and my church, and wonderful friend of our family. His passing is a huge loss for our community and all of us who are blessed to know him. His gifts and devotion of teaching will never be forgotten. He had the most kind gentle voice. My prayers go out for all his precious family. 

Holly

We extend our deepest sympathies to Bill’s family. He touched many lives with his love, kindness and music. He will be missed by all who knew him. He is with God.
Linda and Joe Givvin

Our son performed at Disneyland with Mr. Bill and the All Star Jazz Band. And on the same trip, went to a recording studio and created a CD. Great memories for our family with a truly nice guy. You will be missed, Mr. Bill!

I worked with Bill at Skyline High School.  He was not only a great Music teacher but also a good friend.  I will truly miss him.
Mike Flynn

Mr. Bill was my band director for some of the latter years of my high school years at Longmont High School.  He was also in charge of the Albert E. James Theatre in the high school.  He never raised his voice...even when kids would be kids and mess around.  He would work with everyone in love.  He was always approachable and easy to talk to. 
Mr. Bill was a great trumpet player and I enjoyed listening as he would play in different bands and show how to play in the Longmont High School Jazz Band. 
Thanks for all you have done for your students over your 50 years of teaching.  The Bible never talks about retiring...apparently you didn't either.  Enjoy playing your trumpet for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords forever in eternity.

From all of the staff at Brewing Market Coffee - Bill was such a regular, smiling face in our shop! We could see his truck driving up, and would try to have his drink ready when he came into the shop. We are so, so sorry for your loss. He will be missed very much! I hope they have breve lattes in heaven. Also, my son had the pleasure of having Bill as his band instructor his freshman year at Longmont High School. He was a great leader and teacher.  He will be greatly missed.

Bill Wilkinson was a highlight of having our kids at Longmont Christian School.

May the Lord rest his soul.

Mic and Virginia Jones
Kenneth Hannan
Hugh Jones

Mr. Bill was one of the best musicians I met! He shared his passion through out our performances and his own! Thank you Mr. Bill for being a role model for other students and for having inspired us to be the best!! You will never be forgotten.
My thoughts are with your family, loved ones and friends.
Sincerely,
Renee Roberts

Mr. Wilkinson was my first band teacher when I was in elementary school. He taught me how to play the snare drum, the xylophone, the flute, and the piccolo. (Bless him, a student piccolo player is not for the weak.) He always had the best sense of humor and was such a comforting and encouraging instructor. I will always be grateful for his contribution to my education, and for the safe space that he held for me and my friends growing up. May you rest in beautiful, harmonious peace, Mr. Wilkinson! <3

I have no words. Mr. Bill was my first music teacher in grade school in Lyons. We loved him! We laughed and learned so much that summer! We still talk about it with each other almost 47 years later. I was tickled when I ran into him at Twin Peaks academy when I found out he was the band director for my niece! 
We have so many great memories of this great man, teacher, mentor and Friend. 
May you find solace in the memory’s shared of this bigger than life blessing we called Mr. Bill
Godspeed 

Shauna Atkins Lyons Jr Sr High school

Mr. Bill. You were a mentor and a great man. You will be missed.

I am so sad to hear of Bill's passing and send my deepest condolences to his family. Bill and I spent many hours hanging out at honor bands, band festivals, marching contests, jazz festivals and conventions. We shared the love of teaching kids about band and life. Many years after we met we discovered that we had begun our teaching careers only a few miles apart in Wyoming and Nebraska. He was a kind soul and a dear friend. His legacy is the many students who were lucky enough to have him as a teacher, mentor and role model. Rest in peace my dear friend. Tom Leyba, retired director Greeley West High School.

OBITUARY

Bill Wilkinson

February 16, 1949 – December 9, 2024

Howe Mortuary & Crematory

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services