Bill gracefully and quietly passed at home on August 3, 2017 after long struggles in his later years with multiple cardiovascular surgeries, and, more recently, cancer. Bill has been a long-time resident of Fort Bend County since 1979. Bill was born at his family home in Randalstown, Northern Ireland on March 22, 1944. He was born unto the stage of a world war, with many of his uncles veterans of WW1 or WW2. He proudly referred to their service often. Bill attended and graduated from Ballymena Academy Grammar School and Belfast College of Technology. In Northern Ireland, Bill was a member of his local Masonic Lodge as well as a member of the vestry of his local Church of Ireland (Anglican) church, Drummaul Parish.
Bill managed his family printing business in his early career, progressing into a managerial role in security document printing for Northern Bank in Belfast. Later, in Houston, Bill worked in Rice University administration for approximately 15 years and subsequently managed his own printing business – Trostan Printing. His son Lee graduated from Rice with an engineering degree in 1993.
An avid rugby player in his youth, Bill played Rugby Union at Ballymena Academy in his school years and later for his local amateur team in Randalstown. Bill’s rugby career extended about 25 years. After his playing career ended, Bill was a fervent fan of the Ulster and Ireland teams, many times catching live broadcasts of matches with friends and family.
Bill’s other avocational passion was amateur (ham) radio. He held advanced operator licenses in both Northern Ireland and the U.S., with call signs GI3YDO and K5YDO respectively, broadcasting out of his home and attending local clubs, including the Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club.
Survived by his wife, Pamela; his son, Lee; sisters Margaret and Elizabeth; brother-in-laws Malcolm, Joe and Ronnie, and numerous nieces. His family and friends have been deeply saddened by his passing but have taken comfort that his long-time suffering has ended, and he is now with the Lord.
A Service of Remembrance will be held in the Morrow Chapel of Settegast-Kopf Co @ Sugar Creek at 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 7, 2017 with Pastor Marty Vershel officiating. A reception will follow the service in the event reception room of the funeral home. The interment will take place at Morton Cemetery in Richmond, TX, at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations be made in Bill’s name to the American Cancer Society at www.americancancerfund.org.
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