Bill Burns, RIP

It is with great sadness that we have to announce that long-time Haddenham resident, beloved father and grandfather, Bill Burns, passed away peacefully at home on 6th September 2023.

Bill was born and brought up in Paisley, near Glasgow in 1936. In his youth he was a track sprinter, once being part of the Scottish winning 4x100yards team for the UK championships at White City. In his 20s having trained as a Chartered Accountant he moved to Italy with his wife, Betty, and spent the next 30 years living and working in Italy, France, Belgium and Switzerland. Bill was fluent in French, Italian and German.

After moving to Haddenham almost 30 years ago, Bill became very active in the Haddenham community both before and after Betty sadly passed away in 2009. He was the current Treasurer of Haddenham Village Society and therefore involved in many local community projects, including the Fish scheme, the Syrian project and Haddenham.net.

Additionally, he was serving his second term as President of the PROBUS Club of Thame. He will be remembered for his 'Ode to the Haggis' on Burns Night at the Village Hall. He could be seen at the Pimms & Lemonade stall each year at the Haddenham Summer Fete. Always ready and willing with a warm smile to help others.

Bill is survived by his daughters, Fiona and Laura, and six grandchildren — Camilla, James, Sophie, Lucinda, Angus and Fergus. Laura moved to Haddenham in 2013 and her three children have all attended school here. Bill would often be seen collecting his grandchildren from school in Haddenham which he very much enjoyed.

There will be a Memorial Service at St. Mary's Church Haddenham on Tuesday 3rd of October 2023 at 1pm all who knew him are welcome to attend.

NB: If you do wish to attend the memorial service please can you complete this form to give us an idea of numbers.

Laura Burns