Private Funeral Arranged for Bill Bellerby – Memorial Service to Follow

Published on: 28 Sep, 2017
Updated on: 30 Sep, 2017

Bill Bellerby pictured in 1959.

Hon Freeman Bill Bellerby who died on September 19, aged 100, is to have a private funeral with only immediate family and close friends present, according to an email circulated to councillors. It is understood that Bill and his wife Doreen were humanists.

But there is to be a memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life and outstanding service to the people of Guildford, on Monday, October 30 at 2.30pm at Holy Trinity Church.

Paul Spooner, leader of Guildford Borough Council said: “Bill’s family have requested that his funeral service is a private occasion at which they and his very close friends can pay their final respects to him.

“The memorial service on 30 October provides the opportunity for the wider community of Guildford to celebrate and remember Bill’s life and the enormous contribution that he gave in terms of his public service and duty.”

The Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Nigel Manning, added: “The memorial service will provide an opportunity for myself, the leader and councillors to pay our respects to Bill, who so many of us knew as “Mr Guildford”.

“As a mark of respect and in tribute to Bill, I and my fellow councillors, along with honorary freemen, honorary aldermen, and honorary officers, will process from the Guildhall to Holy Trinity Church before the memorial service commences.”

Messages of condolence can be left on the GBC website at: https://www.guildford.gov.uk/bellerby

A book of condolence will also be available at the memorial service on October 30 for guests to sign.

Responses to Private Funeral Arranged for Bill Bellerby – Memorial Service to Follow

Diane Maxfield Reply

September 30, 2017 at 1:05 pm

What a shame that the Bellerbys are no longer with us. They were a hard working and likeable couple who spent their lives in public service in Guildford and particularly supported the vibrant amateur dramatics movement in Guildford.
Margaret Cox Reply

October 6, 2017 at 12:57 pm

I knew both Doreen and Bill since 1969 (nearly 50 years) when we first came to Guildford returning from the USA.

They became very dear friends to us and my family, as we both served many years as governors of Bishop Reindorp School, and with my deceased husband Jack Cox (also a dedicated Guildford Socialist) in various roles in Guildford Labour party over many years.

Doreen gave a very moving eulogy at my own husband’s funeral so many years ago in May 1986.

In more recent times they were both dedicated supporters of Guildford Operatic Society and as well as Doreen being president Bill attended all our performances until becoming too frail.

At his 100th birthday celebrations at Park Barn Centre earlier this year, he was as ever participating fully during the performance of Guildford Opera and other choirs in a very memorable uplifting event.

Their memories will both live on in everyone who knew them and those who didn’t have the opportunity to know them through the wide legacy they have left for all Guilfordians.