The Singleton Fire Brigade paid tribute to a much loved member of the community on Tuesday.
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They formed a guard of honour to farewell one of their own – William ‘Bill’ Eric Pearce.
St Patrick’s Catholic Church was overflowing with family, friends, and those who respected the generous, big-hearted family man, who throughout his life gave so much to the community.
During the celebration of Bill’s life, friend, Lyn McBain, delivered a fitting tribute:
William Eric Pearce 23.7.1929 – 2.10.2016
William Eric or Bill, or Billy Pearce, was born in Sydney on July 23rd 1929 at the start of the depression. He was the son of Mildred Laura Pearce, and the grandson of Matthew Pearce and Selena Pearce nee Spinks.
His house at 228 John Street (Kath’s cottage) has been his home for all but the earliest days of his life. Times were tough for Bill, his Mum and sister Ann during his childhood.
Bill was educated at Hunter Street, and Singleton High Schools. At about 13 he earned a little money by helping the storekeeper across the road, and the butchers next door and we are not quite sure how much he earned running the bets from the pub to the SP Bookies and cockatooing for them.
His passion for tinkering saw him enter the mechanical trade and subsequently he apprenticed at fifteen, and worked for Lancaster’s for many years. This was followed by Teasdale’s, Finn’s and John Bower. Later he drove the school buses and worked for Terry Everett and Charlie Klieman before he retired. Terry said he was an unbelievable and exceptionally talented Mechanic, nothing phased him.
Retired is not the right word because Bill never stopped tinkering and keeping busy. His wife, Kath said he was always creating something or fixing something. He loved using his hands; well in everything except growing flowers - he would grow veggies but not flowers. Couldn’t eat them he often said so that was Kath’s job and she did very well, but Bill was always on hand to dig a hole, or paint her Gnomes.
Believe it or not he met his life partner Kath when she was twelve. Bill was near seventeen and certainly not interested in the kid hanging around with his sister, Ann. Kath always carried a crush for him. It was about five years later when Bill was moping around with nothing to do after his motor bike was stolen that Dave Allsop suggested he ask Kath to the pictures.
Well, history shows she jumped at the chance and Kath says she just hung on to him and never let go. They got engaged when she was eighteen but her father had dictated none of his girls would marry before twenty one but Kath kicked up such a fuss she wore him down, he relented and they were married here in St Patricks in 1952. Kath was just nineteen years old so you can imagine the fuss she must have made. She says they disappointed the people who were watching their calendars.
They shared the house with Bill’s Mum and got on with married life. Like all married couples working each other out can be a challenge and their only real issue was Bill liked to have a beer at the pub. Kath learnt she had to change tack after repeatedly throwing his dinner in the garbage when he got home from the pub because he would just quietly carry on and get himself something else to eat - she was the one who just got madder until She realised it was a waste of food and her energy.
Like many others Bill had a tale or two to tell about the 1955 flood which devastated their home and our district. Bill often said he could still smell the mud. That’s why they appreciated the emergency services, and Bill was very happy to ferry hot meals Kath cooked to the depot over the years.
Although Bill was a no nappy changing Dad, like many of his generation, he was over the moon at the arrivals of Jeanette, Caroline, John and Mark. He loved nothing more than seeing them enjoy their interests, playing their sport, and taking them on holidays. They had wonderful holidays at North Haven; first in a tent, then a caravan. Bill’s passion for fishing was shared by Caroline, John and Mark, and led to the purchase of a boat. Jeanette is not mentioned here because she hated fishing. Kath recalls Bill was once in such a rush to get the boat in the water he forgot to put the bung in. In fact he forgot to take it at all. So off he went to buy one, leaving John with his finger in the hole. On his return he plugged the boat, jumped in and took off with John still trying to get in the boat. The fish must have been biting big that day.
Bill played Rugby League. After his playing days, he continued working in various capacities for the Greyhounds, and also the juniors when John and Mark played. He was made a life member of the Singleton Greyhounds - something he was very proud of. He worked raising funds for the PCYC, who originally kicked off junior footy as he did for the swimming club, when he and Billy Griffiths would have a raffle at the pubs on Friday night - raising much need funds for their club house. Interest saw Bill progress a model plane club and a motor cycle track near Redbournberry. He was a member of the Druids Lodge when it operated. Bill and an Army friend also founded touch football in Singleton.
Bill also volunteered for the Singleton Fire Brigade and served for some 25 years. As the station’s Engine Keeper Bill took pride in how well the engine ran, and its readiness to operate for any emergency. Each morning at 6am rain, hail or shine he would run the engine; making sure it hummed. John Gilbert said he was the best engine keeper there ever was. Bill attended most of the demos, it was a big part of bonding and an enjoyable part of the social activities.
The Fire Brigade became an extended family and a big part of their lives. Bill’s network of firery friends extended all over the state. His interest remained even after he retired attending many functions, and keeping in touch with the boys.
As his family grew he opened his heart to Debbie and Felicity - and another generation. He enjoyed spending time with grandchildren: Charles, Alisha, Adam, Timothy, David, Jarred, John and Crystal, and in turn their children. He enjoyed putting up the Chrissie decorations and made many of them. He loved seeing the kiddie’s faces when the lights were turned on.
At the Dunolly Ford Bridge Celebrations in 2005, Bill cut the cake as the oldest resident on the John Street side with Jeanie Munzenburger the oldest resident on the Dunolly side. Bill and Kath dressed in period costume danced on the Bridge as the festivities came to an end after a great day.
Bill also enjoyed being a member of Probus, and liked helping organise the Christmas dinners. He also enjoyed entertaining local nursing home residents as a part of the Jack Grainger singers. Over the last eleven or so years, he was also a Singleton Tidy Towner. He liked doing his bit for Clean Up Australia Day with Crystal, and participating in other projects. He relished visiting other host towns, and was ecstatic at the announcement that Singleton was the overall winner in 2006. The naming of Pearce’s Park was another highlight for him as was the centenary commemoration of the Pearce family residing in the oldest known house in Singleton, or as we know it Kath’s Cottage. Kath’s Cottage gave him another interest in life as he helped Kath and talked to their customers.
Just as there are good times, there are also the sad times and the saddest and hardest thing for any parent is to lose a child. Mark’s death in August 2015 devastated Bill, Kath and their family. Their concern for Bill’s failing health no doubt added to their grieving.
Late last year the questions Bill had surrounding his birth saw him quietly requesting assistance to find out about his father. Bill’s Mum, and sister Ann, had passed away but he had a name. From there Bill said he received one of the best birthday presents he ever had. Late on the afternoon of his 87th birthday, after a lovely afternoon tea, he spoke for the first time to his baby brother Garry, and his wife Michelle.
On learning Bill’s health was not good, and such was his instant bond with Bill, Garry and Michelle arrived in Singleton from Maroochydore, Queensland, a few days later. They had a wonderful visit. Kath said it was great to see Bill’s smiling face, and bright eyes. She believes he got a bit more of life from meeting them, and just knowing about his birth circumstances and his father. This must have played on his mind all his life. If he had a choice between winning the lottery and meeting you it would have been meeting you every time. Since then Bill met with brother, Peter and had heard from sisters; June, Elaine and Joy. One thing Kath will always remember is Garry’s reply to a remark that Bill was just his half-brother. Garry said there are no halves in our family, we are brothers – Bill just beamed with tears in his eyes.
If you could ever be in doubt of what your big brother Bill meant to us all just look around, besides his nearest and dearest you’ll find there are neighbours and their kids, there are members of the organisations Bill was associated with or assisted, there are school and work mates, and friends of his kids and grandkids. As well as people who became friends along the way and people, who well, just respected him. It is a testament to the man, and his qualities, and the esteem in which he is held. Bill Pearce must have had a huge heart to keep so many of us in it.
With Kath by his side, and her assurance that she would be okay, Bill’s big heart quietly gave out on the long week end after seeing Cronulla win the grand final. The only thing he didn’t have Jeanette said was his nice cold beer. Personally, I’d like to think Bill and Mark are up there tinkering on a bike, sharing a coldie and discussing the weather with Wilf Allen. We all have our memories; each special to us of this gentle man with the ready smile, and willing hands and heart and there is no one more deserved of his eternal rest and a nice cold beer.
You are forever in our hearts and memories Bill.