William Chinn, known as Bill to his friends, was a brilliant dad and granddad, and loving husband of 65 years, to Miriam.

He had three brothers and one sister. Brother Frank and sister, Catherine, both died in infancy. Brother Victor moved to Australia where he was part of a road-building team in the 1930's, and Reg lived in Somerset for most of his life.

Bill had four children, Rosemary, Sheila, Arthur and Barbara.  He also had four grandchildren, Jacqueline, Lee, Justin and Kelly. He was ‘step-granddad’ to Samantha, Lucy, Sarah and David.  He was very special to his great-grandchildren, Josh, Patrick, Georgia, Tilly, Jack and Sam, as well as step-great-grandaughter, Serina .

Bill with Georgia - December 2004

William enjoyed playing billiards, was good with his hands and, although the work wasn’t always perfect, it stood the test of time. He made toys for the kids, snowballs in the snow, fireworks for Bonfire Night and an assortment of wooden bowls, door-stops and egg cups.  He laid cement paths and floors, dug trenches for water pipes and anything else people asked of him. He ploughed fields and sowed seeds, reaped crops and sold them at Hampshire Growers or on his vegetable rounds.  

He rode motorbikes well into his 70’s and took part in competitive trials during the 1960’s and ‘70’s.  He made a scramble track at the bottom on his field and ended up in the hedge on more than one occasion.  He loved speedway, deep-sea fishing and air displays.  His great love of hunting and shooting continued into his later life and filled the family cooking pot for many years.

He is greatly missed by his family and friends.  His generous nature, whistle as he walked and maroon beret, his bowl of sop and love of corned beef, his harmonica and accordion, his loathing of ivy strangling trees, his love of the countryside - he was a great bloke, a character … Shirrell Heath has lost one of the best.

Sheila Young (daughter)  15 April 2009
(Professional name: Sheila Chinn)