William John Cottrell (19 May 1953 - 9 Dec 2025)

William (Bill) Cottrell was born in Bermondsey on the 19th May 1953--son to Bill and Tabs, and sister to Penny. He grew up surrounded by extended family and always kept a strong sense of heritage and place. He attended Wilson's Grammar School, where he made a range of friends, many of whom he would keep for life.

At the age of 19, Bill started what would be a successful career working for the local council. Here, he enjoyed many roles--manager, union organiser, and friend to many. It was also where he was to meet his future wife, Ros, who would be the great love of his life and whom he would remain married to until her passing in 2014. Despite their very different temperaments and styles, they complemented each other perfectly and loved each other fiercely.

Their son, Dominic, was born in 1989 and Bill was as kind, funny, wise and supportive a father as any son could ever ask for. He loved and doted on his grandson, Douglas, and was a warm and mischievous Grandad to him. Those who knew him would not be surprised to hear that he bore his final illness with humour, stoicism and pragmatism. He passed away on 9th December 2025, at home, with family.

Bill was a man who made and kept friends throughout his life; he cared for others and there are few who knew him who will not be able to remember a range of kindnesses, big and small, that he offered them. It is fitting that one of the last lines of his favourite film--It's A Wonderful Life--was "no man is a failure who has friends". Bill lived a full, rich and generous life and we are all the better for the time he had with us.