Bill Skelson – Skeloon.

Last night we lost another troop after a long fight with cancer. Bill was very public with his illness and helped many with his openness.

His daughter Hannah nursed him to the end. She kept us all updated and gave Bill so much love and care it was wonderful to see. As did his many pals who visited him throughout his illness.

This was Hannah’s words only her Dad.

Last night, February 22nd at 8:50pm the sky gained a new bright shining star, heaven also gained an Angel.

Last night, by killing off the cancer inside him, my Papabear bravely won his battle. He will forever be shining down on us all so triumphantly with his crown.

I am so aware that Bill Skelson is not just my beloved Dad, Daddy, Papabear, he is also a family member, a friend and a colleague to you. My heart, although broken, is with you all. I know that Dad’s passing is a devastating loss to you, just as much as it is to me. I hope we are able to find comfort and support within each other.

The only other words I can find at the moment are THANK YOU. To every single one of you; for so consistently standing by us, for all of the love and support you have given to us both over the past four years, just thank you. We would never have been so strong without you all. You have made a horrible time of our life just that little bit bearable. On behalf of my Dad and I, thank you. We will always be so truly grateful.

Love always, Hannah xxx

I met Bill when he was in his prime his Mountaineering CV was impressive. Big routes in the Alps and expedition to remote areas. Yet he had time for us young ones and gave us great advice. Mine was when asking about being so small “so am I but we have to work harder” he was so right.

This is from Neil McNeil an old pal.

Classic Bill – photo Bill
Skelson Collection.

Troops

Bill Skelson

“Today we lost a good un.

We have lost too many good un’s recently, from team Team Leaders all the way through to

to guys who ‘just’ carried stretchers but were still valued members of the team.

Some would say we were all Good uns and that is about right.

I had the pleasure of serving with Bill from 70-72 on the Leuchars team, he was always a popular

loon – just the right amount of crazy and enough serious when it was needed.

Bill in expedition mode carrying the biggest bag in the World. Photo B. Skelson.

An accomplished mountaineer, Alpinist, expeditioner, crack climber and all round good bloke – in the section, on the hill, on a call out and in the pub Bill was always a good troop.

Bill our there on Patagonia. Photo Bill Skelson collection.

To his family and in particular to his devoted Daughter Hannah, I extend my sincere condolences.

To the rest of the troops, we can fondly remember a great pal who will be sadly missed – but remembered for ever.

RIP Bill

With my glass raised – Cheers Skeloon”

Neil McNeil

What more can you say but Bill is out of his pain. He was a great father, mountaineer, musician, snappy dresser and friend to many of us. I met him often at the Mountain Rescue Reunions always a great craic and met Hannah there. We golfed a few times and laughed a lot. So many memories.

My love and thoughts to Hannah and Bills family and friends.