email bcss@hotmail.co.uk Telephone or SMS 07804431174
This site last updated 21st July 2008
14 May 1932 - 11 May 2005
We remember your dream even if others betray your memory. Sadly those who care for nothing themselves chose to remove your memorial page from the Birmingham City Council sponsored and dictated website it has been restored below in full.
"Shortly before I retired from work I sat in my site office one lunch-time, after finishing my sandwiches, and said to God, "What am I going to do when I retire, Lord?" "the reply was immediate:"I want you to be a People Engineer."" ©Peter Starkie
One of the sadder duties since Bill's sudden death is that I have had to sort through the paperwork he held and managed on our behalf, in the process of doing this I came across a book, it was nothing to do with BC paperwork or business so is obviously part of Bill's personal belongings that just got mixed up with the rest of the things.
The quote above is from the cover of that book, we just felt it summed up Bill and what he had done since retirement we just had to use it on his memorial Page.
At Bill's funeral a poem written by Bill about his son Barry,"February’s Child" was read out a copy of the text of that poem is HERE
We could not find a better way to sum up Bill or Bill's life than the words used by his Grandaughter, Eleanor, at his funeral service so with her kind permission here is the text of her speech in our tribute to her grandad.
For Grandad
William Sydney Lyons, otherwise known as Bill, Dad, and Grandad was born on the 14th of May 1932 in C-D-B, and was one of five children (Jack, Margaret, Pat and Janet). Sadly his mother died when he was just six. Following her death he was looked after by his grandma and aunt Phyll. He always regarded his aunt Phyll as a surrogate mum.
At 14, he left school and started working at the Rover factory. Two years later he met my Grandma, Laura at a village concert. Seven years of fun filled dating followed, during which time he spent two years in the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers. He married my Grandma at 23, this summer would have been their Golden Wedding Anniversary.
Bill left the Rover factory aged 59, after 45 years of employment. Instead of settling Into a quiet retirement he became lnvolved in numerous charities and organisations including The Gateway Club, Heartlands Solihull, The EPT, Birmingham Centre for Art Therapies, Search Team, and the Birmingham Carers Centre. He continued helping and working with charities up until his death on the 11th of May this year.
Ever since I can remember, going to see my grandma and grandad was one of the most exciting things that could happen. I couldn't wait to drive into their road, spot my grandad waiting at the window, then leap out of the car to give them both a big hug. My grandad gave the best hugs; they were so full of love and warmth. Wrapped in his arms I felt safe and protected. In grandad's arms everything was ok.
I loved every minute I spent at my grandparents. Hours and days would be filled up with fun and laughter. Their house was my haven, a place filled with perfect people and perfect times. One of the things I loved the most was sitting on my grandad's lap in the evening listening to stories, chattering, or just cuddling up and watching the television. He was such a lovely person to be with. Always calm and understanding, always ready with one of his quiet, sparkling smiles.
Christmas times were always magical. My grandparent's home is such as festive, happy place. On Christmas Eve we would hang up our stockings and leave Santa some goodies on the mantle piece. Later, after I'd finally been persuaded to go to bed, I would hear Santa arrive on the roof, the jingle of bells from his sleigh, and the patter of reindeer hooves above. Whenever I asked my Grandad whether he had heard Santa, he said he must have been sleeping too deeply. When I looked into his eyes they were twinkling away.
Christmas day would be filled with celebrating, dancing round my grandparent's living room to party music, pulling crackers, opening presents- I could never believe just how many presents Santa had brought.
Celebrating was one of the most important things my grandad taught me to do. He believed that we should make the most of the present, dance like no one is watching us, and go forward confidently in the direction of our dreams. Sometimes I rang him up needing advice, and he would tell me to listen to what I really felt, what my heart was telling me to do, and listen to what I thought was right. If I felt something was right then I would make the right decision and not have any regrets. Life, he said, was too short for regrets.
Now that he is no longer with us in person, I know that he is with us in spirit. I know that if I have a question to ask, then I can speak to him, and will hear his voice. Although I will never have the chance to run into his arms, I know that they are always hugging me. I know that he is watching over us all, looking after us, and smiling his wonderful smile. I would like to read a few lines from a poem which remind me of my grandad's voice.
My grandad was a wonderful person. He gave his heart, spirit and time to those he loved and cared about. Nothing was too much trouble for him. You knew with my grandad that you could turn up out of the blue and he would be there for you. He would never be too busy or cross that you hadn't called. His personality was an example to be followed.
He was the best grandad anyone could wish for. He meant the world to me.
Bill was not just my grandad. He was a grandad to Clare, Karen and Peter, a dad to Stephen, Kim and Barry, an uncle, a friend, a colleague and a husband to my grandma, Laura.
We have come here today not only to say goodbye to Bill but to celebrate his life and the person he was. As we remember him today, remember him with a smile. As we leave here today, let us leave with his strength in our hearts.
Thank you grandad
For more messages about Bill please see the messages left on the message board which have been formatted into one page HERE