Today I attended the funeral of Bill Pearce at St Andrew’s church in Taunton. Bill was the founder President of SWSCA when it was first carved out of WESCA.
The church was full, which is testament to the affection and respect with which Bill was held by all who knew him. Those who spoke of him used words like generous, charming, a true gentleman with a gentle, good-natured personality. They spoke of a wise and respected individual who only spoke when he had something to say, and to whom people listened when he spoke.
As well as his involvement in the profession Bill was a life-long member of St Andrew’s Church in Taunton where over the years he’d acted at various times as sidesman, treasurer, PCC member and church warden. After the war he resurrected the St Andrew’s cricket club and played until 1978 when he helped with the administration and became Chairman of the club.
He was also heavily involved with Taunton Rugby Club, including being treasurer from 1955 to 1968, president from 1971 to 1974 and a life member from 1984. As well as the Taunton club he was involved with Somerset County Rugby Club, acting as treasurer from 1969 to 1978. He was also the Somerset representative of the Rugby Football Union.
Bill was educated at Taunton School, where he became a governor for 31 years. He was also a governor at Bishop Fox's Community School in Taunton.
Bill was a confirmed bachelor, but his niece, Ruth, summed up her Uncle’s life as one of service to church, education, sport and business. It certainly sounded like a great life, well lived.
I have attached the Eulogy from the Reverend Robin Lodge, the vicar of St Andrew’s, for anyone who missed the service but would have liked to have been there.
Mike Sturgess
21 January 2010