Bill wasn’t just a mate —
He was the kind of friend who leaves a space behind when he’s gone.
A space filled with memories, laughter, and moments that will never be forgotten.
So today, while we toast him, we also honour him.
We thank him.
We remember him.
Bill, you gave us friendship, laughter, and a thousand stories.
Your presence made life brighter, and your absence will be felt deeply.
But your spirit — that big-hearted, big-smiling, big-talking spirit — stays with us.
Rest easy, mate.
You were one of a kind.
And we’ll carry you with us, always.
Jon Thornton
Well I don’t know where to begin, Bill my friend. I absolutely adored him but he knew that, from waiting for him to wake up on Sunday morning so I could read him a story or tell him about my week. Telling me all about Glen and how I would get to meet her soon, I did and equally adored her. Toni and Den arriving and how proud and chuffed he was. His Friday nights and well his adventures on his way home 
always a memorable experience when he got home. Camping trips with Bill, Glen and the girls. So much fun, even though I had to have my feet inspected for sand. Saving us when Mum crashed the car, only Bill could of pulled that off with my gorgeous Dad. His commitment to sport was legendary and he was damn good at sport, if you didn’t know that he would let you know 
The world was lucky to have Bill Freeman, I was lucky to be in Bills world., Bills life was a colorful and rich tapestry full of sunshine, strength, love, honor, family & friends but mostly his 3 girls and 3 grandkids. Love you Bill 
Thank you. Kaz.
So back in the 90’s, after I stayed with Billy Boy and Glenny at Quirk Street, they helped me out more times than I can count. When I got a payout I thought, righto, time to repay the favour… or at least attempt to. So I decided to treat them to a fancy night out at Teppanyaki in the city.
The guest list was a real dream team – Billy Boy, Glenny, Greg, Jodie, Amanda and me.
Now, Bill had already had a “warm-up” before we even left. And by warm-up, I mean a few… and then a few more once we got there. You know how Teppanyaki works – they toss the food at you and you’re supposed to catch it? Well, Bill gave it a red-hot go… and pretty much missed most of the menu.
Anyway, dinner rolls on, and Bill decides he’s quite taken with the Japanese crockery. Next thing you know, he’s quietly packing a few “souvenirs” into his pockets like he’s running his own import business. All good… until he stands up slipped on his spilled fried rice and went ass over. As he stood up all pieces of the broken crockery fell out of his pockets and onto the floor. The waitress was more than unimpressed.
After dinner, we headed upstairs for karaoke. By this point, Billy Boy is done – fast asleep, sitting upright like a statue. So we used him as a coat rack and hung all our handbags on him while we got up to sing.
And when I say sing…I use that term loosely. We were that bad the management actually turned the mic off. Not even joking. Just cut us off mid-performance. Tough crowd.
Then came the mission of getting home. Jimmy the cab driver pulled up, took one look at us and said he’d only take four. Bill, quick as anything, went, “Ahh she’ll be right – Pammy’s little, she can sit on the floor.”
And yep… that was me. Sat on the floor all the way home like a floor mat.
We all ended up back at Quirk Street, including Jimmy, and I reckon he had the time of his life. He even dropped in a few times after that just to say g’day… probably hoping for round two.
Safe to say, my “thank you” dinner didn’t quite go to plan…but what a night to remember!
Miss you Billy Boy! Fly high like an eagle!
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