I can't really believe that I won't bump into Bill again. A good friend in music and football for many years. Just as well that he played guitar better than he played football!! A really sad loss. Lindsay

I still can't believe the news. It was an honour to play music with Bill and to be his friend. Words can't really express the sadness at his passing but I know that in his time on earth Bill brought a lot of happiness to a lot of people and leaves behind many great memories. To share just one - Playing someones 50th birthday gig with Bill, the adults at the party were spending more time watching and not enough time dancing. However, the children were all dancing and playing in front of the band. So, at Bill's suggestion, we launched into a rock and roll version of The Wheels On The Bus for the kids. I will miss you Bill. Leo

hii how sad xxx my deputy head know him

I cannot claim to be a lifelong friend of Bill's, and having read the other tributes, I can see that this is my loss. We first met in the mid-90's when he called a dance for a band with which I was the bass player. Naturally he had his Stratocaster with him and, equally naturally, rock'n'roll ensued! We hit it off musically and personally and since then I have played bass guitar a few times with the wonderful Travelling Bilberets - Bill always said that he hesitated to call me as my presence increased the band's average age! The last such gig was at the Picturedrome at the end of December last year when Bill was as enthusiastic as ever, relishing the event. The expression 'a great bloke' is often bandied about but I cannot think of anyone for whom it is more fitting. His untimely passing will leave a gap in many lives, mine included. Rest in peace, Bill, and thank you for your friendship.

You were as much a part of my childhood as Suma and sesame sticks. I was never given the chance to thank you for loving my father as you did, so thank you. Thank you for the bass guitar lessons, thank you for the cold barns and the feedback. I will remember your smiling beard always. Ben xxx

You were a very dear and much loved friend and it is hard to imagine life without you. To choose a single memory is impossible and words can't begin to say how much you meant to both of us. You were as passionate about a fairer society as you were about rock and roll. You had infinite patience and a wry sense of humour. You were generous and gentle, caring and wise. Most of us can only think and talk about how things can be changed - you took actions to make the world a better place. Being in your band was a real thrill and I'd assumed that we would rock on together into our 60's and 70's. I still can't believe that we won't. You sang these words at the end of so many Billberet gigs, this time they are for you: "May your heart always be joyful. May your song always be sung" - Forever Bill We miss you Bill Neil and Sue

Bill - an inspirational role model to his SENCo teachers - we always left his courses with a grin on our faces and happiness in our hearts- knowing we were making a difference with the most vulnerable children helped by his never ending passion for his job. He will be sorely missed.

I was lucky enough to have Bill as a friend through and beyond my Sixth Form days in the late 60s when we and the world were changing. Bill could see, better than I could, how little real education took place in those dreary grammar schools and how much mundane unhappiness lay beneath the surface. He carried that wisdom (and his self-deprecating, dry sense of humour) into the rest of his personal and professional life. It was a life full of humanity - a house builder, a teacher, a leader, a scholar, a musician, a wonderful story teller and, above all, a man who loved his family.

A man that I feel privileged to have known, playing football with Bill was fun as he always put his energy and enthusiasm into it. His latest pair of boots even seemed to bring out his scoring touch and earned him the 'magic boots' name. Memories will last.

It was a pleasure to know Bill and to share a little of his musical limelight. If the world was full of Bills there wouldn't be much that could go wrong.

Bill was a very, very nice man in every sense of the word. He and I shared an office at the Deighton Centre for several years and he always brought laughter and humour to our working day. He and the bilberries played at my 50th and my 60th - how he will be missed at my 70th. I am so shocked and saddened to hear of his untimely death - he leaves a hole that will be impossible to fill.

In the very early 80's Bill and I were the band in his basement. He was Bob, I was Ry, and Sandy was indulgent. He lent me his red Hofner Verithin guitar and Orange amp. We left the cellar to play as the Bloodshot Brothers and later as Cauldron with Bill centrestage singing Bob and calling dances. Bill was great fun, a generous friend and always motivated to make the world a better place. Music took us in different directions but I assumed there would be rocking chair moments to come. You rocked, Bill.

Always cheerful. Always generous. Such a shock to hear of his death. Bill is the source of many fond memories.

Always cheerful. Always generous. Such a shock to hear of his death. Bill is the source of many fond memories.

BILL How could he not be here? Bill has always been everywhere, Part of the background music of our lives, Of so much shared laughter, Of so many evenings warmed by friends. How could he not be here? He was our blythe spirit of the dance A merry Puck, master of our revels, Whose delight in being so did give delight. Centre of so many stages. But oh so much more than this: For the guitarist played a sweet refrain Amongst the children whom he taught, And a serious, considered air Accompanied good causes fought. And his wit was warm and wry, his kindness true, His friendship absolute over the long years. No rolling stone, this gentle would-be Dylan, But a rock, firmly earthed, By a loyal and loving heart. How could he not be here? He is – he’s everywhere.

Mr Goler was one of our headteacher's at Lydgate school he was such a kind caring and thoughtful person. He shall be deeply missed by everyone who knew him Our thoughts go out to all his family and friends XXXXX

What can I say about Bill Goler that would not result in a whole book. Bill was my step son in law. He was someone I aspired to be like, but would have never achieved in two lifetimes let alone one. He was loving, gentle, knowledgable, understanding, tolerant and so irritating in being able to take apart my hard and fast opinions, give me an alternative and let me realise how wrong I was. He was someone I genuinly loved, and together with Sandy, his most fabulous wife, they were my first port of call when I needed help and information. Without their generosity I could not have achieved a great deal in my life. I miss him like hell, that will never change. Life is not fair when someone like Bill Goler can be taken from us at 59 years old. I am left with memories of a true giant amongst men. No one can take those prescious memories away. I love you Bill. XXXXXXXX

Caroline Bath

14 years ago

So very sorry to hear about Bill's death. Bill and Sandy were very kind to us when we moved to Holmfirth. Bill was a very generous-spirited presence- someone who was capable of relating to people and making life seem better as a result- a true loss to anyone who had contact with him. We were really sad to hear this news today. Caroline, Mark and Aidan Gibson

When Bill was headteacher at Lydgate he gave our son the best and most productive years of his school life. He cared so much for the kids and their families. We were only dancing to his band the week before Christmas - so glad we made it to Upperthong Village Hall on that cold, snowy night in December!

Bill was one of those people who left a lasting happily shining impression after just one encounter. He understood language even beyond music. He was able to impart trust, calm and joy to the most troubled little souls. I shall never forget his performing 'The Runaway Train' together with Anne(T). It was the one session and place, to which my two most restless and most easily frightened pupils wanted to return that day!

Bill was a true gentleman, one of the good guys. This is a tragic loss and one that will pour sadness into the lives of the many people who met him. He was dedicated to making things better and to this end he was successful- Bill touched the lives of many and will not be forgotten. Bill's life made the world a better place and his loss has deprived us of a character who lit up all our lives. In the words of Neil Young- Bill, this note's for you......

Bill , a lovely head teacher to work for, kind, supportive, funny and more than anything you put the kids and their families before the paperwork !! You, your sense of justice, your music and your warm personality will be missed by so many !

StarDoll

14 years ago

hi miss alice s told me about bill how sad

It's Ok Sandy! because my Bernard will be looking after him. They will already be organising a band together on the nearest cloud. Bill's son Luke was a good friend of my Maisy and we became good friends with the you, Sandy and the boys. I didn't see him as much over the years, but when I did, Bill always stopped the car grinning and chatted. When I had the pleasure of watching him perform in his beloved band, he would just smile with pride even when I stuck two fingers up to acknowledge him. He would tease me constantly whenever I saw him. It's a great loss and I know how devastated the family must feel. Our family sends our love to Bill's, what a great man truly missed xxxx

Bill was a real gentleman who gave his all to teaching , he gave me confidence and self belief in training sessions . He had a great sense of humour and would laugh along with you . My thoughts and prayers are with Sandy and the boy's at this sad time.

Bill and I met about two years ago when we set up a little get together of badminton players to have a knock about on a Monday evening at the Deighton Sports Arena. Bill's enthuisiasm was second to none and would be regularly seen flying through the air to make a shot. We would often bump into each other in the canteen at the Deighton Centre at lunchtime and Bill would always make time to have a chat. A kind hearted individual and a real gentleman. I shall miss your enthusiam and your sense of humour. God Bless

I was a colleague of Bill's @ the Deighton Centre......I remember his wit & humour & what a lovely man he was, I always smiled when I saw him because I knew he would just brighten my day with a witty comment!! What a SAD loss, the shock I felt when I found out today, his Christmas Panto's were LEGENDARY, not many people can make you smile...Bill had that gift....my deepest sympathy to his family, friends & colleagues, a TRAGIC loss.

Bill was one of life's really good guys, his sharp humour, his complete lack of malice (except maybe to Tory politicians), his acute belief in social justice, his warmth, his heartfelt idealism. He had his foibles, a reluctance to put his hand in his pocket at the bar, a disturbing taste for tanktops, but god I 'll miss him.

Bill, kind, fun, loving caring and inspiring giving others self belief and encouragement Our hearts are heavy with sadness and tears, But our memories are full of the love and kindness you gave over the years. Missing you always