William R. Allardyce

William R. Allardyce 1954 - 2008 PITTSFIELD Moving from Seward, Alaska, to the Berkshires some 25 years ago, William "Bill" Allardyce brought with him a gentle soul, a wry wit, a love of music, and two nicknames, "Alaska Bill" and "Mr. Bill." The first, more geographical. The second, more humorous. Bill was born in Amityville, Long Island. He often joked about not being one of the "Amityville Horrors." Bill was raised in Hayward, California. While in Seward, Bill worked in a fish canning factory, manned fishing and crabbing boats, and taught guitar to some of Seward's children. One of Bill's many great memories was his 1972 trek in the Himalayas to the face of the great Khumbu Glacier at the foot of Mount Everest and his chance meeting with Sir Edmund Hillary in Phakding. Bill also lived with his father in Paris, France, for a time. He traveled the world, pausing in Hawaii, Athens, Greece, and Thailand. Locally, Bill worked as a DJ at Pittsfield's long defunct nightclub "O.B. Joyful," and as a general handyman. Upon moving to the Berkshires, it took some time for Bill to control his devils. He was proud of his association and the new lease on life given him by two organizations who suggest anonymity, Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous. He found many caring and loyal friends at NA and AA. During the early evening of November 19, surrounded by loved ones, "Mr. Bill" slipped peacefully away to join his Maker. Predeceased by his mother, Maxine, Bill left behind his loving sister, Pegi, from Hayward, Calif.; his father, Robert Allardyce, and his stepmother, Barbara, both of Pittsfield; his half-brother, Dagan, of Vermont; his half-sister, Kimberly Moon of Great Barrington, and many friends. FUNERAL NOTICE: There will be a celebration of Bill's life on what would have been Bill's 54th birthday, Dec. 13, 2008, between 1 and 4 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 175 Wendell Ave. Food will be served. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be sent in Bill's name to HospiceCare, 877 South Street, Suite 4 East, Pittsfield, MA 01201. The DERY FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements.