William Hollingsworth Obituary

William Long Hollingsworth, 60, suffered a heart attack at his residence on January 11, 2013, and died shortly thereafter.

"Officer Bill" was born in Baltimore, Maryland, to William and Adele Hollingsworth. He was a police officer in Westport, Connecticut, from 1975-1983. He came to Alaska in 1983, and joined the Anchorage Police Department in 1983. He retired from APD in November 2012, and at that time he was one of only four officers from his 1983 academy class still at APD.

Bill was recently profiled on Channel 2 as the "friendliest cop" at APD. He handled his job with a unique combination of understanding, firmness and humor. He always, always had a joke to tell, and he took pride in de-escalating situations by saying to someone he just arrested "If you get in the back of the car peacefully, I'll tell you a joke." And they did. And his jokes were great. Well, usually.

On many occasions he would buy a sandwich or coffee for a homeless person, or give cab fare to a person whose car he had just ordered towed. And his fellow officers always knew that he had their back.

Bill had so many friends, and he was frequently busy meeting one or another for lunch. He loved to buy gadgets, and he wouldn't buy just one. He'd buy two, or three or four, and then give away the extras.

In 2006 he met and married the love of his life, Dorine ("Dee"). They were together always, and looking forward to retirement. Dee describes their seven years together as the best of her life.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Adele Hollingsworth. He is survived by his wife Dee; sisters Corinne Wohlforth and Carol Hollingsworth; brothers Richard and Stephen Hollingsworth, a niece and several nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 19, at Faith Christian Community Church, 4240 Wisconsin, Anchorage. At his request, Bill will be cremated. Evergreen Memorial Chapel is assisting.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Anchorage, 561-5322.

Published by Anchorage Daily News from Jan. 16 to Jan. 17, 2013.
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Not sure what to say?





I can't believe 11 years ago you left this world. My husband is up there with you now. Tell him I miss him and love him dearly.
You are missed here on earth too. I hope you are resting peaceful now. You where a big brother to me and a great friend. Thank you for being there when I needed you. I do miss our talks and your jokes.

Jennie Flechsig

Friend

January 11, 2024

I am still "in the game " so to speak and from time to time as I work thru the streets of Anchorage I think of Bill, usually when I get around some location that we worked together a call or just hung out. There are too few like Bill out there, he is one of a kind. I say that in the present tense because I know his spirit is still out there.

John Daily

Friend

January 10, 2024

I will always remember Bill as a trusting friend and missed him when he moved to Alaska and miss him more now as I reflect on old friends.

Marc Isolda

Friend

January 10, 2022

Hi Bill my old friend thinking of you and the fun times we had together in Westport, I will truly miss you and our conversations on life. Rest well in heaven

Marc Isolda

December 4, 2019

Your birthday is coming up soon. I thought of you and want to wish you a happy birthday in heaven. You are missed, but know you are in a good place. God bless you.

Jennie Flechsig

June 5, 2019

It's hard to believe it's been 5 years this month you left use here on earth. You are not forgotten and our memories live on. God bless you my friend.

Jennie Flechsig

January 19, 2018

I thought of you on your birthday the other day, knowing you're watching down on all of your dear friends and loves. Now Glen Josey joined you and I know you're still telling those jokes with your east coast raspy wisdom. We miss you Sweetie.

Susan Darnell

June 20, 2017

You are not forgotten my friend. It's hard to believe you have been gone over 4 years. God has an angel who brought a lot of laughs to everyone you came into contact with while you where here on earth. Thank you.

Jennie Flechsig

March 24, 2017

Miss you buddy. You will always be my mentor.

Christopher Haley

March 24, 2017

You are not forgotten my friend. It's hard to believe you have been gone over 4 years. God has an angel who brought a lot of laughs to everyone you came into contact with while you where here on earth. Thank you.

Jennie Flechsig

March 22, 2017

Time has past but your memory is forever.
You where a strong man who lived life your way. I was lucky to be one of your friends. You helped me through a lot of stuff as a cop and as a friend. Thank you

Jennie

August 20, 2016

Bill it has been over 3 years that you had to go to heaven. You are missed everyday. Thank God you came into my life and I thank you for all the help you gave me over the years. You where a true friend that I miss.

Jennie

February 1, 2016

God bless you. You came into a lot of people's lives and gave us all great memories. You will always be in our memories. You where a dear friend and I thank you for that.
You came into my life when I needed someone special to talk to and you gave me great advice that I live by to this date. Thank you my sweet friend. I miss you everyday.
I still think God took you to early in life and have to believe he needed you there.

Jennie Flechsig

October 8, 2015

God gave us a sweet kind angel who is missed everyday. You are thought of daily with a smile knowing you are watching over your friends and love ones.
Sometimes I think I hear you laughing at the silly things we do here on earth and your laughter is missed.

Jennie Flechsig

August 27, 2015

Funny Bill I was just thinking about u and someone wrote on ur wall here at legacy. Yes u r missed and thought of.
I think u were one hell'va person with a kind and caring heart doin a rough job and making a difference in other peoples lives. They (the Angels) broke the mold with u cause I've been searching cross country and nothing.
So keep watching over all of us as I'm sure as we make our way to ur direction u will have a few jokes and stories to tell us. Thanks for being u.

Dawn Furnish

July 26, 2015

I'm going in for another surgery and I pray God and Jesus and you are watching over me. To where I have a full recovery. Thank you Bill for all the years we where friends those are great memories. I feel blessed that you where a great friend and I miss you everyday. I still tell you about my life and know you are laughing at my silly ways in life. I can almost hear you laughing and telling me a joke too. You made me laugh a lot of years. Thank you my friend

Jennie Flechsig

July 24, 2015

On your birthday I lite one big candle and sang happy birthday to you sweetie and knew you where there. I miss you everyday and smile when silly little things happen that remind me of you. Right now my husband is having some medical problems and I hear you say it's going to be alright and it helps me stay strong and I smile knowing you are here with me. You had a wonderful gift of making things seem as though they where not as bad as they where. I miss you sweetie and think of you often.

Jennie Flechsig

June 19, 2015

The other day was your Birthday-we still all miss you dearly. I know that you are being a guardian angel to so many now. You are with me everyday and I treasure that gift. When I am having a bad day, I hear your voice, the slight east coast raspyness, saying "did you hear the joke about..."
Miss you Sweetie...

Susan Darnell

June 15, 2015

Just saw my former friend and mentor has left this world for a better place. He was a mentor to me as a young Airman (SP). I rode with him on many occasions from 1986-1989. I visited him twice after I moved to Florida and became a police officer in Tallahassee. He was a great and kind man. Words cannot describe the loss.

Chris Haley

May 27, 2015

When you have hard times And all others are gone, I will be there when the troubles have come, Through sunshine or rain When all help has been lost Things may seem hopeless but just look around. I'll be there to the end with you. I'll do my best to be faithful and true. Through the hardest of days we will chose the right ways. My commitment I'll prove. Yes I will be loyal to you." (Lyrics by Robert Greenlaw. I miss you my dear friend. Your voice has resonated through to me lately during some hard times...I am blessed to have you still in my life as an angel.

Susan Darnell

April 22, 2015

You are missed everyday. You have been on my mind these past few days. Im missing your jokes and your laughing at your jokes and my reactions to your jokes. You are a sweet angel who watches over all your love ones and your friends. We could not ask for a better angel.
When you where on earth with us you touched a lot of lives. We are blessed to have known you. I know God has you now and I'm sure you are keeping him in stitches with your jokes.

Jennie Flechsig

March 15, 2015

So, odd, for the last week or so, I thought about you, than realized why, I was in the hospital when you passed and felt so bad that I was unable to attend. But, I know you are up in Heaven, helping the angels.
I will never forget you kindness and help to me and my family. And as I read this guest book many like me miss you and your laugh.

Dawn Furnish

January 13, 2015

God it has been two years since you took Bill home to be with you. He is missed beyond words and thought of daily.

Jennie Flechsig

January 12, 2015

Psalms 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord are the deaths of his saints. We love you! Sweetheart, Hope & I are together thinking of you, I lit our wedding candle to celebrate our eternal love for each other. I lit a new candle for your second year celebration today on transitioning over to Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior. I know you are there. I have asked some special friends to light their flashlights in memory of you. We feel your love and still smile every time we think of you. Miss you beyond words, I love you, till we meet again. Your loving wife always and forever yours. Father God thank you for your servant Bill, I am sure he is amazing there as well as he was here. Lord Jesus; thank you for allowing us to be with you and the time we had shared together here, I am truly grateful for you are our Lord.

Dee Hollingsworth

January 11, 2015

You are a special angel who watches over us. I miss our talks and laughing at your jokes. You are not forgotten my friend.

Jennie Flechsig

December 24, 2014

The holidays are here but you are not forgotten my dear friend. You are the special that watches over all of us.

Jennie Flechsig

December 1, 2014

You are missed and thought of daily.

Jennie Flechsig

November 6, 2014

You where a special person who came into many lives and we will never forget your kindness. You are a special angel who looks upon us everyday. Thank god we got to meet you and know you. You where a kind man.
I miss you always and know we will meet again

Jennie Flechsig

July 27, 2014

Hello! I see you have met my daddy who joined you on May 1, 2014 and also the man that I love very much with all my heart Victor Brian Padilla who also joined you on May 22, 2014. Very Precious indeed is Psalms 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord are the deaths of His Saints. I love you my brother in Christ Jesus. Take care of my daddy and my heart Victor, you are our officer up there you know. Dee is still the most amazing and your perfect wife, she is just like you in every way and she has been my officers wife from the day we met at your celebration. You will be very proud of me because I organized both celebrations of lives, they are going to be on May 24, 2014 oh by the way Happy Birthday, I do not have to tell you that you are wonderfully created in God's own image because God is with you, till we all began a new life with Jesus we all want you and everyone to know we love you and see you soon, Debra Miller

Debra Miller

June 14, 2014

Today was your birthday I just wanted to say you are not forgotten my friend.

Jennie Flechsig

June 12, 2014

Debra Miller

April 27, 2014

Dee .
I'm Honored to have known-
One of the finest APD Officer's
Such as Bill HOLLINGSWORTH.
I miss his smile and laughs.
He set Examples for others.
Bill was Just Bill and He trained
Most of the APD Officer's that
Are On the Anchorage Police-
Department Now.
RIP BILL H. DSN 0654(W-13)
AFD.SR CAPT/Battalion chief
Bob Nichols

BOB (SR CAPT) AFD. NICHOLS

April 26, 2014

Bill you are dearly missed by us left here on earth while you are in heaven looking upon us as we do our daily task. We know you are watching over us and listing to us as we talk to you. It is a comfort to know you are there with us in spirit. God Bless you.

Jennie Flechsig

April 21, 2014

Bill as I listen to your voice this morning I could almost feel you their with me. I feel you are always with me and listening to me when I talk to you. You are missed everyday and know you are always with me looking down on me and laughing with me when I do something silly. God has a special angel who touched many hearts while you where here on earth. I am thankful I was one of people who got to be your friend. My special angel

Jennie Flechsig

March 16, 2014

You are in all our thoughts as the days go on with you looking down on us with a smile on your face knowing you have many friends that you have touched their lives while you where with us. You may have left us early in life but you live on in our memories. Thank you for being in our lives. You where a great friend and we miss you dearly. Until we meet again my friend. R.I.P. The memories are here until we meet again

Jennie and Chuck Flechsig

February 1, 2014

Thank you for everything you are doing up there in Heaven. We sure needed another perfect Angel to help us down here. Thank you for your precious wife Dee Hollingsworth, she is just like you. We thank you Father God for your amazing and wonderful servant Mr. Hollingsworth. We love you Jesus.

Debra Miller

January 13, 2014

On Angel's Wings
On Angel's wings you were taken away,
But in my heart you will always stay.
I hear your whisper in the tallest of trees, Feel you love in the gentle summer breeze.
And when I find I miss you the most,
Inside our beautiful memories I will hold you close.
You are my angel watching over me with the comfort and blessings you bring,
You embrace my heart, and hold it close,
Forever on Angel's Wings....
I wear my angel wings everyday and thank God every night for your friendship and love...
Your spirit lifts me up every day...

Susan Darnell

January 12, 2014

My darling husband, I still thank God every day for our our marriage and for each day that we shared. You described our relationship very well when you told me: "Our life together is better than anything that I could have dreamed." Every person who met you was blessed, but I was blessed beyond words when you asked me to be your wife. What a sacred privilege!

I was in awe of your being from the day that we met. And as time went on, that sense of adoration for you only continued to grow. I used to tell my friends that "if I ever complained about Bill, please take me to API or just shoot me, because I cannot be well!"

I miss your touch. I miss your smile. I miss that crazy morning hair. I miss your voice and laughter. I miss that twinkle in your eye. I miss sitting on your lap and cuddling together in the recliner. But I am comforted in knowing that I will always have your love.

I find myself pondering about your entrance at St. Peter's gate and wondering which jokes you told. But I am confident that when you met Father God, He told you: "WELL DONE, MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT."

You will be in my heart forever. I look forward to sharing eternity with you.

Dorine Hollingworth

January 12, 2014

Bill you where missed through the holidays but never forgotten. You are a special angel who is in our hearts. You and Dee made a great couple. You always told me Dee is your soul mate and she made you so happy. we are glad you got to meet your soul mate and enjoy your time together. You deserved to be happy and loved by a special woman. You where a great friend and a special person.

Jennie and Chuck Flechsig

December 30, 2013

You are still up in Heaven with God I see working on me! Thank you Father God for your very precious & priceless servant. I love you so much. I love you Dee Hollingsworth.

Debra Miller

November 19, 2013

Your warm smile and personality left a lasting impression on me. I think of you everyday and reflect on our visits. My friendship continues with Dee. What an Angel she is; always reaching out to help others. God knew you were meant for each other. Together you made this world a better place. Thank you for all the joy you have given to me as well as many others. Pay it forward is the way you lived your life. God Bless you my friend.

JENE' O'NEILL

November 19, 2013

I miss you every day. We still talk like we used to, and somehow I know you are still listening to me, and I hear you. I miss our trips to the "bat cave" when we were on patrol together. I loved having tea with you and Ofr Zylstra. I listen to Josh Groban singing "The Prayer" every time I drive to work. I wear an angel wing ring to remember you. I still have the music box bird cage (Wind beneath my wings) you gave me when I deployed to Saudi-it kept me safe. We have a friendship to last a lifetime and beyond. Our New Yorker conversations will live on in my heart. I will look after Dee for you. Until our next conversation my friend...

Susan Darnell (R295)

November 18, 2013

Bill - you are in my thoughts today. Thinking of you as the holidays approach. I am sure it is a most difficult time for Dee. You are dearly missed my friend.

Helen

November 5, 2013

Bill you are missed everyday and thought of daily. You are a special angel my friend. My you rest in peace my friend.

JENNIE

October 23, 2013

Debra Miller

September 14, 2013

I am thankful that Bill was a great friend and was a lot of help through the 26 yrs. I knew him . I miss his way of making a bad day go away. He was a special angel and I thank god for Bill's friendship. You are missed my friend and thought of everyday.

Jennie Flechsig

September 13, 2013

Thank you to Bill and Dee for their positive and caring influence on the lives of others.

Ogawa Family

September 13, 2013

I can't remember when I met Bill, it was years ago. He would sneek up behind me, in his cruiser and hit the lights, woopwoop! "Pacillo! Get in the car!" I'd get in the back seat and he'd say "Have I got a joke for you". As the years went by he got this air of loneliness to him. I hadn't seen him for a few years, and then one day he picked me up on the street,(no I wasn't a criminal) and I asked him "Hey Hollingsworth, what's up with you? You look great!" He was bouncy, his face lit up. And then he told me about "his Bride", Dee. He was like a little kid. I was so happy for him. He was a sweetheart and deserved a good woman in his life. When I met Dee I had an instant friend, and I understood why Bill was so happy. My husband Kevin told me one time, "Being with those two makes me be a better husband. It's wonderful to see a man who loves and respects his wife as much as he loves Dee." Bill was the kind of man who helped a lot people, in many ways. His friendship and support allowed others to become better people. THAT is a true friend.

Susan Pacillo

August 16, 2013

God bless you Bill for you are miss so much. You will always be remembered as an angel from god.

Chuck & Jennie Flechsig

August 12, 2013

Today you and Dee have been in my thoughts. Although I didn't know you long, you brought such positive joy to my late husband, that had ALS. Love of my life and married 42 years. You always had a joke to tell and your visits made Tim so happy and he especially enjoyed the scenic drives. Dee has become a good friend of mine. I saw how you both just beamed when you spoke of each other. It's rare to have that kind of love and devotion. Dee is strong for herself and others as well. No wonder you loved her so very much. The good Lord got an A+ Angel and I feel Blessed to have known you dear friend. You are truly missed.

JENE' O'NEILL

August 11, 2013

Debra Miller

August 11, 2013

Today marks 8 months since you left our lives. Each time I look out a window, or walk out the front door, I expect to see you walking to the mailbox, or sitting on your front porch holding hands with Dee, shouting to me from across the street.."Hey Therese, have you met my incredible and amazing wife Dee? A phrase I never got tired of hearing, even when you said it over and over and over again. You and I were neighbors for a long time. I never saw you as happy, as I did when Dee entered your life. I will always be so grateful to God that he gifted you with such an angel while you lived here on earth. Sometimes we only get one shot at getting it right in life, and by golly, you nailed it when you married her. I'm glad that you are still here with us in spirit. When I look across the street I can sometimes see what looks like the shadow of a dark blue bathrobe trailing behind Dee as she continues to build your garden of love...

Therese Foley

August 11, 2013

I miss you, my friend. I remember how you were such a good friend to those in you life, and how you devoted yourself so completely to Dee. She was your world, your heart, your life.
Your devotion as a husband was so obvious in the way your face lit up when you looked at her, how your eyes sparkled when you spoke of her, and how you devoted yourself to her so completely. You are my inspiration and I strive to be as good to my wife as you were to Dee.

Ron Stevenson

August 11, 2013

Thinking of my wonderful brother on this day. Prayers go out to his wife whom he told me was the love of this life. I hope she get comfort from those happy times and memories of their wonderful marriage.

Corinne

August 11, 2013

Debra Miller

August 11, 2013

Bill you are missed and thought of daily. I miss your jokes and your laughter. You where such a special person whom made a great impression in everyone you came in contact with. God Bless you my friend and know you are missed by all.

August 10, 2013

Father God; Today I am thinking about my best friend Officer William Hollingsworth of 23 years & I just wanted to "Thank You" again for everything your servant has been to all of us, for those he helped, for those whom he taught us about You, for everything that you had him do for "you", Father God, you know "OUR HEARTS", you know everyone that you have placed in His path for him to help by and through you, and we are so very grateful to have known such a man as Him. I love you thank you for every Glorious Day. Let thy will & word be done.

Debra Miller

July 20, 2013

I met Officer Hollingsworth in 1986 when I had a situation with my ex. He took a bad situation and made me laugh til I thought I was going to cry. Thanks for the memories. RIP Bill, you were larger than life.

Dawn Furnish

June 27, 2013

Well, not only did I graduate with my G.E.D & A ssociates degree, but you are having your way :) .........BECAUSE I am graduating Wednesday 22, 2013 with the Alaska State Troopers Citizen Police Academy...See how you are stil running me in the right direction, :) I love you and Dee Jesus thank you for Office Hollingsworth Debra

Debra Miller

May 10, 2013

GOD BLESS YOU BILL YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS DAILY. YOUR UP BEAT WAY OF LIFE IS MISSED BY ALL. R.I.P. MY FRIEND.

CHUCK & JENNIE FLECHSIG

May 8, 2013

BILL YOU ARE MISSED EVERYDAY. THE WORLD IS NOT THE SAME WITHOUT YOU HERE TO TELL YOUR JOKES AND MAKE PEOPLE LAUGH.
I PRAY FOR DEE EVERYDAY HOPING SHE FINDS THE ANSWERS OF WHY AND WHAT FOR AS TO WHY YOU HAD TO GO SO SOON. THE LOVE YOU BOTH HAD FOR EACH OTHER WILL BE THEIR FOR EVER. YOU BOTH WHERE SO LUCKY TO HAVE SEVEN GREAT YEARS TOGETHER. GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE BILL.

JENNIE FLECHSIG

May 4, 2013

Dee
I met Bill in the fall of 1983.
When I was working @APD.
& going through the APD.
EXPLORER RECRUIT ACADEMY.
I ASSISTED BILL WITH PR-24
BATON TRAINING BEING
GIVEN TO OFFICERS.
I'M A RETIRED APD EXPLORER.
&NOW SR.CAPT W/AFD.
RIP BILL H.
APD DSN#0654.

SR CAPT BOB NICHOLS

January 30, 2013

I was deeply saddened to hear of Bill's passing. He was such a kind man. To his wife, Dee, may God give you the comfort you need but know that Bill's love for you has no end! CArol/JRI(Los Angeles)

Carol Aldana

January 29, 2013

BILL YOU ARE GONE BUT NERVER FORGOTTEN. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. YOU ALWAYS HAD A WAY TO MAKE PEOPLE AROUND YOU LAUGH. YOU ALWAYS HAD TIME TO LISTEN TO PEOPLE AND MAKE THEM FEEL GOOD ABOUT LIFE. YOU ARE A SPECIAL ANGEL.

January 29, 2013

TO THE FAMILY OF
OFCR BILL HOLLINGSWORTH.
I'M LIGHTING THIS CANDLE.
RIP BILL

BOB (SR CAPT) AFD. NICHOLS

January 28, 2013

I worked with Bill when he first came to APD. What a fun guy he was, and he was the kind of guy when you sent to a call, you knew he wasn't the kind that would try to make it escalate into something it wasn't. He had a contagious smile and laugh and was fun to be around. Dee, I'm sure you gave him the best 7 years of his life too. What a great loss.

January 25, 2013

I'm lighting this candle in-
Memory of officer-
William HOLLINGSWORTH
PS.GOD LOVES YOU BILL
AND SO DO "I"
RIP (APD H-654)/W-13

BOB NICHOLS SR.CAPT-AFD

January 20, 2013

DEE.
I'M HONORED TO HAVE SERVED
WITH BILL,AS AN APD EXPLORER & BECAME FRIENDS.

HE SET EXAMPLES FOR OTHERS.
HE WAS AN EXCELLENT OFFICER

SR CAPT BOB NICHOLS

January 20, 2013

I will miss Bill coming into the store (Nordstrom) and making us laugh with one of his jokes. Some were ones I could take home and tell to my kids. Dee, he adored you! I am so sorry for your loss.

Terri Matthis

January 20, 2013

Rest in peace my dear friend. The last time I saw you downtown you spoke lovingly of your wonderful wife and how happy you were - Dee I am so glad the two of you found each other. Bill was a true supporter and friend, we enjoyed many many good times. He touched so many lives and was truly one of the kindest men I have ever known.

January 19, 2013

We were shocked at the news of Bill's passing. Bill was a truly good man, one of a kind. He was an outstanding police officer. When all hell was breaking loose (example: Palace Hotel brawls), Bill would walk in the door and you knew things would start to get under control. He knew all the patron's names and, due to his previous professional and compassionate contact with them, they would comply with his orders. Not out of fear, but out of the same sense of respect that he consistently showed each of them. Our prayers are going up for Bill's family. Well done, Brother. You will be missed.

Ray and Lori Jennings

January 19, 2013

Bill, you were a man of honor and kindness...a true gem of mankind. I am honored to have had the opportunity to know you, work alongside you, and laugh with you. I will always fondly remember you for your infectious laugh when you told a joke...which often tickled me more than the punch line. Thank you for teaching us what compassion and humanity is all about. Your legacy humbles me. Rest in peace my friend and keep the other angels smiling.

Nancy Reeder

January 19, 2013

Bill, you were a man of honor and kindness, a true gem of mankind. I am honored to have had the opportunity to know you, work alongside you and laugh with you. I will never forget your infectious laughter at your own jokes...it tickled me more than the punch lines. Thank you for teaching us what compassion really is and for never losing your humanity. Rest peacefully and keep the other angels smiling.

Nancy Reeder

January 19, 2013

Bill was a customer at Z-CoiL for years and when you saw him coming it just made your day. He will be missed by all.

Mary De Zarn

January 19, 2013

It was truly a pleasure knowing Bill. Every time he walked into Nordstrom he brought a smile to everyone's face. We always enjoyed his great sense of humor and his wonderful stories. Dee you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Clara King, Retired

January 19, 2013

Dee, I will light a candle tomorrow in church in remembrance.
My husband Tom passed on Jan. 27th 2007. He worked with Bill. Both loved their work with the Anchorage Police Dept. and oh what a life they had. God Bless....Mary Jane Ricketts

Mary Jane Ricketts

January 19, 2013

Never was I so shocked and saddened when I opened up the newspaper on Wednesday to read that Bill had passed away.
I was privileged to meet and work with Bill when I worked as an attorney in the Anchorage DA's office in the 1980's. We developed a friendship that lasted forever. I was one of the lucky ones that got to go out to lunch with him once or twice a year. It should have been more often, but we both were busy people. As I have worked downtown since the 1970's, I was lucky to have numerous encounters with Bill on the streets of downtown Anchorage, especially in the last years when he was literally stationed downtown. One of our encounters was recorded by the Channel 2 News, when he asking how I was doing after my husband has passed away not long before. And he ended the conversation with: "We should do lunch!" And we did have lunch. He was always in a good mood, always had a joke, always was supportive of me and my endeavors, and was always a good listener. His untimely death is so unfair on so many levels. He loved his wife, Dee, so much and was so looking forward to retirement. He had so many plans to enjoy his retirement years and now he had his wife to enjoy those years with him. I am so glad that he had these last few years together with Dee. He proudly showed me her photo and seemed so happy to be married and settled down.
Bill, so many people will miss you and your good humor, your honesty and integrity. You were the epitome of the "neighborhood cop" that everyone knew downtown. We felt safe with you around. My only comfort is knowing you are in a better place now. But we all will miss you so much. Rest in peace and keep watching over us. Lisa

Lisa Nelson

January 18, 2013

Bill was one of a kind. Always smiling and cheerful. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be missed by all.

Lenora McKee

January 18, 2013

Dee, Im so very very sad,hurt and lonely knowing that when i drive by your house this summer on my way home work that i wont get the opportunity to stop by and listen to cheesy jokes and flip crap to Bill.Im so glad for the opportunity to have had you as clients.I always looked forward to doing projects for you because it didnt really feel like work when i was there.Im extremely honored to have recieved a phone call from you letting me know,such deep deep loss.Makes me realize just how short and fragile life really is.Dee,i am so sad for you and praying for you on this difficult journey your facing.When i see you planting flowers this summer i will stop in to check on you:) Shawn

January 18, 2013

Bill has a special place in our hearts and will be deeply missed. You are gone but never forgotten. Bill was one special person who always had time for a joke or a laugh. He would listen and talk no matter what else was going on in life. God Bless you Bill and rest in peace you where one of a kind.

January 18, 2013

Bill knew how to keep things in perspective. RIP

Sid Moen

January 17, 2013

I always looked forward to a visit from Bill, a cheery smile and a good joke,you inspired a lot of people Bill and we will all miss you,,rest in peace.

Gary Melven

January 17, 2013

Bill was my knight in shiny armour. He was Loved and will be missed.

January 17, 2013

Words are few, thoughts are deep, Memories of Bill we will always keep. Someone so special can never be forgotten.

Ellie Soto

January 17, 2013

Bill....Bigger than Life!!!!! Rest in peace friend.

Pat Rider (APD retired)

January 17, 2013

Thanks, Bill, for making a sometimes trying job just that much more tolerable. Your humor will be a constant reminder to look at the lighter side of life's journey. It was a honor to share a car with you as a rookie back in the day. May your typewriter never run out of ribbon! Rest easy my friend.

Ryan Rockom

January 17, 2013

One of the kindest men I've ever met. Thanks for all the great lunches, coffees and jokes you shared with me over the years. It was a pleasure working with you and I'm glad I was one of the lucky ones who knew you, Bill. Thoughts and prayers for your family, who loved you very much.

Shane Locke

January 17, 2013

I was saddened to hear of Bill's death. As a retired member of the AFD, I was privileged to know and work with Bill and we always felt good when he was on a call with us. Rest in peace my friend.

Bob Woolsey

January 17, 2013

Bill was a joy to know and work with. God Bless his family and loved ones.

January 17, 2013

Our sympathy and condolences to Bill's wife Dorine and the Hollingsworth family, Carol, Corinne, Rick and Steven and their families. We both have so many wonderful memories of Bill. Even though we haven't seen him in years it seems like yesterday. My husband, Joe, was a lifelong friend of Bill's since childhood. We will always remember the happy days, the jokes, the laughter and twinkle in Bill's eyes as many others have also recalled. We will also remember the serious side of Bill. The eloquent, sophisticated, articulate man who was a charmer. He will always be in our heart. He will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Bill.

Joe & Donna Arnone

January 17, 2013

Well old friend, you've made the journey that all of us will have to make one day. I guess the big difference is how we all get there and you did it in style. In your day you were able to face down some of the worst out there,I saw you do it more than once, but you rarely had to because you dealt with most people with the gift of gab, common sense, humor, dignity and honor that made you a rare and precious officer and individual. I'll miss you ,as will many others. I also know that as you walk up to St. Peter at the Pearly gates you will probably say "Stop me if you've heard this one, A man goes to a bar with a mouse....."

John Daily

January 17, 2013

Bill was such a joy to work with in the Warrants section. He made you smile everyday. He will be missed.

Karla Beller

January 16, 2013

Bill you were such a wonderful person, back when I was younger and working nights he's always stop in and make sure I was okay while he told me jokes and just talked about life. I was so glad to hear he was retiring. So sad he was taken so soon what a legend and fabulous APD officer. You will never be forgotten! Glad you met a lovely lady that was your heart & soul. May you rest in peace . To me you were my guardian angel<3

Vicky Harrell

January 16, 2013

You are my angel up in heaven and Dee is my angel that I love here on Earth. I am so very Grateful. Thank You Jesus for Your Servant Officer William Hollingsworth.

Debra Miller

January 16, 2013

Lord Jesus thank you for the time we had in knowing Your servant. Thank You for His Love for all of mankind. Thank You for useing him to intervien in my life and saving me. I give you all the Glory, Praise, Grace and thanks for Bill. He was a true Godly man and the finest Anchorage Police Officer I have ever known. Mrs. Hollingsworth I look forward to finally meeting you. Remember
that you were and are wonderfully created in Gods image like Your husband. God bless you with his peace that surpasses all understanding.

Debra Miller (06/28/1959)

January 16, 2013

RIP Bill! It was an honor to know you and call you a friend!

Brad Conklin

January 16, 2013

You will be missed Bill, as others have said it didn't matter if you had a day on the department or decades he treated you the same, was always there with a joke, you will be missed Bill.

Kevin Armstrong

January 16, 2013

Bill was a truly, genuine, kind soul. He is my friend. My heart will have a hole in it and I will miss you. Goodbye, until we meet again in heaven, my friend.

Ronald Stevenson

January 16, 2013

Bill is already sorely missed - he was my first mentor as a cop, and left an indelible impression on me with his kindness and good nature when dealing with people. Thanks for being my friend Bill, I miss you already.

Ryan Thompson

January 16, 2013

Dee,
My heart goes out to you and your family. Bill and I worked together since 1984. He was always the gentleman. We went on many a call together from 86-94 on midshift downtown, and he was always the best. He used to carry cigarettes with him, even though he did not smoke. It was for the street person who would ask him if he had a smoke. A truly giving man, who will be missed by all of us, especially for his kindness and humor. He would start laughing before he finished the joke, and you could not help laughing along with him even if you didn't understand the punch line. Great guy, great friend, We will truly miss him. God Bless you Dee. RIP Bill

Denny Gum

January 16, 2013

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