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William Wilson Obituary
Many husbands and wives do not golf together because their skills are too different. But William E. Wilson had a handicap of 20, and his wife, Ann Payne, had a 22, and they played together nearly every weekend from April through October.
"On any given day, I could beat him or he could beat me," Ms. Payne said, "and we loved playing together."
Eight years ago, for his 50th birthday, they took a golf cruise through the Caribbean. It was his idea and he loved it — each day they got off their ship and played golf on a different island.
A marine insurance broker with Aon, Mr. Wilson sometimes played during the week, too, taking clients to his private club's monthly beefsteak lunch and the tournament that followed. In August, he won the tournament for the first time; he was scheduled to play in the next one Sept. 12.
Ms. Payne said that playing without her husband was difficult, but she is doing it. "It's not quite the same," she said. "But I love it and felt like I had to get back."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Lisa Pojano
December 10, 2021
I was 9 months pregnant on 9/11. My father, Robert, was a very good friend of Bill's. He asked me to name my son after him. My son, Dylan William, is now 20 years old and a living memory to good people lost that day.
George Whipple
September 11, 2021
May God continue to bless you Bill as we remember you with love on this 20th anniversary of 9/11 when you were so tragically taken from us.
September 11, 2014
God bless you Bill, and I join all of your John Street Club buddies in remembering you and what a great, fun and smiling friend you were while you were with us.
George Whipple
Aon Benfield -- I met Bill back in the Marine Dept. at Marsh & McLennan in the late 70s.
My family and I took this whilst on a trip from England. We wished him a Happy Birthday.
August 29, 2014
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Kate
August 29, 2014
November 27, 2011
Thanks for the wonderful article about Bill Wilson, my brother lost on 9/11 in the South Tower of the World Trade Center. It is nice to remember all the happy times we shared together, Bill my older brother and Jeanne my younger sister. We will never be the same without "our missing link" and lament every day all that he missed. My thoughts go to all the family, my sister, her two children Chris and Maureen, Doug Halvorson my son and his wife Elise, to Anne his wife and especially to his great nieces and nephews-James, Elle and Pj, the little ones he never got to know.
I know he is hitting the golf ball straight and long and looking after his family from afar.
Love His sister Maureen Halvorson
November 9, 2011
I was just browsing and I came upon 9/11 10 years later and I was truly saddened to learn of Bill's passing. I was Bill's secretary many years ago at S. N. Eben Corp. Later on in the 70's we worked together at R. B. Jones and Marsh & Mclennan. He taught me many aspects of the Marine Insurance business. Always glad to help with a problem and never without a smile. He will be missed by all. Failed to mention that I also worked with his sister Jeanne, who I send my deepest sympathy to her and her family...Faith Cocozza
P Tabbernor
April 20, 2007
In remembrance....
Peter Birch
September 11, 2006
I was fortunate to have known Bill and to have been his guest at his Club for golf. He was a fine man, good sportsman and always fair and honest in business.
Thomas Bentley
January 27, 2006
I worked with Bill in the early 70's at Adams & Porter in 5 WTC on the 8th fl. We went our seperate ways [I went to A + A in 1978] We meet again when he joined Aon.
In our days at A + P , Bill myself and another employee named Rudy Molinet decided to join a Softball team of a Steamship Co the next door office at 5 WTC. On opening day, I broke an ankle, Rudy badly pulled a muscle and Bill was the only one who came out of it in one piece.
I remember him as a guy with a perpetual smile on and always semed to be in good humor.
A good guy who I still think about.
Janet Rudy Gerrard
September 11, 2003
Bill Wilson walked into my off-campus house and into my life, one sunny morning in January of 1964.
He was a junior at the University of Dayton and I a freshman. Bill was truly my "first" love and very special. For two years we made many college memories. Through Bill, I also had the good fortune to meet and live with his wonderful sisters, Maureen and Jean, of which I have had a life long friendship.
On this Patriot Day, the second anniversary of his death, I fondly remember Bill. In my heart, I believe on that day of orror Bill Wilson surely died a hero.
Till we meet again,
Janet Rudy Gerrard
Philip Wilson
September 11, 2003
Cousin Bill,
We will all remember you this day with our hearts and minds.
Know that we remember you with faith and prayers.
May your spirit continue to fill our hearts with strength.
Philip
Jeanne McDermott
October 7, 2002
Hello, my name is Jeanne and I am Bill Wilson's sister. Bill was killed in the WTC last year. His body was found on 9/12 and to this day it still haunts me as to how and where he died. He was last seen on the 78th floor and I would greatly appreciate hearing from anyone who saw him on that terrible day. Any and all information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. My e-mail address is [email protected]
Robert Quigley
September 12, 2002
Yesterday marked a year. The necessary words still escape me to say anything truly meaningful.
Bill was a wonderful person and a firend. He is missed and will never be forgotten.
Bob Q
Ed Melvin
September 11, 2002
I just learned of Bill's passing on the one year anniversary of 9/11.
I first met Bill in the early 70's when we worked together at Adams & Porter, he in Marine and I in Property/Casualty insurance.
I thoroughly enjoyed working with this warm and "always up" fellow on numerous accounts. Bill's clients were also his friends, and he was a master at combining business and personal friendships in a truly seamless and sincere fashion.
Bill inspired people with great charm and the boundless energy and enthusiasm for both work and "play" that he brought to life. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him, but that inspiration will live on.
My condolences to Ann.
Ed Melvin
Stephanie Freeman
September 11, 2002
I remember many happy times on the the golf course with Bill, and an equal number in the clubhouse apres golf. Bill, your life was too short.
Stephanie Freeman
Colleen B. Dixon
September 11, 2002
Thousands of lives have been forever changed by a senseless act of violence against innocent people for whom September 11 was supposed to be just another day at work.
I learned early on September 11, 2001 that my company’s employees on the 91st floor of One WTC were safe. My thoughts and prayers were then focused on the numerous insurance industry people that I knew and worked with for many years.
Bill Wilson immediately came to mind. I first met Bill when he and his wife Ann were guests at my sister Peggy’s marriage to Jim Wilmers in June of 1979. I got to know Bill much better over the years when we both worked in the Marine Dept at Marsh. Later when he worked at Aon, I worked for another company located on the 106th floor of 2 WTC. I would frequently meet Bill in the elevators, and he would always have a smile and say “Hello Colleen”. If I close my eyes, I can imagine seeing his smile and hearing his voice with his warm, friendly greeting whenever our paths crossed.
There is no doubt that this is the largest catastrophe in the history of the insurance industry. The events of September 11 have caused an immediate and unprecedented change in the way we do business. The financial impact will be quantified in time. However, insurance is a people business and the loss of so many colleagues is immeasurable. When it came to being a “people person” Bill Wilson was one of the best I ever met, and I’m sure that his presence is deeply missed by all those who had the pleasure of working with him.
Robert, Nancy, Dustin and Laura Sutton
September 8, 2002
In memory of William E. Wilson
We did not know William, but my husband is the brother of Cam Sutton who works for Aon. I came across this on the internet and wanted to express our deepest sympathy. I have thought of all the lives lost that day and especially of the ones from my brother-in-laws office and it still hurts deeply. Our deepest deepest sympathy to the family.
Nancy Sutton
Bill Wilson
July 17, 2002
I was just browsing through the names in the memorial, when I found someone with my own name had been killed. I never knew Mr. Wilson or his family, but I do extend my sincere condolances to his family. May God bless you all.
Angie Campbell
June 11, 2002
I did not know you or anyone else for that matter who passed away on that horrible day last September. I will never forget what happened and I still can not make myself understand the kind of hate that could do something this horrible. May God Bless you and the family and friends that you left behind. Rest in peace forever more..........
George, Bill, Kay, Marg and Grandmother Emma
Philip Wilson
June 3, 2002
I will always remember Cousin Bill from my early years in Rockville Ctr with Jeannie and Maureen.
Sadly much of the Wilson Family has passed on within the last two years.His father Bill,who died just 3 days after my father George Wilson in June 2001.
Be at peace with the family that has welcomed you to Heaven's Gates and yours and the entire family's rememberance will be forever etched in our minds.
Your Cousin, Philip
I have picked out a picture of the family for those that remember you well and in loving memory to you.
May 24, 2002
MAY THE BEAUTIFUL SOUL OF WILLIAM E.WILSON AND THE SOULS OF ALL THE FAITHFULLY DEPARTED THROUGH THE MERCY OF GOD REST IN PEACE..AMEN
Bill, Rick Knapp & I
Ray Falk
January 16, 2002
Bill and I had been friendly competitors for years and always enjoyed being together at various meetings. I've enclosed a picture from a golf outing in Maui (Jan. 2001)- Bill, Rick Knapp and I.
A great loss, my prayers are with him.
Jim Wilmers
December 20, 2001
I first met Bill Wilson some 25 years ago when we were both at Marsh and our friendship started then and has continued through the years. Bill was a charismatic person and had a wonderful outlook on life. He was always upbeat, even when things weren't, and you just felt better about things when in his company. A few years into our friendship, Bill married Ann Payne, clearly his finest accomplishment. The last time we talked, I tried to lure him to Ohio for a golf game but unfortunately we had to put it off. So I never had a chance to find out if his swing was as sweet as he most certainly was. Rest in peace, Bill; you will be sorely missed but long and dearly remembered.
Chris Fletcher
December 13, 2001
I had the pleasure of working with Bill in A&A's Marine Dept, and then later while we were both at Sedgwicks. I fondly remember Bill's sense of humor, over a few days' end 'refreshments'. I had a very poignant dream of Bill several weeks ago when I was scheduled to be at Aon's temporary offices.
Ann, with deepest sympathies, even though he's gone, he lives on forever as long as we share his memories.
December 10, 2001
MAY GOD BLESS WILLIAM E.WILSON AND
MAY HE REST IN PEACE.GOD BLESS HIS
FAMILY AND FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA
AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01
Phil McCorkle
December 5, 2001
I never met William, but I read about him in the latest University of Dayton quarterly newsletter where we both graduated. My condolences to his family.
Teresa Jahn
December 2, 2001
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Lennie Labita
November 26, 2001
A wonderful person. When I first started working with him at Sedgwick, Bill took me under his wing, taught me what I needed to know about the marine insurance business. But more importantly, Bill was a kind, gentle man who strived to make everyone's life a little better. It's been six years, since I last saw Bill, but it seems like only yesterday when I start to think about all the fun times Bill, myself and other Sedgwick employees had togehter. The world is going to miss him.
Katherine Wilcox
November 13, 2001
He was funny and loved to laugh. He was very easy to be with. It's over 25 years later and now I miss him.
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