WILLIAM A. KING

I am very sad to learn of Bill's recent passing. He was a mentor to me when I first came to Peabody Brown as an associate in the mid seventies, displaying the highest craftsmanship in the practice of law but always with humor and good cheer. I became his partner in 1980, and benefitted and learned from his vision of a law partnership as a business, a profession and a family. We were also neighbors in Lincoln, MA, where his kids babysat for ours and we “enjoyed” early morning commutes to the office for meetings of the firm hiring committee.

With his love of family and the outdoors, his service on numerous committees and boards, his many interests and his always positive and contagious regard for others, he was a great contributor who deserved more time in life.

Bill was a wonderful mentor, partner and friend to me. He was my mentor when I joined Peabody, Brown, Rowley & Storey, and taught me many helpful lessons, both about legal practice and about people. (Bill was a great student of people.) Bill could always be counted on to support his family, friends, clients and colleagues. He and I spent immense amounts of time together working in the same department and on the same projects. We even shared some time at Loon, and had a chance to watch each other's children growing up. I feel very fortunate that I had a relaxed and lengthy telephone conversation with Bill a few days before his stroke. He was in good spirits and we enjoyed catching up on each other's families and mutual friends and reliving a few experiences from yesteryear. In fact, we discussed a plan for me to visit Bill in New Hampshire, and I regret that I will not be able to do so. Bill was so popular at PBRS that Dick Morningstar, one of our partners, (when the firm was still relatively small and informal) led the business department in a beatification of Bill (in spite of his being still alive). Much evidence was introduced of his beneficent and holy qualities, including purported miracles. We were not able to find anyone to act as "Devil's Advocate", but the process was otherwise complete. (I was in charge of the Gregorian Chant.) Dick even introduced a tape recording of Bill's Saint Bernard barking attestation to how Bill and Liz carried the dog to Loon every week on a giant foam mattress since the Saint Bernard suffered from arthritis. Thereafter, we frequently referred to Bill as "Saint Bill" or "Saint WAK" (for his initials). Putting aside memories of all the fun we had with Bill, the most enduring memory is of his strong personal characteristics such as his kindness, sincerity, integrity and positive attitude. It was fun to know Bill and to work with him. I will miss him.

To Liz, Cynthia, Brooks and Ginger: I was very sorry to learn of Bill's death. He was such an active person with so many passions!! Always such a gentleman. I have many fond memories of your family in Lincoln. You are all in my prayers. Blessings, Alison Corner(formerly Adkins)