Obituary – Padre (Rev.) William (Bill) Henry Greenway Bristow

March 1 1926 - January 22 2018

THE REV BILL Bristow passed away peacefully at home aged 91, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

At age 18 Bill enlisted in the Navy as a signalman on Motor Torpedo Boat 497 (based at Lowestoft), and was involved in one of the last English Channel battles of World War II.

He graduated in Divinity 1951 and became assistant minister at St Marchar’s Cathedral, Aberdeen, and subsequently minister at Haugh of Urr, Kirkcudbrightshire.

He was gifted musically on the piano, organ, bagpipes and violin with an accomplished tenor voice.

Between 1954 and 1970 he served as an Army chaplain attached to the Scots Guards, Highland Light Infantry (HLI) and the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders.

In 1973 he graduated in teaching English and Special Education, also in Aberdeen.

Rev. Bristow had a personal connection with Argyll, particularly to Southend near Campbeltown, where in 1960 his late brother Robert Bristow and grandmother Isabella Greenway had moved from Coatbridge to Machrihanish.

Afterwards he and his first wife Betty (née Hayes) and the Bristow family became familiar visitors at their holiday home in Southend area.

Bill accepted a teaching post in 1978 at the then Meadows School in Campbeltown, and ultimately became head teacher before retiring in 1991.

He helped set up local riding for the disabled, and served as chairman of Auchinlee Care Home committee for many years.

He also became hospital chaplain at Campbeltown hospital, and subsequently accepted long-term locum positions on the islands of Gigha and Islay.

At the of age 83 he was forced to retire fully due to advancing Parkinson’s disease.

He is survived by his dear wife Margaret and daughters Wendy, Mairi and grandsons David, Alistair and stepson Craig, and great grandchildren Emily and Charlie.

He will be very sadly missed by them all, by other family members and of course his many friends.

The funeral was at Southend Parish church on Monday January 29. The service was conducted by Rev. Steve Fulcher with a representative from Army Chaplaincy department, Padre Stewart Young.

It was very well attended by many dear friends and familiar faces with Piper John McGeachy and the Royal British Legion at Keil Cemetery graveside.

The family wish to thank everyone for their very kind donations to Parkinson’s UK.

Over £500 was collected at the local parish church with further donations from family members.