Bill Adams: an appreciation
21 Sep 04
Obituary of Bill Adams, former accountant with the Society
Bill Adams was born in Leith, the son of a Merchant Navy captain. His father died when he was still a young boy, and in his early teens an accident led to his sustaining a leg injury, which resulted in his missing extended periods at school. Despite that, Bill left George Heriot’s with sufficient qualifications to train as a chartered accountant, qualifying in 1945.
After a period in private practice he joined the fledgling Law Society of Scotland, which had been founded in July 1949. In 1951, the establishment of the first set of Accounts Rules for solicitors brought a whole new area of responsibility, in fulfilment of which Bill was to become a kenspeckle figure in the legal profession throughout Scotland.
Often referred to affectionately as “The wee man from the Law Society”, Bill travelled the length and breadth of the country to inspect accounts and advise solicitors. It is a measure of Bill’s character, his integrity and his meticulous but fair-minded approach to everything, that he was respected and admired wherever he went. In 1982, Bill retired from the Law Society of Scotland, in many senses one of the founding fathers of that important institution.
A bachelor all his life, Bill maintained close contact with Bunty, his sister living in the south of England, becoming a much loved and respected uncle to his nieces and to his great nieces and nephews. Quiet and undemonstrative by nature, Bill was nevertheless a kind and generous man, caring and thoughtful of all. His passing leaves his family feeling a great sense of loss but, equally, with warm and happy memories.
An elder of the Church of Scotland for over 50 years, Bill was a regular attender at worship in Wardie until ill health prevented him. He served the Church with his characteristic quiet but meticulous approach, most notably as Treasurer during the ministry of Thomas Thomson. He is remembered with affection and gratitude in Wardie, not least for his warm smile and ever-courteous nature.
In latter days, as mobility decreased Bill took great solace in his lifelong love of books and music. He was a very well read man yet he never boasted of his knowledge. He took genuine delight in the written word and read across a whole range of genres. Never one to complain or make a fuss, Bill bore the trials of latter days with great fortitude, supported by the love of his family and the care of his neighbours.
On 22 June, in the Royal Victoria Hospital he passed quietly into the presence of the God whom he had worshipped and served throughout his life. It is our privilege to give thanks to God for Bill’s life, which we remember with honour and great affection, and to commit Bill into the peace and rest of the company of heaven.
Reproduced, with permission, from the Wardie Parish Church Newsletter.