There has been an outpouring of emotion for Beverley icon Bill Rice who died on 3rd March aged 91.
Bill was well-known in the town, particularly for his handlebar moustache, but also for spending his final 15 years in the police as an area beatman in Beverley.
He moved onto Morton Lane with wife Joy and became a member of Beverley Lions Club, serving many terms as president during his 47-year affiliation.
Bill was always keen to take part in many aspects of local life, also being the town crier and mace bearer for Beverley Town Council, a member of the League of Friends of Westwood Hospital and supporter of the Adult Training Centre for the Handicapped.
He also spent 43 years on the committee of the East Riding of Yorkshire Constabulary Old Comrades Association.
In recognition of his work in the community, Bill was appointed an Honorary Freeman of Beverley in March 2013.
Born William Albert Rice in North Ferriby, Bill spent his childhood in the village and, after three years’ service in the Royal Marines, he joined the East Riding of Yorkshire Constabulary in June 1951.
His early service was spent in Hessle, Howden and Beeford before being posted to Beverley by special request.
Current Beverley Lions Club president and former colleague of 50 years, Geoff Sygrove, told Beverley Life: “Bill was the epitome of a British policeman and became well known within the East Riding and in particular in Beverley – his handlebar moustache and large stature made him stand out from the crowd.
“Being six foot seven, he was known as the ‘Gentle Giant’ and I always volunteered to work with him on weekends as he could stop trouble with one or two words of caution.
“The story goes that when Ted Maidment became the Superintendent of the Holderness Division, there was a public order problem in Beverley.
“By special request Bill was posted to Beverley whereupon the problems soon diminished.
“In 1968, the force was amalgamated with North Riding and York City and one of the downsides was the loss of our Ford Anglia beat cars to Northallerton to be replaced by mini-vans – something Bill had difficulty fitting into easily.
“He was a member of the police tug-of-war team which achieved great success, with Bill being the anchorman for a number of years.
“The team were No2 District Champions for several years and, on one occasion, attended the All England Finals at Smethwick near Birmingham.
“Bill was also a long-term committee member and fundraiser in supporting disabled residence groups Miller and Lilacs to ensure they could holiday annually and share Christmas presents.
“Bill was a great family man, worshipped his two children and grandchildren.
“He will be missed greatly by me and all who had the pleasure to know him.”
Bill is survived by his children Nigel and Gillian, as well as grandchildren Chris and Lydia.
Upon retirement from the police in August 1977, he assisted Nigel in forming Nigel Rice Transport & Storage Limited.
Bill was laid to rest on Monday 14th March at Haltemprice Crematorium in a family service.
