Bill Holmes (pictured), one of the most dedicated supporters of the UK Bus Driver of the Year (BDoY) Association, passed away on 28 February. He was 75.
Bill had been an essential member of the BDoY Board since 1999 and his contributions were invaluable. His passion for the organisation was evident in his role as the bus allocator for competitors at the Association’s National Final, where he was a familiar sight.
Bill also maintained relationships with bus companies throughout the year, encouraging and supporting their involvement with BDoY.
Born and raised in Dover, Bill was fluent in French, which he utilised in his previous career as an Immigration Officer on cross-channel ferries. Later in life, he pursued a career in the coach and bus industry, driving National Express coaches and delivering new Van Hool coaches until he retired several years ago.
BDoY Chairman Joe Mackie expressed his condolences, saying: “Bill’s knowledge and dedication to BDoY will be greatly missed, and he will be a loss as a friend to us all.”
Bill is survived by his wife, Valerie, who has invited friends to a celebratory meal in early April to honour what would have been Bill’s birthday. No public funeral arrangements have been made.
The UK BDoY Association and the wider transportation community has lost a valued member and friend.
