William Gellatly Buick
William 'Bill' Gellatly Buick of Ashlar Village, Wallingford, passed away on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at Masonic Care - Hospice. Loving husband of the late Helen Potter Buick. Born on February 17, 1923 in Dundee, Scotland; son of the late William and Wilhelmina Anderson Buick. Bill came to the U.S. in 1947 and worked for the Gannett Company for over 30 years. During World War II, he served in the British Navy as a communications officer. One of the most dramatic moments of his life occurred when his ship, The Egyptian, was torpedoed in the North Atlantic. He was one of only three survivors. Bill was an active member of Scottish and Connecticut Masonry for over 71 years. A talented musician, he was passionate about music and played the violin for 83 years. He also played a number of other instruments including the saxophone, bagpipes and mandolin. Bill was the father of William P. Buick and his wife Katherine of New Haven and Bonnie Buick of East Haven. Grandfather of Robert Buick and his wife Gretta of New Haven, Andrew Buick and his wife Rissa Sison of Brooklyn, NY and William D. Buick of Boulder, CO. Brother of May Fearon of Alberta, Canada and the late Norman Buick, John Buick and Renee Low. In addition, he leaves many nieces and nephews in the U.S., Canada, and Scotland. Family and friends are invited to attend his Memorial Service at the Hartog Activity Center at Ashlar Village, Cheshire Road, Wallingford on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 2:30 pm. BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave, in care of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Masonic Charity Foundation, 74 Cheshire Road, P.O. Box 70, Wallingford, CT 06492.
Bill was a wonderful friend and will be greatly missed.
I will cherish the memories I have of Bill through all of his appearances at our Robert Burns Night. Every time I rode in North Haven’s Memorial Day Parade Bill always made it a point of saying hello. He will be missed.
Please accept our deepest sympathy Bill will be sorely missed he was an exception friend and Brother Mason. JKL
Bill was a close friend for many years and a Masonic Brother. I thank God that I was priveged to labor with him in friendship. I am grateful for the memories of him which I shall carry always in my heart Al Chapman
Bill was a true gentleman in every sence of the word. I first met him when I was a 14 year old DeMolay member in North Haven. He was always a very positive influence in my life and a good friend and brother throughout my Masonic career. I am very proud to have known this remarkable man. He will be missed by the entire Masonic community and this friend and brother in particular.
Bill was a very wonderful friend while I knew Bill during my active years in masonry. A real inspiration and a ideal to aspiore to but I cound never make it. Bill, we will miss you very much. Stewart Fritts
During the time I knew him, Bill was a delight to spend time with. He was one of nature’s true gentlemen, who are born and not made. Despite having had a life full of adventure and achievement, he was incredibly modest and had a marvelous sense of humour. I studied in Dundee, and I enjoyed talking about Scotland and the city with him: he was kind enough to share some of his memories. Even though it’s been 3 or 4 years since I saw Bill, I’ve been deeply saddened by his passing. We’ll all be the poorer for not having him among us.
Bill’ As a former Merchant Mariner I wish you this farewell, .Fair winds and following seas and long may your big jib draw.. Thank you for your insight on being a better Free Mason.
Bill will be greatly missed by everyone that knew or met him, even if only briefly. His memory will always reside in my heart. Thank you, Bill.
My condolences to Bill’s family. He was a real gentleman for the 40 or so years I knew him. A real loss to us all. Tim Podgwaite sr. Davie, Fl.
Always a kind word. Bill was my Masonic mentor. Ready to help out at a moments notice. He knew the words and the meaning behind them. Bill loved music playing Sax, fiddle and Pipes. He taught me how two people can play one bagpipe each with one hand on the chanter. Remarkable man.
Bonny, Bill and Family, I am so sorry for you loss. Uncle Bill gave his advice, help and most of all his love to me and my family so easily. Anytime any of us needed help with a project at our house, along came .Scotty and Bill.. The were so comical together. I never knew if the were arguing or agreeing! Uncle Bill held such a special place in my heart. I bonded so much with him after volunteering with the Veterans. I am so grateful I have those fond memories of him to hold on to. All my love Janie
I have had the priviledge of knowing Bill for many years. He was always a genuine, gentle man with a great sense of humor. I will miss coming up to Ct and not seeing him. I guess God needed another musician for His band in Heaven, and I know Bill is so happy to be reunited with his beloved Helen. Until we meet again – love Shirley
Bill and family– Our sincerest condolences on the loss of your father. Diane and David
Bill, Bonnie and family We are sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Please accept our deepest sympathy. We enjoyed having them as neighbors for the time they lived next door. Now Bill and Helen are together again.