Today, I found out Bill passed away and I was/am still in shock and broke down crying immediately at his workplace. This loss hit me hard today and thankfully the (nice) new front desk woman printed up some remembrances from his memorial for me. He has helped me for 8 years and my heart is broken about this tragedy. He was such a great person to me and always made sure I was doing okay. I’m not one of the typical clients he came across, as my history was a little different. I came in once a month for abt 8 years and not only did he counsel me many times and offer truly helpful advice, he even offered to talk to my parents to educate them (despite me being 38!) to help them understand how to be supportive of my pain regimen.  If I didn’t have him as a counselor that day, he and I would always smile and say hi to each other in passing. He knew my history and he did everything he could to make things a little easier for me at home.  He was an absolutely wonderful amazing man and what brings me peace is that not only do I believe it, but it is GUARANTEED he made it to Heaven immediately! I will miss you so much Bill…thank you for all you’ve done to help me and so many others!! And to the close friends and family, I am also so very truly sorry for your loss. 
My true hearted condolences,
Lindsay M.

I would just like to express my deepest sympathy for your loss I played softball with Billy and I use to live down the street from him when we were younger. I am very sorry and have been thinking about him. Sam Alberto

I am a patient at the Clinic Bill worked at. Bill was always one of the most understanding, kindest gentlest souls I’ve ever come across working and rehabilitation field. I’ve had many encounters with Bill, and he always treated me with the most respect and kindness and never made me feel like I was less of a human because of my addiction, I am grateful to have got to know him memory live on

Bill was a wonderful person. He helped so many with patience and understanding. I will never forget Bill and all the good he did for people. He will be sorely missed.

Bill was my boss from 2017 until I retired. He was simply a great person who was kind, patient, and insightful into peoples problems. He would step in to mediate the most difficult clients and defuse any situation. He worked tirelessly taking off little time because his role in the organization was so crucial. The clients just loved him as did we his coworkers. My prayers go out to all his family and friends! God bless, Colleen Wray

Hi this is Rosanne (Rosie) Bosi, I'm so very sorry for Your loss of Billy! He was a great guy, Met Him in Kindergarten at Owen's and went back to Owen's for 5th and 6th grade, we hung around together with a whole group of friends, great memories of Birthday Parties , and other Parties at my house. Billy will never be forgotten! Please Forgive me, I'm so sorry I can't make it to Billy's Memorial Today or Tomorrow,  but You have my deepest Sympathies to his Wife, and  Lisa his sister , and So many other family and Friends! Many comforting Prayers for all of you! Rest in Peace Billy 🙏 😭🤎

I am so sorry for your loss, Mary and family.  I didn’t know Bill, but he must’ve been a great guy….  I’m sorry I can’t make it out there to give you a serious hug.

It's so very sad, hearing of Billy's Passing, He was a great guy! I met him in kindergarten,  and hung out through grade school, and high school! Alot of great memories with him! Sending my heartfelt Sympathies to his Wife, his sister Lisa, and his family, and so many Friends! Prayers for Comfort! Billy will be missed dearly,  but will never be forgotten! Rest in Peace Billy!

Thanks Billy for the everlasting laughs and memories - RIP!

Billy had a big heart and cared about others.  We had so many good times and laughs.  RIP old friend!

Bill touched so many lives and SAVED so many more with his work with those struggling with substance abuse. I can whole-heartedly say I would not be here today if not for Bill as one myself. He truly was a genuinely selfless man. 

My deepest condolences to your family during  this trying time. <3
Our lives will certainly be feeling a lost piece within. Rest in Peace, Bill. 
- Angel & Zak Auble

To the Aitchison Family:

While I did not have the privilege of knowing Bill personally, I wanted to reach out to express my sincere condolences and share a small story that speaks to Bill’s compassion and kindness to others.

During COVID, my father, a former Reavis football coach of Bill’s, chose to spend his final days in hospice at home.  As a family, we knew that we could not give our father a proper wake/funeral so we planned a neighborhood pet parade in front of his condo not knowing who might attend.

Your Bill showed up, wearing his Championship Reavis T-shirt, with his dog.  At one point, he shouted to the 6th floor balcony “Tell your father he was a great coach.”  

When my mother and I went inside to tell my father, who had been in a coma for days, that his neighbors and a former player were downstairs singing “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling”, my father woke up from his coma and said, “Oh my god”.  

We remain grateful for Bill’s simple yet profound act of kindness. It is something my family will never forget.  

May you experience the same and be surrounded by love and support as you grieve Bill’s loss.  

The world was a better place with Bill in it, but I hope he found his old coach (another Bill) waiting for him to show him a few new plays and to thank him.

You always lit up a room.  Your sense of humor, your smile and laugh were contagious.  I loved attending Sox games with you and no matter the outcome, we laughed and always had a great time!

I was heart broken to hear what happened to Billy, what a loss, don't understand why he was taken, someone with such devotion to his work, heart wrenching, evidently someone needed him more, he truly will be missed.
May his memories give you strength in the up and coming days ahead,
Love,
Marybeth Skinner

Dear Atchison Family , 

We lived down the block from you . My childhood would not be complete without memories of Bill in elementary school. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. 

Sincerely, 
Edie Boesen

Bill was a true original. He was fun to be around and had a quick wit. I loved it when I found out he loved Thin Lizzy and Matthew Sweet.

He was also easily the most hard core White Sox fan I ever met. When they won the 2005 WS he was the person I was most happy for.

I am going to miss you Bill. Rest In Peace.

Bill was an amazing human being, with a big heart, a kind soul, and a gentle way. I was privileged to work with him for several years during a transformative period of my life and career. As one of his clinic coordinators, I had the benefit of his tutelage and mentorship, which he offered freely. Mostly, I learned best from his example, as he demonstrated all the best qualities of a professional counselor—compassion, commitment, and an unwavering dedication to service. He touched many, many lives and helped those who were suffering. Meanwhile, he never lost his smile or his way forward. He was a very unique person for his generosity of spirit and joie de vivre. Many times, we would just talk about rock and roll and debate which Beatles album was the best. When I moved on with my career, he was one of the first people to genuinely wish me well. As I do now for him. May he truly rest in peace.

Rock on, Bill.  Things aren’t quite as funny without you. 
You loved those closest like a wild man.
You saw people and made them feel seen.
Peace.

Last time I saw Bill, he surprised us by riding his motorcycle to one of Brody’s hockey games on August 31st.  Going to miss you brother in law!. We love you and thank you for the memories!

OBITUARY

William "Billy" Michael Aitchison

12 January, 1965 – 19 September, 2024

Blake-Lamb Funeral Home

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