Mike McDowell 
College friend 
I was at JBU when Bill was there, but started one year later. We played in brass ensembles together as music majors and got to know each other. Bill’s sense of humor was entertaining and endearing. He was genuine, generous and warm in friendship.
I believe he is with his Savior now and rejoicing!
I’m also happy to have seen Don Klein’s words here and take his encouragement.
The Lord strengthen and comfort each of you family members at this time.

My family is heartbroken to hear about Bill's passing. My son attended the Longmont All-Stars summer camp for the first time last summer and absolutely loved Bill. His enthusiasm and passion for the kids and music will always be remembered. Thank you Bill for the great memories!

One day during band class we were trying to rehearse a song. I think it was close to a concert because stress level was higher. As we were playing the intercoms went on asking if a student could be excused. Mr. Bill calmly cut us off, dealt with the interruption,  and we went on. Not a minute later, the intercom went off again. Same scenario, a calm Mr. Bill dealt with the interruption, and we went on. Not a minute later… again… intercom comes on with some general announcement. Mr. Bill whirls around, throws his baton at the intercom speaker, and like Robin Hood of old, the baton sticks in the speaker grill dead center. As we all sat their jaws on the floor, Mr. Bill turns around and says “class dismissed”. I believe we petitioned  to have the baton remain there for the rest of the year, but I’m sure it was his favorite.

We were swore to secrecy but I think I’ll let this memory out. One year the Half Fast Jazz Band was playing the Kinetics parade in Boulder. As we were playing a group of young girls materialized behind us. At first they were innocently flirting with Mr. Bill, dancing with him, stealing a cow bell and playing it. Then suddenly the girls tops started coming off. As teenage boys we were extremely excited. Mr. Bill however was not. I remember him waving his arms asking them to stop, and yet they persisted. Finally, as we ended the parade the girls vanished. Turns out, these girls were Shotgun Willie’s strippers, handing out flyers. Needless to say, the most exciting parade I have ever been in.  As we loaded the bus, and began to head home, Mr. Bill stood at the front and very clearly said “Don’t tell anyone about this”. Well, secrets out now.

Had an amazing time playing under Mr. Bill at the 100 year anniversary concert.

The SHS band went to Disneyland in 1992- what a massive undertaking that was. 

We had so much fun in band-  Mr Bill was always so kind, upbeat and energetic.  Even though it was first period and the class started at 7:25 AM, he’d have us out on the football field practicing our marching in the wet grass.  

He was fun, inspiring teacher who devoted his life’s work to making music fun for his students.

Oh, what a wonderful man and a gift to so many students and parents! 
Our son and friends were part of the Silver Creek Marching band with Mr. Bill and we were part of the parent contingent that helped with props and chaperoning.  My favorite line from Bill was “Let’s get ‘er done!”. 
I still say that line in my life and think of him every time!  He will be so missed but he was such a blessing. Heaven has gained a new member of the band! ❣️

This is how I'll remember Mr. Bill, he was so adventurous with all of his students. He was my high school band teacher in '95. I hadn't seen him for many years and then we crissed paths again when he started teaching my son at LCS through 2022. He will be greatly missed by many.

Some people make the world a better place with them in it "Mr. Bill" was one of those people. He was sisters highschool teacher and my very first band teacher. He was referenced by my sister and many by the satirical "Mr. Bill Show" at the time, all in good sport. I remember you always feeling like you were apart of something bigger in his presence. He will be missed but he will more so be remembered for the good he did in the time he had.

My condolences to Mr. Wilkinson, he was my instructor and instrumental teacher at the 1979 Skyline Jazz Band and concert band. I played the Alto saxophone in the instrumental storage room. Mr. Wilkerson opened the door took my saxophone and played Jazz music. He returned my saxophone and said good luck. The luck implanted creative Jazz music skills in my mind. Thanks music teacher!

Mr. Bill was truly a great man. I was so lucky to see him for two classes every day of my high school career (band and jazz band) from 1981-84. As a fellow trumpet player, I knew what a great talent he was. I have great  memories of band trips to Colorado Springs and a concert with Doc Severinsen. But my favorite memory is of him playing at my wedding. He was loved by many.

We at RMCA all love how Bill filled out his "Favorite Things" list. We use this around birthdays and holidays for families to get gifts for their students teachers. 
"scent: I try my best to not"

Bill-ism about tempo 
“Not too, not too fast. Half-fast”

RIP 
It was nice knowing you.
Heaven is REAL home!

My son Eli wrote a memory earlier today and I know that if I wrote out all of mine, they wouldn’t fit within the 2000 character limit...but since I often sent Bill my love through email, I am confident he knew how I felt. 

I will, say, however, that I feel super lucky to have sat in on every single band class Eli had with him during the last two summers. As Bill often said "it blessed me." Multiple times I had tears during class because it was so moving...just seeing him teach and watching these kids learn so fast, it was hard not to be emotional about it. There was always something so mysteriously special about Bill. But he was also hilarious. His jokes were super funny: so timely, dry, and perfect. One such day I remember bringing my Mom with me to class so she could see how class was conducted. I had told her a few days before that getting a chance to sit in on Eli's practices had brought me so much joy and Bill had enthusiastically agreed to her visit. She too, was moved to tears. But we also laughed! During one particular song, the kids were having a really hard time on one specific part. Bill had them play it over and over again in an effort to correct it. Once he was sure it was better, they started over, but again, they played the wrong note. It must have burned his ears because he stopped them and calm, but firmly said: "Hey guys, you just have to play that one note right. Every time we get there, you play it wrong and when it's right I'm in HEAVEN. [He mimicked the perfectly toned sounds of right and wrong with his voice and then continued.] So, let's try it again and play it right because if you don't...I know I'll be in the other place." My mom and I couldn't stop laughing, and my tears flowed again. He had such a special way with his students, and whether or not they know it, he's irreplaceable. 

We all miss and love you, Bill.

Bill and Doug play sample solos for the kids during Band practice. Summer 2024.

Summer 2023, Eli and Bill's first lesson together.

Mr. Wilkinson was one of the funniest, kindest, and best trumpet players ever. He was also an amazing teacher. When I first met him, he was very kind to me and helped me to play my trumpet better and do it well in a band. I first met him in the summer band camp of 2023 and my first day in class was super hard. But the two years I spent with him gave me so much joy. I learned to read music from him and how to memorize pieces too. I was scared about playing the National Anthem at the Rockies game that first year, but Mr. Wilkinson helped me overcome my fears. The year after, I was so much better! I learned more music from him that summer that I had learned in my four previous years! After the summer band camp in 2024, I learned that he was going to be teaching band in my own school and I couldn't have been happier. Band class was my most favorite class at school by far and it was because of him.  When we started Advanced band, it was jut me and two other kids, but it quickly grew to seven! I was supposed to play Taps for our Veterans' Day performance as a solo, but I got really sick, so Mr. Wilkinson had to play both my trumpet part in band and my solo. While I was so disappointed, I knew he did great! When I was well again, we worked on pieces for our Christmas performance and he even taught me a drum solo! But...the week before the concert, we heard the shocking news of his passing. I was heart broken. This time, during the concert, I had a solo playing Taps again, but it was for him... Just like he stepped in for me, I stepped up for him. Playing Taps in his memory this time was really hard for me to do and, after the concert, I was overwhelmed with sadness. I am currently working on writing a song in his memory, and though it's also sad, it brings me comfort to think of him. I will never forget Bill Wilkinson and I'm sure he's watching me, and all of us, while also playing his own trumpet in Heaven for Jesus! 
--Eli Von Eschen, age 13

A "Bill-ism" I remember:

Usually before a Jazz Band performance, someone would ask "What's the (performance) order?"  Bill's response:  "Ham on Rye!"

I just receiveds this sad news of Bill's passing.  I was Bill's assistant director at Skyline HS for 7 years.  It was a privilege to work with Bill, and witness first hand the dedication he had for teaching.  Besides his influence on me as a teacher, he was an encourager in my personal life teaching me the importance of faith, family, and friends.  It was a joy to teach his children (Summer, Megan, and Seth) in my Jr. High/MS program, and Bill was always supportive of my bands.  In later years, my son played in the All Stars, so he has fond memories of Bill as well.  I asked Bill once, "Are you ever going to retire from teaching?".  His answer was quick, "Never!".  Our most sincere condolences to Beth, Summer, Megan, Seth, and family.  Rest in peace, Bill.
Gary and Kay Lloyd

On behalf of myself and my family I want to offer my sincere condolences to the family of my dear band teacher and mentor Bill Wilkinson I knew him since I was 15 years old his music saved my life and I will miss him very much my name is Kandi Tisone but he knew me as Kandi Sue Barritt I was an alumnus of Longmont High School class of 1995 .

Dear Wilkinson family,
I was so very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was such a light in every situation. Before I worked in admin at LCS I love sitting next to him at teachers meetings because he always made great under-his-breath comments and jokes. It was hard to stay focused if you were sitting next to Bill!

He loved his family so much and always had such great things to say about all of you! You were all such a joy to him as I'm sure he was to you. 

Bill brought such great passion and love to his music and he was a joy to work with. He worked ceaselessly to pass his love for music on to his students. He will be greatly missed, as will his music,  but I'm very confident that we'll hear him play again one day soon.

With true condolences,
Cheryl Hoffman

Mr Bill was a soul that was larger than life. He was the first instructor I had on  the Snare drum, just before school started at Longs Peak Middle school. He made music fun and encouraged us to be ok with making mistakes, just as long as we kept trying.

I reconnected with Mr. Bill at LHS in 2000, as he was running Gold and Blue bands for most of the time that I was there. His personality and fun truly came out though when he was with his Jazz band, The Rhythm Aires! All of us wanted to be in that lineup and when I finally cracked it Jr year, it was where my passion for playing really took off. 

Sadly, Mr Bill headed to Silver Creek HS my Senior year and we did feel the loss by our class. However, Mr Bill quickly formed his All Star Jazz band. This allowed the top performers from each of the local 4 HS to team up and show out! 

This group was invited to hit the road and perform at the Lawrence Welk Theatre! Incredible trip, incredible memories. And those who know, Mr Bill always opened and closed his Jazz shows with “In the Mood” by Glenn Miller!

We love you Mr Bill! Thank you for all you did for us!

Mr Bill was such an important part of my life. As a teenager,  he helped me to recognize music as a way to express myself and make friends. He saw my potential and was always encouraging me to go farther. Later in my life,  my own daughter had the pleasure of his teaching. I'm sure that the angelic choirs are joyous at his arrival. May God Bless you in this time of grief until you get to see him again.

I loved my time with Bill. He taught me so much about music and my time in the All-Star Jazz Band was an amazing part of my high school career. Rest easy!

Bill was a talented musician and one of the kindest and helpful people I knew in the Sound Generation at JBU. Clearly those traits characterize his whole life as evidenced by his many activities and accomplishments. It was my good fortune to have know him as a friend and brother in Christ. The Peace of The Lord to his family and all those close to them. Don Klein

I graduated from Longmont High in 2001 and have fond memories of Mr Bill as my music teacher. After high school, I attended Colorado State as a music major, and then spent 20 years in the active duty Army as a musician. By a fortunate coincidence, I ran into Mr Bill at a gas station in Kansas earlier this year. I told him that I was now a retired military musician, and he said that made his heart happy. I’m glad we were able to have that short interaction. 

One of my favorite memories of Mr Bill was a concert band rehearsal we were having. We were playing really well, making great progress, but the class period was almost over. We wanted to run through one last section before the bell rang and didn’t have much time. Mr Bill lifted the baton to start us off and… an announcement came over the intercom. Effectively ruining the last couple minutes of rehearsal. In frustration, he turned around, and threw his baton at the intercom, it landed pointy end first in the middle of the intercom, and stuck there. We all laughed (including him), and that baton stayed there the rest of his tenure at Longmont High as far as I know. 

Thanks for everything Mr Bill.

Bill was such a great man and gifted trumpet player. He truly loved his work and his students and they loved him too. He was my band teacher in 2001-2003 and believed in me so much. With his encouragement and despite my very shaky hands , I tried out for first chair for flute and got it. I had the pleasure of working with him at RMCA many years later. He will be sorely missed and his legacy will live on in the many lives he touched.

Bill Wilkinson was my band teacher 33 years ago and he changed my life through music and he inspired me to love all kinds and he was a great man and he will be missed.

Mr. Bill had a huge impact on my life and will never forget our time in h.s. (1979-1982 Skyline H.S.). After graduation and serving in the US Navy, I would always make a point to stop and see him. Always a consummate professional educator he will always be remembered for many years in SVVSD.

I am saddened at his passing but have many found memories spent with him. RIP Mr. Bill. Ooooh Noooooh from the cartoon. Truly missed but never forgotten!

I have known Bill pretty much a lot of my life. He was the kindest man and never failed to say hello to me when he seen me. I have a photo of him I took a few years back on Christmas and I will cherish it. Now he’s in heaven playing his trumpet with Gabriel!

Mr.Bill

The one who during the 1998-2000 school year let his students produce an amazing percussion ensemble by themselves….The only teacher I’ve known to let his students explore their musical talents on there own will outside of the school district.. He was rarely harsh, but yet a stern influencer.!!! He had passion and perfection for his art of learning and teaching music!! He gave those of us an amazing opportunity to share music with the world..those students have succeeded in schools and performing arts such as : Berkeley College of Music and Juilliard school of performing arts… amongst many other schools of musical pride!!! Nonetheless; Bill has been an inspiration for ALL individuals, regardless of their musical talents…. We love you Bill

Such sad news. Bill was one in a million. My son Fabian had the honor of having Bill as his director with the all stars for the last 2 years. They had just played at Nissis's Dec 1st. Fabian also plays with the jazz bad at Skyline High School and he came across a lot of articles that were in the band room, and he took them to Bill and shared with him. Bill we be soo missed.  Sending our condolences and prayers to the family at this difficult time.

I never had Mr. Bill as a teacher; however, he was one of my favorite faculty members at Skyline High in the early 80’s. He was funny and kind. My friends who were in band adored him! RIP, dear man.

Mr. Bill is legendary in the St. Vrain Valley schools. He was the Band teacher at Longmont High for our daughter and her friends who graduated in  2000. The band went to Ireland and many special performances. It was such an important part of her high school career, and Mr. Bill was encouraging, reassuring, kind and inspiring as a teacher.  Our family was also connected with Longmont Christian when he worked with the students there. His example of a principled life, lived with integrity was such a positive influence on hundreds of students over the years. He was such a vital part of the Longmont community for so many years. He will be missed by many, but his legacy will continue on for many more years and generations.

I loved playing with Bill in our church worship band. What a fabulous trumpet player and all around musician. He was a blessing to everyone who knew him.
Lauren Allen

White water rafting through Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River, CO on 6-23-89. It must have been cold that day. 
Pictured: Johnny Allen (behind Bill), Bill, Beth, and Erle Sears (Lauren's dad).

One of the most important people in my musical journey. There have to hundreds of individuals that share that sentiment. 
Thanks for giving me my first gig when I moved to Colorado. It was the confidence booster I needed so much at the time. 
We shared so many great performances and recordings. 
A gentleperson that we should all aspire to being like.

I was a student at Longmont HS when Bill was the director at Skyline HS.  It was because of the influence of the local directors like him that made me want to become a band director.  One of my favorite memories from those years was getting to march at the Broncos football game in the combined St. Vrain Valley band.

Years later I was hired as a band director for the St. Vrain district.  Bill and all those other directors were so supportive of me as a young teacher.  I owe so much of my success as a band director to all of them, including Bill.  I will always remember and appreciate the support he gave me.

I loved this man. In 4th grade at Lyons Elementary in the 70's, my family could not afford an instrument. Bill made arrangements with the local instrument rental place so my parents could pay a small amount each month until my flute was paid off (several years). He taught and encouraged me.  Since I worked in St. Vrain, we would run into each other every now and again. When I got married in 2002, I asked him to bring the All-Star Jazz Band to my wedding reception so they could play and receive donations from the crowd for an upcoming trip out of state. It was special to have him as a part of that day. Bill was always positive, always kind, and such a talented person. He was a gifted teacher and encourager. I am forever grateful to have known him and learned from him. He made such a difference in my life and I hope he understood just how much he impacted me and influenced the choices I made. Thank you Mr. Wilkinson. 
-Cathy Gleesing O'Donnell

In the summer of 1979 I met Bill.  He was leaving Lyons JSH to become Skyline's first band director and I was an incoming  sophomore.  At that time he had a very dark mustache and hair, and on repeated occasions said that those first years at Skyline was the reason his hair turned white.  It's most likely true.  It was also in those early years that the band re-named him "Mr. Bill".
(That was from an SNL skit, for you youngsters).
We even had pep band shirts made. 
Bill, thanks for instilling the love of the Lord and of music in my impressionable life.  You've influenced generations of young people and their families, and your legacy lives on.   It was a great day in heaven when you arrived; you'll be sorely missed here.
My deepest sympathy to Beth and family. 
Lori (Hunzeker) Case

Mr. Bill is a legend. I had him as our band teacher at LHS in the 90s and it was always fun running into him around Longmont listening to his amazing youth bands. He was so funny and so passionate about his students and music. He will be missed and remembered by so many!

Heaven has gained the most kind, loving, genuine man of God.  Bill was the band director at my kids school, my granddaughters school, and my church, and wonderful friend of our family. His passing is a huge loss for our community and all of us who are blessed to know him. His gifts and devotion of teaching will never be forgotten. He had the most kind gentle voice. My prayers go out for all his precious family. 

Holly

We extend our deepest sympathies to Bill’s family. He touched many lives with his love, kindness and music. He will be missed by all who knew him. He is with God.
Linda and Joe Givvin

Our son performed at Disneyland with Mr. Bill and the All Star Jazz Band. And on the same trip, went to a recording studio and created a CD. Great memories for our family with a truly nice guy. You will be missed, Mr. Bill!

I worked with Bill at Skyline High School.  He was not only a great Music teacher but also a good friend.  I will truly miss him.
Mike Flynn

Mr. Bill was my band director for some of the latter years of my high school years at Longmont High School.  He was also in charge of the Albert E. James Theatre in the high school.  He never raised his voice...even when kids would be kids and mess around.  He would work with everyone in love.  He was always approachable and easy to talk to. 
Mr. Bill was a great trumpet player and I enjoyed listening as he would play in different bands and show how to play in the Longmont High School Jazz Band. 
Thanks for all you have done for your students over your 50 years of teaching.  The Bible never talks about retiring...apparently you didn't either.  Enjoy playing your trumpet for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords forever in eternity.

From all of the staff at Brewing Market Coffee - Bill was such a regular, smiling face in our shop! We could see his truck driving up, and would try to have his drink ready when he came into the shop. We are so, so sorry for your loss. He will be missed very much! I hope they have breve lattes in heaven. Also, my son had the pleasure of having Bill as his band instructor his freshman year at Longmont High School. He was a great leader and teacher.  He will be greatly missed.

Bill Wilkinson was a highlight of having our kids at Longmont Christian School.

May the Lord rest his soul.

Mic and Virginia Jones
Kenneth Hannan
Hugh Jones

Mr. Bill was one of the best musicians I met! He shared his passion through out our performances and his own! Thank you Mr. Bill for being a role model for other students and for having inspired us to be the best!! You will never be forgotten.
My thoughts are with your family, loved ones and friends.
Sincerely,
Renee Roberts

Mr. Wilkinson was my first band teacher when I was in elementary school. He taught me how to play the snare drum, the xylophone, the flute, and the piccolo. (Bless him, a student piccolo player is not for the weak.) He always had the best sense of humor and was such a comforting and encouraging instructor. I will always be grateful for his contribution to my education, and for the safe space that he held for me and my friends growing up. May you rest in beautiful, harmonious peace, Mr. Wilkinson! <3

I have no words. Mr. Bill was my first music teacher in grade school in Lyons. We loved him! We laughed and learned so much that summer! We still talk about it with each other almost 47 years later. I was tickled when I ran into him at Twin Peaks academy when I found out he was the band director for my niece! 
We have so many great memories of this great man, teacher, mentor and Friend. 
May you find solace in the memory’s shared of this bigger than life blessing we called Mr. Bill
Godspeed 

Shauna Atkins Lyons Jr Sr High school

Mr. Bill. You were a mentor and a great man. You will be missed.

I am so sad to hear of Bill's passing and send my deepest condolences to his family. Bill and I spent many hours hanging out at honor bands, band festivals, marching contests, jazz festivals and conventions. We shared the love of teaching kids about band and life. Many years after we met we discovered that we had begun our teaching careers only a few miles apart in Wyoming and Nebraska. He was a kind soul and a dear friend. His legacy is the many students who were lucky enough to have him as a teacher, mentor and role model. Rest in peace my dear friend. Tom Leyba, retired director Greeley West High School.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Bill Wilkinson

16 février 1949 – 9 décembre 2024

Howe Mortuary & Crematory

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