
He was a great friend, husband, father, person. We will miss him dearly.



I feel great sorrow right now, although memories we shared were so wonderful, both on the business level and as friends. The last time I spoke to Bill was around midnight, approximately 2 minutes after the Giants won Super Bowl 46, in 2012. We shared a passion for the Giants. He called me right after the game and we couldn't stop laughing, and saying "unbelievable" to each other. We were as giddy as two joyful schoolchildren could ever possibly be. Now every time I watch a Giants football game, for sure I'll continue to think of Bill.





Bill was a co-worker and even though I didn't work for him, he always made me feel like I did- he was always there to listen to my work problems and give me suggestions, give me career advice, and make me feel like someone was watching out for me.  But more importantly, he was a special and dear friend.  I feel like I have known you all for years because he always told us about how proud he was of all your accomplishments and the fun times you guys shared together like times at the lake house,  lacrosse games, graduations, etc.   I will miss him coming into Doug or mine or Freeman's office and us solving the problems of the world every day- from sports, to business issues, to politics, and everyday items like fighting tax assessments on our properties. Bill was such a warm caring person with a great sense of humor and I will sorely miss seeing him daily.  I feel privileged to have known him and call him my friend.  

Michelle, Hilary, Adrienne, Kara, Alan & Family...I am so very for your loss.  my prayers are and will continue to be with you daily.  



I would like to express my sincere condolences.
I was greatly saddened to learn of the passing of William.
My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you.






It was with great shock and sadness that I received this news of Bill's passing. He was such a positive, happy and inspirational person at IBM. My fond memories of the potluck he hosted every Thanksgiving were a highlight of the year and one of the few "family" like experiences I've had at work. I will always remember his kindness, generosity and genuine fondness for people. It was an honor to know him.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family, he was deeply respected and cared for.



My heart is still very heavy and in disbelief of our loss. Bill was a kind thoughtful soul who did what he did with reason and always with the best intentions for others in mind.  Bill took me under his wing during my start with IBM and gave me the opportunity to grow into the professional working woman I am today. I always wondered with embarrassment what Bill may have thought when the tears flowed from my eyes the day I sat in his office, the last time I saw him face to face in his office in Austin, and thanked him for all he had done to believe in me.   Now I hold know regrets as we never know when truly the last time may be.  Michelle and family, All my love and blessings to you and your family, may the memories stay dear to your heart as they will for many of us.  Kind Regards, Lisa Wildman IBM OEM C&N 



I was very saddend to hear the news of Bill's passing. Back in 1990 I moved to Austin and had the opportunity to work with Bill. He was a senior member of the department, and I was very junior. Bill went out of his way to not only welcome me to the department, but spent much time training and teaching me. Over time I came to learn that Bill had a big heart and truly enjoyed working with, and helping others. In recent years, we were able to work together again on a project and he was the same old Bill always willing to go out of his way to advance the business and help others along the way. 



Absolutely shocking news.  My memories of Bill are from junior high and high school - Bill the older brother everyone wishes he had when growing up.  Great athlete and an even better human being.  He never hesitated to share his experience at the U of Dallas; giving me the confidence to attend their MBA program in 1978.

My condolences to his brother Alan and Bill's wife and daughters.



Our lives were richer for having known your friendship



Michelle and family,

Bill was a great person to work with and especially telling stories and mingling.  Bill always took care of the folks who reported to him and was always there for them.  Not many managers do that today in today's society.

Our prayers and thoughts are with Bill, you and the family. 

Sincerely,
Joe & Lanie

PS: It was very nice to finally meet you, Hillary, Adrianne and Cary.  



My deepest sympathies to Bill's family.   We were co-workers for 30+ years.  His office (at IBM) was a couple of doors down from mine for the last dozen years.  He always had an upbeat attitude and found innovative ways to solve problems.  He dearly loved his family and spoke of them often.  



I'm deeply saddened by Bill's passing. Â Deeply. Â Being always a bit of a rebel, I saw similar qualities in Bill. Â My connection with Bill I felt was more than business even though he was my manager at one time (I'm now retired). Â Bill was a genuinely decent human being. Â 

Your sadness is unimaginable. Â So I will close with the hope that Bill's forever positive outlook on life will serve you well in the future as I know it will me. Â I know he did everything he could for his family. Â That is the mark of a very good man. Â I will remember Bill always.

Fondly, 



Jeff Hobbs



Bill and I grew up in Vestal together but didn't know each other, however I certainly knew about him because he was a phenomenal 3 sport athlete.  We both moved to Austin to start up the IBM panel facility and soon we spent a lot of good times together playing sports and cards, and just hanging out. I used to "baby-sit" his cat when he was out of town. He was gifted in so many ways that it was a pleasure to spend time with him. I will cherish those memories, especially his roaring laughter when something really made him laugh. He was also one of the most ethical people I have ever met or worked with. My sincere condolences to Michelle and his daughters.  



My wife Barbara and I are just devastated over Bill's loss. We were very close friends for over 30 years he was like a younger brother to me. We played Softball for many years culminating with our IBM/Pok-e-Jo's softball team winning the Texas State Industrial Championship in 1990. We were both diehard New York Giants football fans for most of our lives and experienced all the highs and lows that came with their successes and failures. We worked together at IBM discussing all the things that IBMers did during their careers both good and bad. I was very fortunate to work with Bill after retiring from IBM and this will remain a great memory for me for the rest of my days. I love you buddy and will never forget you. Tom O'Neill.



(message sent to all OEM Europe)

I know you have heard this sad news from several sources now but I just wanted to say a few words with regards to Bill. Unlike most of the IBMers I have come across Bill exuded an aura of calm and cooperation in every interaction I have witnessed with him. He would always find the time to work with you no matter your status within IBM and was. You could tell from the very beginning that he had a kind soul and was always willing to listen to everyone's concerns and worries. It made him a great leader in our organization and he will be missed tremendously within IBM. 

I know many of you have approached me with regards to what we can do - I think the link Randy has placed below will help us communicate our warm memories and thoughts of Bill to his wife and three daughters. I ask that all of you keep Bill in your prayers especially today.



My deepest sympathy to the Cooksley family. Bill was a dedicated, honest and caring man. Always willing to help, always looking out for those in his charge, and always offering a positive view of every situation. Bill will be missed, but certainly not forgotten. Thank you Bill, for your unwavering supportâ€¦.



Bill
Deeply sad to see you go. It's been a honor working with you. You've been a true inspiration on personal and professional level - we will miss you.

My condolences to the familiy

Gert
France




My sincere sympathy to Bill's wife and daughters, hoping they will find in faith and friends the support they need in such terrible circumstances. 

Michel




We met Bill a few years ago through the friendship of our children. Bill was always friendly and easy going and always welcomed us in family events. It was great sadness and shock that we found out about the terrible news of his sudden passing.

Bill leaves behind a great family, the greatest legacy for a man. Our deepest condolences and prayers for Michelle and the girls.

The Salas Family.



It is hard to find the words to express the personal and collective loss we all feel at Bill's untimely passing.  On a personal level, Bill was a mentor and trusted adviser to me on a wide range of topics.....from world, national, state and local politics to parenting to professional and collegiate sports.  Most of all, he was a loyal and trusted friend.  On a business level, Bill was a gifted and proven successful coordinator of human resources and business objectives.  He inspired and coached me into doing more than I thought I could .......on a quarterly basis.  His positive impact on the people who had the privilege to work for him or with him carries forward and helps us balance the sadness we all feel today.  My prayers are with Bill's family now and in the future.   



I will always remember Bill as being a straightforward and honest person.  A really professional operator, Bill was also a man of his word.  He took his responsibilities seriously, and could create a fix for any business situation.   Most people found him to be quiet and unassuming, and this often disguised the depth of his significant intellect. Business customers quickly grew to respect Bill for his ability to negotiate a winning contract, while at the same time maintaining a friendly approach.  
Although I never met Billâ€™s wife or daughters, it was clear that when you spoke to him, that they were the centerpiece of his life.  His passing leaves a big void in the lives of his work friends, as well as his family.  He will be very deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know or spend time with Bill.     




I met Bill in 2001 as he openly welcomed me to the IBM OEM team. The last 12 years I've shared a real comradarie with Bill and the Austin team. Bill had a genuine concern for everyone around him and treated everyone with dignity. He was honest and fair and had a very methodical approach to problem solving. We spent many days offering solutions to IBM's problems. We also solved many NCAA issues, coaching decisions (especially UT) and the BCS playoffs. Bill was the backbone, heart and soul of the OEM team.

Scott Brown



I had the great pleasure of working for Bill for several year in the Austin OEM business.  Bill was without doubt one of the finest managers and individuals I have worked with in my 36 years at IBM.  In addition to being smart and knowledgeable about all areas of his responsibilities, he was always concerned about every aspect of his people.  He treated all his folks with courtesy, respect and fairness.  

Although  I didn't spend time with Bill outside of our business relationship, I always thought of him as a friend.   It was a pleasure to talk to Bill about sports, investments and family.  A retiree since 2002, I always appreciated that he invited us back to for his annual Christmas luncheon, which were always a pleasure to attend. 

My sincere condolences to the Cooksley family.  Bill will be missed by everyone who knew him..   Rest in peace, friend.




I haven't seen him sense he was a small child.  I did not know his family but to them my deepist sympathy.



I had the chance to work with Bill as a business partner over 15 years. Bill was a man of his word, a man of integrity, respectful and caring to others. I would have loved to keep him as a friend. 
You left us too early. 
Au revoir Bill.



Michell, Hilary, Adrienne, Kara, Alan:
I cannot express in words how I feel on Bill's passing. You all have been so much a part of my real family, that the loss is overwhelming!! Bill was a good man with a big heart. And he used his kindness to help all he could. My family and I will miss him beyond words!

God Bless,
Diane



Dear Greg,
 
My English is too poor to express the feelings I have after this terrible news.
 
Please Greg transmit to his family and, his colleagues my sincere condolences.
 
I know the friendship  links between Bill and you, and I bring you all my support in this very  sorrow time.
 
Many thanks for your confidence
 
Best regards,
 
AndrÃ©



Greg,
 
Iâ€™d just have the notification from Christophe.
 
I donâ€™t have the good English words to explain how Iâ€™m sad and surprise.
Yes I particularly appreciated to work with him.
Pleased transmit to his wife and daughters how he was respected and appreciated here in france.
 
All my thinks for his family and for his colleagues.
 
Greg I thank you for this personal email, 
 
Regards
 
Michel



Hi Greg,
Thank you so much for letting me know! I cherish the memories of my time
there with you all and hearing of Bill passing saddens my heart. I wish I
could be there with you all as you walk through this tragedy. I am praying
for each of you.

Lanna




Tracey, Diane,
 
I have been informed of the terrible news of the death of Bill Cooksley.
It should have been a shock for you and all the team.
Be sure of my support during this difficult period.
I extend condoleances to you and all the team.
 
Fond regards
Catherine
 
Catherine ROUVIERE
Escala Project Manager
Enterprise Servers & Storage 
BULL, Architect of an Open World
France




 My dear friends
 
We received the news earlier today and it is a shock to all of us here, all of us who knew Bill
An internal memo has been immediately sent to Bull people who knew him
 
Bill was one of a few, a friend, someone you can rely on
Someone special
Words are not enough in such circumstances
 
I will keep in mind the image of Bill smiling, happy, full of life
I am proud to have worked with such a man
 
More than a sad day
 
Yours, Christophe
Bull, France
 



Dear Tracy

GÃ©rard just informed me of this very sad news.
I am also  shocked and I  will always keep the memory of Bill as respectfull and fair gentleman which whom it always has been a sincere pleasure to be with.
Please keep me posted.

Hope everything is going well for you and give my regards to the team.
Thanks for having thought of me.

Kind regards
Christian



Good morning Diane & Tracey, 
 
I have just heard about the terrible loss your team has experienced with the Billâ€™s death
I would like to extend my condolences to his family and to the IBM team
Even if I have left Bullâ€™s Escala team some time ago, I will always remember Billâ€™s kindness and dedication to work. He was a really valuable member of the team.
 
I also have a special thought for you two who must be devastated by the terrible news after all those years with such a great person.
Those news are always difficult to understand and to accept. I hope you will be able to recover quickly.
 
Kind Regards
AurÃ©lien
AurÃ©lien BARREAU
International Project Director
Bull, Architect of an Open WorldTM
France




Dear Tracey: 
I just got this information from Gerard, I am also very shocked. Even if I did have any opportunity to meet Bill since a quite long time, I still remember the good time spent together with him and the team.
I fully share the sadness of all the team.
 
Best regards.
 
Xavier Fedi

Computing Solutions Quality Director
Bull, Architect of an Open World TM
France



Dear OEM team and friends,
 
We have received the very sad news that Bill suddenly passed away and we are all shocked by it.
 
All of us know the key role that Bill played from the early days in the Bull/IBM partnership. We also can witness the energy and the leadership he devoted to the success of our partnership.
 
Besides those qualities of a true professional person, Bill also demonstrated great human qualities and values. In fact a friendships relation existed between Bill and a number of us.
 
On behalf of all our colleagues, let us assure you that our thoughts are for Bill, for his family and for his colleagues.
And that we have also special thoughts for each one of you who were part of his â€œcrewâ€.
 
With our Best Regards
 Michel Robert
Bull - France




This is a terribly sad news.
 
Bill Cooksley has been committed in the IBM-Bull strategic partnership on Power/Escala since the beginning in 1992.
And for 21 years, by his personal action, he has been making a decisive contribution in our unique long-standing partnership.
 
Throughout the years, all Bull people dealing with the OEM matter have appreciated his great human qualities and values. As a result, a number of us have developed friendly relationship with him.
 
Today, we are in a state of shock, but I would like to offer to you, to his colleagues, to his friends and to his family my deepest condolences, in the name of the whole Bull team.
 
With my best regards,
 
 
Olivier Gaumont   
Bull
France          



 What a wonderful man he is and will continue to be.  I will miss him as he was a dear friend to me as he was to all.
RenÃ©
God Bless!











Kent-san,

It was surprised for me with the following note that Bill Cooksley-san has passed away . It is very sad. My condolence to his family.

Best regards

Sakae Kobayashiï¼ˆå°æž—ã€€æ „ï¼‰

Solution Sales, Systems Business Development, Strategic Alliance, IBM Japan  



I'm truly saddened by Bill's passing.  He was a great friend and an excellent business mind who know what buttons to push and how hard to push them.  He also possessed the gift of knowing what cards were in my hand when we played bridge and even knew when to double my bids.
He will be missed greatly and we wish only the best for his family.  



I am deeply saddened with Bill's passing. I have known Bill since 2006,  have worked closely with him on a number of ocasions. Bill is an outstanding individual, honest, straightforward, caring, very helpful and many other great qualities. Bill was always a pleasure to work with and he will be missed in the IBM community. I have deep sympathy for Bill's wife, daughters and other family members in this very diffiult time. There is some comfort in knowing that Bill will not be forgotten, many pleasant memories of him.



Michelle,

First of all...my wife (Linda) and I would like to extend our sincere condolences to you and your family. Bill was my manager in the IE Area for a short time in his early years of emplyment @ IBM.

He was a very smart and easy going guy and I really enjoyed working with him.  Again, I'm very sorry to hear of his passing. Our prayers are with you and your extended family during this difficult times.

Regards,

William Ward



I have worked with Bill for many years and he has always provided not only smart business insight but also his friendship and human behavior. Working with Bill was a pleasure. 
My deepest sympathy to Bill's family, this was to soon and too sudden.



I offer my deepest sympathies to Billâ€™s family. I worked with Bill off and on over the entire time I have been with IBM and he was always helpful, friendly and with deep business insight. It was always a pleasure to work with Bill or just talk to him in the hall. I join many others in missing him.



Rest in Peace Bill. You always looked for the best in people which I suppose is why you tolerated me so well. Your presence and influence on those around you will be sorely missed.



We shared a love for sports and enjoyed talking especially about the many interesting rules of baseball.  He was a great listener and cared deeply for people.  Bill always included me in the team, so I never felt like an outsider.  In truth, I doubt that anyone who knew Bill ever felt like an outsider.  He had a warm way of welcoming everyone into the conversations.  Bill was always keenly interested in my opinions, and it was a pleasure to work with him for 15 years.  I especially enjoyed the many trips we took together to Europe to negotiate deals.  I miss a good friend and a real peacemaker.



I worked with Bill in the early 90's in the "Special Bids" department for a couple of years.  He  was always friendly, helpful, and very professional. After I moved on, and subsequently retired, I ran into Bill and Bill Freeman having lunch together several times and we would briefly catch up.  

His sudden death was a surprise and shock.  He will be missed.  Our prayers go out to Bill's family and wish God's grace to carry them through this difficult time.



I am very sorry to hear of Bill's passing at such an early age.  Bill was a valued employee and friend.  His presence will be deeply missed--as an employee, father and a friend.  Bill gave his all to anyone that he was acquainted with.  I really appreciate all he did for me.
Bill's family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Your friend,
Bob



Such a loss is difficult to put into words.

We grew up together from Glenwood Elementary school through Vestal High School and our families were always close.

All we have now are the memories and I hope at some point to be able to share some of those early memories with Michelle, Hilary, Adriene and Kara.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Hal & Betsy Ehrhardt



Cooks was a hell of a guy.  He always had a way to work around the issues.  For the years I was in OEM business development, he was the business brain of the operation.  I have very fond memories of our shared jokes and "Falboisms".  You had to be there.

As a person, Bill was one of the most sincere people I ever met and one of the most compassionate.

It is far too soon for his passing.



So sorry to hear of Bill's passing.  Our thought and prayers are with Bill and his family!   He was a good guy.  He was one of the few Giant fans in the Austin area....and always enjoyed our discussions on the upcoming season.  He will be missed!



I have many fond memories of Cooks.   We spent a lot of time together flying to far off places and meeting with a wide variety of people.  He always found a way to get things done, despite difficult circumstances.  He had a positive effect on many people around the world and I'll miss his perspectives on the world.  

A great guy...we'll miss him.



So sorry to learn of Bill's passing.  We were twin alter egos with our teachers, classmates, and coaches.  We often got credit for what the other had accomplished.  His family knows what a wonderful life he lived.  He will be missed by all that ever knew him.



My memories of Bill were about what a polite person he was.  We shared our experiences from Endicott.  But, I didn't know Bill until he moved to Austin.  This certainly comes as a surprise to me.  I feel real sorrow for his family.

Harold

PS  He will be missed..



My deepest sympathies go out to the Cooksley family. Bill was a great guy and I have nothing but fond memories of my interactions with him.  



I am much more comfortable with numbers than with words so....  Bottom line...net net....    Bill was the nicest, best person I have ever known!
The lunch table will never be the same.  I am so sorry we will never be able to spend some â€œretirement timeâ€ together.



"Cooks" was truly unique. I was his roommate for 4 years at Princeton and in Business School at SMU. Along with sports, Cooks incessantly was dribbling a basketball burning off his endless energy. He was also a card fanatic; euchre, hearts, spades, bridge and of course poker. He later became a horse racing aficionado with his prized possession being the uncashed winning ticket of Secretariat's Belmont win.



I am so sorry for your loss.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.



I am so sorry for the loss of Bill. What a fine, professional, personable, friendly man!  I enjoyed our 'pings' at work about football especially the Saints, and our banter about the Ravens.  He is truly a genuinely good human being and he will be missed beyond words.  I understand the hurt...please accept my sincerest condolences to the Cooksley family.

Cindy DiCocco



One of the finest gentleman/friend's that I had the pleasure of knowing in my 32 years at IBM. He was an inspiration to all that met him and he never tired in insuring that people were treated fairly and with respect in the business world. HE WILL BE TRULY MISSED. Rest in peace friend.



I'm so sorry to hear of Bill's passing.  He was a great friend from back in the 80's.  I used to love playing softball with him.  We also worked together in the same pricing department and had many good laughs.



I most enjoyed discussing the business world and the stock market with Bill.  



I was sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I know one of his fond IBM memories was coaching us to victory over a flag football team that hadn't lost a game in years. That was a lot of fun for all of us.



Michelle, Hilary, Adrienne and Kara,  

From the moment I met Bill and began a multi-hour conversation, I felt both engaged by his brilliant mind and enveloped by his big heart.  For you, he was a true knight in shining armor who lived up in every way to the impossible dreams of how we want a man to be.  Bill actually was such a man.  And the world will be so much less without him.  My heart goes out to all of you for your loss. With sincere sympathy, Joanne Bober


OBITUARY

William J. Cooksley

June 15, 1954 – May 5, 2013

Weed Corley Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services

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