| The
funeral of Albert J "Bill" Vince took place
in St Peter's Church, Ely on 16th January 2004,
followed by interment in Ely Cemetery. It was
conducted by Rev Stanley Brown and Rev Alan
Partridge. Bill, a well known Ely motor engineer, died in the Princess Of Wales Hospital, Ely, on January 2 at the age of 83. He was a very committed member of the congregation of St Peter's Church, Broad Street, Ely and with his brother Peter gave financial and material support throughout his life. He organised garage sales which usually ended in jolly fish and chip dinners for all the helpers. |
 |
Bill was educated at Soham Grammar School which he joined in 1932. He was a former member of the parochail church council and chairman of the St Peter's Church trustees. He was also a member of the Waterside committee which succeeded in preserving the amenity of the Maltings and riverside area for the community.
During the Second World War, he served with the 16th/5th Lancers in North Africa, Italy - including the Battle of Monte Cassino - and Austria. He rose to the rank of Sergeant and, after being demobbed, was a loyal supporter of the British Legion.
Bill married Sophie Karner, of Fohnsdork, Austria, in St Mary's Church Ely, in 1947. They enjoyed travelling and often returned to Sphie's hoeland with Bill driving across Europe into his 80s. Bill also enjoyed swimming - especially at Wells-Next-Sea and in the Austrian Lakes - and quoting from Shakespeare.
A specialist and dealer in former War Department vehicles and spares, particularly Bedford lorries. Bill was well known throughout the country. He was particularly proud of his 1927 Austin 12/4 which he owned from the age of 19, and drove to vintage car rallies.
He leaves two children, Monica North, of Herne Bay, and Richard, of Newbury, as well as five grandchildren.
based on the obituary published in the Ely Standard
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appreciations or anecdotes relating to Bill?
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This page was last updated on 16 Jan 2004.