Bill Geller R.I.P.
Published 13:01 on 3 Feb 2024
WILLIAM "BILL" JASPER GELLER - 21st December 1930 29th December 2023
It is with great sadness that the club has learnt that Bill Geller passed away on 28th December 2023. Bill with his wife Olive and his daughters, Caroline and Charlotte, were active club members during the 1970's and 80's. Bill sailed GP14s for many years and had great fun competing and socialising at the club, especially at Stone Week and Burnham Week. For reasons unknown Bill was known as "Wild Bill" amongst the younger members at the time!! His last GP was called "The John Lawrence" named for one of his great friends and fellow GP who died tragically young.
Bill was born on 21st December 1930 attended the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London and following National Service in the Army then worked in the Advertising Industry for most of his professional life as an artist and designer, latterly with his own company, Geller Design. Bill moved to Maldon in 1990 to work for ICS Electronics Group as their Publicity and Marketing Services Manager.
Bill was a superb artist and his passion for sailing and drawing marine subjects continued throughout his life. He was an exhibiting member of the Royal Society of Marine Artists (RSMA) and his drawings included numerous local working craft, barges, fishing boats and tugs. Bill also exhibited with the Society of Graphic Artists, now Society of Graphic Fine Art, and was elected a Member in 1977 and as President in 1979 until 1981. He was an Honorary Member of the SGFA in recognition of service given to the Society. Bill also served as a Governor at the FBA from 1979 to 1981 and was made an Elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) in 1988
In his retirement Bill immersed himself in the cultural life of Maldon. He founded the Maldon Art Club and he worked as a tour guide at the Moot Hall for many years. He designed the Maldon Heritage signs in the town and helped with the Town Regatta, All Saints Church, Maldon Rotary who elected him as President, and the Conservative Party. He gave of his time freely and his marketing and design skills have contributed to the work of all these 'not-for-profit' groups. In March 2023 Bill received the Town Mayor's first ever Special Recognition award, for his "outstanding creative contributions to the town".
Bill's health had been challenging for the last few years but he remained great company and retained his interest and enthusiasm for art, the local area, all things nautical and his wide circle of family and friends right up until the end.
Bill's funeral was held on 26th January 2024 and afterwards numerous family, friends and colleagues met at the Maldon Little Ship Club to celebrate Bill's life. As a mark of respect some of the barges moored on the quay flew ensigns at half-mast.
Last updated 13:03 on 3 February 2024