Bill Madeley MBE - obituary

Bill Madeley MBE passed away on 03 January 2016.  Bill was a ‘people person’ who was never happier than when he was helping those in need. He was elected to Walsall Council in 1971, was elected Mayor of Walsall in 1988, Deputy Leader of the Council in 1997 and, finally, Leader of the Council in 1999.  

Bill was awarded the MBE in 2006 for his service to the local community, and was admitted as an Honorary Freeman of the Borough in 2010.  Bill became involved with the Walsall Branch of Blesma in the 1960s. He was elected Vice President of the Branch in 1990, became President of the Branch on the retirement of Bert Smith, and became Branch Treasurer in 2013. Bill was diagnosed with cancer towards the end of 2015 and passed away peacefully at home, with his devoted wife, Debbie, by his side.  He is greatly missed and the Branch won’t be the same without him; a gentleman and a true friend of Blesma.