We’re sad to announce

Bill Shearing 1951 – 2012

Wensley Roofing are sad to announce the sudden death of their friend and colleague Bill Shearing on Saturday 25th February 2012.

Bill joined Wensley Roofing in 1991 as a skilled Roofer. In 2000 he was promoted to Site Supervisor and then in 2003 to Contracts Manager. His work ethic and strong personality won the respect of those under his guidance. His man-management skills combined with his wide knowledge of fixing practices and site procedures ensured he would go further in the Roofing industry.

It was therefore inevitable that, in April 2008 he was appointed Contracts Director responsible for selecting on-site teams, coaching and quality control. With over 40 years’ experience in Roofing, Bill commanded the highest regard from colleagues at all levels.

Away from work Bill, and his wife, Zenobia, worked tirelessly in support of beleaguered Christian families living under impoverished conditions in Bethlehem. Many are unaware that Christ’s birth place is virtually cut off from the outside world, cruelly partitioned by a Berlin-style concrete wall that inhibits ordinary people from travelling to work, study and trade. Many are separated from family and loved ones and because of this repressive situation, cannot earn enough to properly feed themselves.

Bill threw himself into various projects, lectures and visits to bring the plight of this community to the attention of as many as he could in this region. He visited Bethlehem many times and was received like a brother by those he tried to help. His efforts helped a number of key projects and people in the area including the pupils at the School of St Aphrem at Beit Jala.

At a prestigious ceremony at St Aiden’s Church, Sunderland, Bill and Zenobia were awarded the ‘Bethlehem Passport’ by one of the founders of the ‘Open Bethlehem Foundation’, Lelia Sansour. This award is extremely rare and given for the dedicated voluntary work carried out by the Shearings’. Other recipients include Pope Benedict XV1 and The Archbishop of Canterbury.

In both his work and private life, Bill Shearing left his mark and made a difference. He will be sadly missed by all.