Ambulance colleagues bid Bill a fond farewell

In June Bill Forsythe retired after forty years in the service and last week a function was held to thank him for his years of hard work.

One of his colleagues, Yvonne Craig, paid tribute to Bill for his dedication. “He began working for the Ambulance Service in 1971 and over the years he has seen many harrowing scenes but has not been changed by them; he is still the same gentleman he started out as in 1971,” she said.

“He has received many thank you letters from his Superior officers and patients alike. I would like to mention a phrase or two from a couple of them, in a letter from the Chief Executive in 1983 he was described as being the epitome of an ambulance technician in the professional way in which he dealt with a very traumatic call and a recent letter from a grateful relative described him as being ‘kind and gentle’ in a very stressful situation.

“He is held is very high regard in ambulance circles and this was demonstrated at the Farewell Breakfast we decided to have, nicknamed Bill’s Big Breakfast. Staff from Lagan Valley Casualty came, staff from other stations came, our Station Officer came from Coleraine, there was even a staff member who came with her baby to wish Bill all the best for his retirement.

“All in all there were about 30 people who made a very special effort at 7.30am to be at Lisburn Ambulance Station for a big fry up.

“When we were deciding when to hold Bill’s official retirement function we had to take account of his other passion - Harry Ferguson,” she continued. “So it was deemed better to wait until after the annual Harry Ferguson event and to hold the Retirement Do on August 25 at 3pm, at Bill’s request, specifically so that some of the staff from the hospital could call for a wee chat during their afternoon tea-break. He’s so thoughtful and unselfish.

“I have worked with Bill for 19 months and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed each and every shift. He was a pleasure to work with and we never had a cross word, just plenty of craic and wee scones.

“Bill has worked with quite a few different staff who have moved on to various other roles within the Ambulance Service, Brian McNeill now Director of Operations, Terry O’Neill now Clinical Support Officer, Harry Whan who now works for Castlereagh Borough Council (emergency planning), to name but a few of them.

“In conclusion, Bill Forsythe has worked in Lisburn area for the past 40 years and served the people of Lisburn with a caring professional manner that earned him the respect of all who know or came into contact with him.

“We all miss him from the station, his quick wit and light-hearted nature made the sometimes difficult job that little bit easier. He was always there for whoever was on station as a listening ear after a traumatic call, and maybe a wee cup of tea as well,” Mrs Craig concluded.

[email protected]