I hope that it is ok to post this as I didn't see it on the list of 'No No's ' in the Forum rules . If a Moderator needs me to contact them by phone to verify the following , please drop me an e-mail.

I wanted to inform some of the old timers who spend their days hanging out on this Chiang Mai forum of the following :

William Bleakley ( Bill ) passed away peacefully this morning after a long battle with Multiple Myaloma cancer . He was 78.

Bill moved to Chiang Mai about 20 years ago and for the last 12 years he had been living in San Sai . His illness kept him pretty much house bound for the last 5 years leaving him unable to get out and socialize . I know Bill had many friends here in the Chiang Mai area many of whom he lost contact with for this reason. I am hoping some of you are hiding behind personas here and I am trying my best to contact you all to inform you of his passing.

Bill travelled the world and like many of us here decided to settle down in Thailand to spend the twilight years of his life. He was born in Ireland and joined the Royal Navy to see the world. He was stationed in places as far apart as Iraq and Hong Kong . Bill then moved to Alaska and worked for the USPS and lived there up until his move to Thailand. He had an real interesting life and was never short of a great travel story or three.

Bill will not be availing himself of the opportunity to own real estate here in Thailand and after the funeral service followed by a cremation he will be returning to his native Ireland to be laid to rest.

I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank the Chiang Mai Immigration Office for their compassion and understanding over the last couple of years in their dealings with Bill and his inability to leave his house and visit them every 90 days.

If you knew Bill and wish to attend the funeral service or you want to contact Porntip his wife to offer your condolences, please send me a private message and I will contact you regarding the funeral arrangements and or the family telephone numbers.

Thanks

Condolences to Bill's wife Porntip.

I am trying to put a face to the name. Any chance of a photo.

Sorry to read of the passing.

Please pass on my condolences

CB

Sounds like a great fellow, who lived a rich and full life.

Rest in peace, Bill.

McG

Deepest sympathies to his wife Porntip and family. RIP Bill.

Thankyou to everyone who took the time to read the posting about Bill and his life . I am very happy to say that some people did contact his family from the posting who were not aware of his passing .

Thanks

Bill was a good guy withy a good sense of humor. The last time I saw him about a month ago he jokingly said, "Please don't make me laugh...it hurts my BONES!" and then he laughed! May he rest in peace and may his loving wife and daughter receive many blessings for their kindness to Bill over the past four years.