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As HTBS recently reported, William John “Bill” Colley, the last British builder of wooden “tortured ply” racing boats, died on 22 September, aged 88. His daughter, Adele, said that “Dad died at home with us after a short illness surrounded by love.”
8 October 2025
By Tim Koch
The riverside at Richmond, Surrey, west of London, on the day of Bill’s funeral. Bill’s journey from here, where he last plied his trade, downriver three miles to the crematorium at Mortlake, sited opposite the Oxford – Cambridge Boat Race finish, was a particularly special one.Friends bring tributes for Bill. He was very active in swan welfare so the feathered wreath was particularly appropriate. Sadly, Bill’s final workshop was given up a few years ago. However, this glimpse into Mark Edwards’ boathouse, also at Richmond, is a reminder of the sort of place where Bill spent much of his life, the sort of place where he was happiest. The hearse and the chief mourners’ cars arrive at the riverside. In the background, the shallop Jubilant pulls into a slipway in preparation for taking Bill’s coffin onboard. Bill’s coffin is carried along the waterfront by the men who would be rowing the Jubilant including, at the front right, boatbuilder Mark Edwards. The procession is led by Paul Prentice (left), the current Vintners’ Company Swan Marker.
The Vintners’ Swan Marker is a senior member of the Worshipful Company of Vintners who leads the company’s efforts during Swan Upping, an annual and ancient census of mute swans on the River Thames, during which the Swan Marker and other Vintners’ Swan Uppers examine and mark young cygnets to determine ownership by the Vintners Company or the Dyers’ Company or the Crown. He is responsible for overseeing this tradition and ensuring the swans’ welfare.
The coffin is carefully manoeuvred onto the Jubilant. As a former Vintners’ Company Swan Marker, a cap worn by the holders of that office was placed on Bill’s coffin.With the chief mourners now also onboard the Jubilant, the river-born procession is ready to begin.The Jubilant approaches Richmond Railway Bridge and, further downstream, Twickenham Bridge. A skerry, Floreat, from Richmond Bridge Boat Club was one of the two craft accompanying the Jubilant.The other accompanying craft was The Lady Mayoress, a shallop belonging to the Watermen’s Company.The Jubilant underway with Mark Edwards at the tiller. The other people standing are Bill’s daughter, Adele, and Paul Prentice.The peaceful journey no doubt allowed time for the family to reflect.Jubilant flew the flag of the Vintner’s Swan Uppers.Catching the light on a perfect warm and calm day.A picture taken from Chiswick Bridge looking upstream toward Kew Rail Bridge. Mortlake Crematorium is on the riverside behind the trees on the left. On the right, Mortlake, Anglian and Alpha Boat Club files its flag at half-mast. The water-born funeral procession went ashore at the beach by the Ship Pub, just downstream of the Boat Race finish.
The short journey along the riverfront to the crematorium.
The service at the crematorium included some of Bill’s favourite music and a splendid, funny, loving and very touching tribute from one of Bill’s sons, James. Those of us who only knew Bill the boat builder learned of a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
In 2017, as part of the Totally Thames Festival, a series of billboards featuring people who worked and played along the river were placed along central London’s South Bank. It is sad that Bill’s could not have been kept there permanently as a lasting tribute to a remarkable man.
Hear The Boat Sing 
I am sorry I did not know the date or I would definatly there – RIP Bill
Lovely tribute, Tim, thank you.
Paul Lukas
A beautiful day. I was deeply honoured to be present.
It was a privilege to cox Floreat on behalf of Skerries for Schools and Richmond Bridge Boat club on Bill’s last journey! Farewell Bill ❤️