‘A gentleman and a legend’: Family pays tribute to beloved Portchester man who raised thousands with Christmas display

On Monday, September 28, the Wright family said goodbye to a beloved husband, father and grandad who raised thousands of pounds for charity throughout his lifetime.

Described as a “gentleman” and “legend”, Bill Wright, who was known for his iconic Christmas house display in Portchester, has left his mark on Hampshire after years of fundraising and community endeavours.

After experiencing multiple serious health problems over the years, Bill Wright was hospitalised at QA a few weeks ago where he was surrounded by his loved ones.

Zoe Tindale, Bill’s daughter, said: “He suffered with his health for such a long time but he was so tough - The last 25 years, there have been three times where we have been by his bedside to say goodbye and he pulled through every time.

“I don’t think I ever realised the large scale of how much he was loved by so many people and they have all said the same thing - That he was a gentleman and a legend and they all described him perfectly so to realise how many people knew and loved him is really heartwarming because he probably didn’t realise either.”

Bill was born in Southsea in 1943 and was one of seven siblings raised in his family home in Addison Road, before a successful career in the building industry where he joined his brother at Norman Wright.

The 83-year-old was a cherished father of four, grandad to five, and beloved husband to Barbara Wright.

The pair, who met through the Gingerbread service, which is a charity for single parents, had their first date at The Fawcett Inn, in Fawcett Road and have never looked back since.

While at QA he told his granddaughter how “it wasn’t love at first sight, but he had a good feeling about her.”

Over their 48-year marriage, Bill and Barbara raised thousands of pounds for the Portchester community through their annual Christmas display, which become a treasured attraction amongst families in the local area.

Zoe continued: “All holidays had to be planned around his Christmas lights and at times, my mum would stand behind him pulling a face but he loved it. He couldn’t wait until the shops had their lights up, he would be straight down there looking for more and he was always looking for new ideas.

“So much money came out of his own pocket. The electric bills went up while doing it but the cost to him didn’t matter because he wanted to help others.”

Bill’s daughter explained how 44 years ago he experienced a brain hemorrhage that resulted in a six-month hospital stay and a long recovery. But despite being unwell, he fought through it and got back on his feet to continue helping the community.

She said he would often walk around the area with a litter picker and after one of his many health scares, he and Barbara took up jogging with Pompey Joggers.

“They started running and doing marathons together, and then all of a sudden, dad was inviting people to join and he became the chairman - that was him all over”, she explained.

Zoe continued: “He was an amazing dad. He was really great fun - we would go on road trips and he would drive us in the car to France and Germany.

“Everybody knew how amazing he was. You never get tired of being so proud of someone so amazing.”