Remembering Prof William (Bill) Fraser

A tribute to Professor William (Bill) Fraser

It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Professor William (Bill) Fraser, a distinguished figure in the field of medicine and a cherished member of the Paget’s community. He leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking research and dedicated service.

Recently retired, Bill was a pioneering scientist, clinician and mentor to many. His contributions have left a lasting impact on the field and on all who had the privilege to work with him. He was known for his expertise in metabolic bone diseases, particularly Paget’s disease and osteoporosis. He also co-founded Parathyroid UK.

Born and educated in Glasgow, Bill graduated from Glasgow University and trained in the city’s teaching hospitals. His career took flight in Liverpool with his appointment in 1991 as Senior Lecturer in Chemical Pathology and Head of the Metabolic Bone Disease Unit at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital. He rose through the ranks to become Professor in 2001, and in 2008, he became head of the Unit of Clinical Chemistry and was then appointed Director of Masters in Research for Clinical Science. In 2010, he became Head of Musculoskeletal Biology.

After twenty successful years in Liverpool, Bill took up the role of Professor of Medicine at the University of East Anglia, later becoming Dean of Norwich Medical School. Bill earned international recognition for his pioneering work as a clinical biochemist. A highly active researcher, he championed pioneering studies into metabolic bone diseases, including Paget’s disease. He also served as an Honorary Consultant at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. His commitment to both advancing medical science and to patient care were evident to all who knew him.

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, together with the University of East Anglia were, in 2015, awarded the Paget’s Association Centre of Excellence, recognising their outstanding contributions to both research into Paget’s disease and patient care. Bill was the Director of the centre and together with Co-director Professor Jeremy Turner, they took up the challenge to cycle for the Paget’s Association in the RideLondon – Surrey 100-mile cycle event, raising funds and awareness of Paget’s disease.

Bill was a Trustee of the Paget’s Association from 2009 to 2018 and many members of the Association will remember him from the talks he gave at our patient information days. They were always interesting and his lecturing style made complex topics simple.

The team here at the Association remember him fondly. He was a fountain of knowledge and a great character, who always had an amusing story and an insightful perspective. His passing leaves a profound void, yet his influence will continue to shape and inspire future generations. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and to all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.