Willie, you were truly one in a million. Your knowledge across so many different subjects was incredible. You always knew how to make people laugh with the stories you told, and you had a unique way of building people’s confidence by offering sound advice and encouragement. I always knew when you were in the office because I could smell the detergent Katrina used to wash your clothes. I remember asking you what it was, and you didn’t know. It’s funny how those little memories stay with us. You were incredibly brave when you were first diagnosed. You told all of us, your work family, what was happening and kept us updated throughout everything you were going through. You never let it stop you from living your life until it became impossible to do so. You will be missed so much, not only by everyone at COWI, but by everyone who knew you. Take it easy up there, Willie. I’m sure our paths will cross again someday. Sending my love and deepest condolences to your family and friends….

I joined COWI in September 21 – remotely due to COVID. When we started to return to the office, I was nervous having not met many in person. Willie was one of the first people to chat to me. He made me feel instantly at ease and also made me laugh, observing I had sat myself at “Colin’s desk” (because, as I soon learned,  we are all desk creatures of habit). While I had already worked in engineering recruitment for many years, I realised I had a lot to learn when it came to world of civil engineering design. Every time I chatted to Willie, I learned something more. He had an amazing way of telling a story about a project which ended with me understanding just a little bit more of the intracacies of the bespoke work our teams deliver.  Then there were our dogs – Mac and Sacha. I passed on some of Sacha’s things to Mac when he was a puppy. Willie and I would now spend most of our time together chatting about our furry friends and showing each other photos of their antics. Sacha and Mac got to meet at the Regatta at Glasgow…

Willie was such a wonderful person, a true gentleman, and someone who was greatly respected and valued by all who had the privilege of working with him.  His calming demeanor along with his vast knowledge helped put others at ease, he was a great mentor to many and a friend to all. He will be missed.  My condolences to Katrina and his family….

Willie, Has been an amazing colleague and friend to me, starting from before I joined COWI.  He was instrumental in me joining COWI and went “above and beyond” in making me feel welcome when I joined COWI and providing help, support and direction.  He has done something similar for lots of others in COWI, from my perspective he always made me feel that he was “in my corner” whenever I needed help and support. A typical example of this was offering himself for internal ICE Professional Reviews for countless younger engineers that have past through COWI. Willie liked to set high standards for these reviews and the review reports, if you got past Willie, you were pretty much guaranteed to pass the actual review, this is because he really cared for everyone.  Consequently it feels like Willie’s presence is built into the fabric of COWI UK, someone I and many more will remember as being fundamental in shaping and setting the culture of our organisation. I will miss Willie, but fortunately I can still hear his voice providing his sage personal and work related advice and guidance…”what would Willie have done?”….so I have good reason to remember him.  Rest…

Willie was a kind, thoughtful and dilligent man. It was a joy to work with him, and his absence is felt.  My thoughts go to his family and friends….

Willie was very supportive and kind to me and always had time to pass on advice. He was one of life’s true gentlemen. Condolences to his family and friends….

Willie, you embodied ‘Do the right thing, always’… even if it is the difficult path. Your advice was always worth listening to and you will be very much missed by so many of us. I particularly appreciated your sage advice while VP. Condolences to all your family and friends. …

Dear Cannon Family, On behalf of myself and the Zapirain family, please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Willie. Although we did not have enough time or opportunity to know him well, it was clear from the respect and affection in which he was held that he was a truly special person. We know that his loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the memories you shared and strength in the support of those around you. With deepest sympathy, Christophe Zapirain and Family  …

Willie, I have fond memories of working with you over the last few years. You will be missed greatly by your colleagues. Deepest sympathy to your family and friends….

Willie. You have been a kind, calm and considered colleague in all our interactions and your wisdom and experience has influenced so many, myself included. My thoughts are with your family and friends. You are missed….

Taken from us far too soon. A great colleague and very much admired and looked up to. Always a very gentle presence and supportive in many ways. My thoughts are now with your family as they navigate this thing called life without you. xx  …

Willie is and will always be sorely missed, as a man, a friend and as a mentor, I will miss his sense of humour the most. He meant so much to so many, and the impact he created will leave a lasting legacy for which he will be remembered and celebrated often, with great fondness. Sending my love and thoughts to Katrina and their family, thinking of you all. Keep shining bright Willie x…

Willie, we didn’t work long together, but that was enough to make a very positive impact on me.  You were always calm, helpful and supportive.  It was always comforting discussing the multiple HS2 issues we faced.  You have departed way too soon, but I’m sure those who surround you wherever you are will be happy to have you.  Rest in peace….

Willie, I first met you when I was a 17-year-old apprentice at W.A. Fairhurst & Partners, when you were a young and ambitious engineer. I could never have known then just how much of an influence you would go on to have on my life and career. Our paths crossed again later when you brought me to Donaldsons Associates, and from that point onwards you played a significant part in my professional development and career progression. You always encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, challenge myself and take opportunities that I might otherwise have overlooked. Just as importantly, whenever I needed guidance, support or encouragement, you were always there to offer it. Over the years, you became much more to me than a respected colleague. You became a friend, a mentor and someone whose advice and support I genuinely valued. I will always be grateful for the opportunities you gave me, the confidence you showed in me and the part you played in helping me become the person I am today. I will carry so many memories of our time together, both professionally and personally. Your impact will live on through all the people you helped, encouraged…

Willie was a very intelligent man, but more importantly, a kind and brave one. To face his illness as he did took an immense amount of courage, and he is an inspiration to us all. We frequently spoke in the kitchen at work about our shared love of dogs and various other topics of interest. Rest in peace, Willie. My condolences to his family, friends and everyone who knew him.  …