Bill Friend will be missed: ‘His warm smile made Hingham a better place’

August 12, 2021 by Carol Britton Meyer

The Select Board shared in a moment of silence Tuesday night in honor of longtime Hingham resident William "Bill" Friend, who passed on unexpectedly Aug. 3.

He is perhaps best known in town for his longtime service as a member of the South Shore Country Club Management Committee.

Select Board member Liz Klein read a statement in memory of Friend. "Bill was a lover of life, a humorous storyteller, and dedicated Ohio State University football fan," Klein shared. "He was also an accomplished attorney and held senior level corporate executive positions throughout his career, with responsibility for legal departments of public corporations where he provided expertise in general corporate, real estate, contract, trademark, employment, bankruptcy and securities law."

In his retirement, Friend proudly volunteered for and served on the board of directors for New England Wildlife Center and South Shore Country Club.

"We will be forever grateful for the contributions Bill made to Hingham. He was a trusted advisor and dear friend to the staff and volunteers at the Country Club," Klein said.  "His dedication, steady leadership, and warm smile made Hingham a better place."

Friend also played a major role in making improvements at SSCC and in the town's securing the 56-acre Lehner property on South Pleasant Street, which was acquired through a 2016 Town Meeting vote and is one of Hingham's most valuable open space assets.

"Our deepest sympathy goes to Bill’s wife, Linda, and daughter, Elizabeth. Our Hingham community shares in their sorrow as we will all miss a true 'friend,'" Klein said.

Friend's family will host a celebration of his life at the Country Club Wednesday, Sept. 1, from 3 to 5 p.m.  All are welcome to come and share a story.

The "Annual Bill Friend Golf Tournament" will be hosted at SSCC Monday, Oct. 4, with proceeds benefitting the Club.