Top Parramatta citizen Bill Tibben dies aged 75

Tributes have flowed for a volunteer who was passionate about helping people and making ‘everybody feel at ease’.

Bill Tibben (centre) with volunteers Peter Walker and Chris Smith at Granville Men’s Shed in 2012.

A resident who was dedicated to fostering compassion in the Parramatta community has died aged 75.

Willem “Bill” Tibben, who was the 2008 Parramatta Senior Citizen of the Year and a founding member of Granville Men’s Shed, died from heart failure on January 26.

Parramatta Council dedicated a minute’s silence to the long time Parramatta and Epping resident at its Monday meeting after Lord Mayor Donna Davis highlighted his prolific service to the community.

He was instrumental in forming the Ermington Walking Group, which grew from four initial members to more than 40, meeting each Wednesday morning.

Under Mr Tibben’s guidance, the group became a Heart Foundation Walking Group.

Bill Tibben at Granville Men’s Shed in 2012.

In December, the mayor presented Mr Tibben with a 15-year community service award during a Christmas event for volunteers.

“To hear of all the work he has done for our community and volunteering for our council, and then to lose his life so suddenly, was just very sad,’’ she said.

Councillor Phil Bradley attended his funeral at Castlebrook Memorial Park, Rouse Hill, on Wednesday.

“It was a packed chapel and there were many more people outside the chapel in recognition of the marvellous service that Bill had given not only to people but to planet,’’ Cr Bradley said.

“I had the pleasure of meeting Bill in 2007 as an environmentalist and he was one of the founding members of the Parramatta Climate Action Network.

“He worked with people in need constantly.’’

Bill Tibben and his wife Pam at their Epping home in 2017.

Much of his volunteering efforts were focused on the Granville Men’s Shed where he was a driving force, and co-ordinated programs such as the Mate to Mate project to help older men access home and community care services.

Mr Tibben worked with Michael Rigby to establish and promote the shed, creating a welcoming and caring environment for men.

“(He) had the opportunity to take a couple of people I met who needed assistance and an outlet, and who were suffering psychologically, to join into the Men’s Shed,’’ Cr Bradley said.

“They were always welcome and that was great that Bill was so welcoming to them and made everybody feel at ease.’’

Mr Tibben was also described as an excellent poet who published six books.

He is survived by his wife Pam and children Angie, Emma, Jack and Harry.