William Arthur Lockhart

William Lockhart, oldest of three children, was born on May 20, 1939 in Boston, Massachusetts to Gertrude and George Lockhart of Hyde Park. Bill had a love of music and began formal guitar lessons in grade school. He formed one of the first local rock n' roll bands (The Tone Kings) while attending Walpole High School. While working days as a junior engineering aide, he attended a co-op program at Lowell Technological Institute (UMass Lowell) for Civil Engineering Technology in the evenings and earned his civil engineering degree in 1961. Bill began working for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Works in the early sixties and continued his employment with the state until he retired as a principal civil engineer in 1992. Bill was affectionately known as the ""Silver Fox"" as his full head of white hair was his striking feature. Bill's second career as a talented musician and accomplished bass guitar player earned him the love, respect and admiration of many in the musical community throughout New England culminating with an induction to the Hall of Fame by the Massachusetts Country Music Awards Association in 2007. This respect and admiration of the community was evident as he was a sought after musician well into his 60's. His parties were legendary and attended by his multitude of friends in the industry. His family and friends are forever grateful for his musical talents and love of music that he so generously shared with us. Bill also loved watching and cheering on his favorite Boston sports teams, the Red Sox and the New England Patriots, with his family and friends. Formerly of Easton, Massachusetts, Bill was predeceased by his wife Valerie Lockhart. For the past six years, Bill resided in Venice, Florida with his companion of many years, Mary Kennedy. Beloved father of Laurie and Andy Dyment of Hampton NH, Sharon Lockhart and Alex Slade of Los Angeles, CA and John and Lynne McKenney of Avon, Massachusetts. Beloved brother of Dale and Donna Lockhart and Lyn and Ted Grey of Orlando, Florida. Treasured grandfather of Thomas and Stephen Hall and Nick and Kayla McKenney. A private memorial service for the family and close friends will be held later in July at Knollwood Memorial Park Canton, Massachusetts.