Bill Warren

Univ’s Archivist, Robin Darwall-Smith, has provided the following tribute.

The College deeply regrets to report that William (Bill) Warren, our Head Porter from 1984-2002, died on 6 January 2026. The flag will be flown at half mast in his memory.

Bill came to the Univ Lodge in 1980, having spent time at the Cowley car works. The legendary Douglas Millin was Head Porter then, but it became clear that Bill had all the qualities needed to succeed him, and was soon groomed as his successor. When Douglas retired, Bill duly became Head Porter in his stead. He once told the Archivist that, as Douglas was finally leaving, Bill said to Douglas that for ages he had threatened the students with Douglas if they misbehaved, and he didn’t know what he could do now. Douglas told him not to worry: he had been threatening them with Bill! That did much to make Bill feel much better.

The Two Bills – Bill Sykes and Bill Warren

Although he had a very hard act to follow, nevertheless Bill proved a great success as our Head Porter. He cultivated a gruff exterior, but it did not take long to discover the kind man beneath it. Bill formed a close alliance with our then Chaplain, Bill Sykes. Although the two of them teased each other regularly, between them, “The Two Bills” on many occasions were able to spot a problem early on or to defuse a potentially tricky situation with a quiet word or deed. On Bill’s retirement, indeed, a new College boat was named “The Two Bills” in their honour.

In his younger days he was a keen sportsman, and played in College teams. As a cricketer, he was a demon fast bowler, and acted as goalkeeper for the hockey team. He was also a good squash player, regularly playing against his great rival the Chaplain.

Bill will be much missed by the many members of Univ who knew him. A tribute to him will appear in the next issue of the Record.

Published: 16 February 2026